Fallen Princessesby BellexChaptersChapter 1 - Questions AnsweredChapter 2 - The SummonedChapter 3 - To PlanChapter 4 - DiscoveryChapter 5 - What is Magic, Baby Don't Blast MeChapter 6 - A Good Cup of...Chapter 7 - Stories (Or What Were They Thinking)Chapter 1 - Questions AnsweredA beautiful warm winter day in Ponyville. The leftover snow from the last storm is slowly melting, making way for the next in a few days time. The foals are on the last week of school before winter break. Homes are warm and cozy. Mares and stallions are heading to work or going downstairs to do the same. In a giant gingerbread house, the proprietors started hours ago, ensuring that all customers will get a steamy hot breakfast, or early snack in a foals case. In a corner booth there are six ponies and a dragon, each with a selection of goodies and hot cocoa in front of them. Each was paying attention to the local alicorn and Princess - Twilight Sparkle. "I got everything I need for it yesterday, I just need a wide open space to perform the spell." She said looking at one of her best friends - Applejack. "Well I imagine you can use our cornfield since it's winter and nothing is growing right now." She answered with a happy grin, sipping from her mug. Her family makes good apple juice but Pinkie makes a mean hot cocoa that's perfect for just a day. "Thanks Applejack. Rainbow, do you think you can make sure there is no wind while I'm busy." She looked at her other best friend - Rainbow Dash - who had her face in a bowl of chocolate oatmeal cookies. Also made by Pinkie. She needed a moment to chew and shallow. "No sweat Twi, just give the order and the whole team will make sure not a breath interrupts you." Giving a wide smile she didn't wait for an answer before slamming her face back into the bowl. Pinkies cookies were just that good. "That won't be necessary, but thank you Rainbow." She giggled as her friend waved at her while still stuffing her face. "Rainbow, dear, do you think you could eat less sloppily? No offense but Dinky has more table manners then you." "Heh heh. Come'on Rares, you can't blame her for wanting to eat Pinkies cookies." A giggle came from the pink mare next to Applejack. "I don't mind. Just means after this i need to make more for lil Dashie Washie." Another giggle came as the cutely mentioned mare sputters in her bowl. Its been a few weeks since she started saying that like Rarity does with Spike. When asked why her response is "She is so adorable when shes embarrassed." "But still she should be more ladylike in public." But Rarity still gave a sigh of resignation, knowing that Rainbow is the one mare she simply can't change. More giggles. "Thanks girls. Is 10 good for everypony." Nods all around. She again turned to Applejack "Great! I'll stop by your place earlier to transport and prepare everything." "Well why don't ya stop by for a bit of breakfast. I know Granny will be happy to put some meat on your bones." She says with a good natured smile. "Well as long as I'm not too full to cast my spell, sure, I'd love to. Thank you Applejack." She responded with just as much good natured teasing. Ever since her last meal with the Apples, Granny Smith has been determined to but "meat on the growing young alicorn." Not that it's a bad thing, far from it, she has keep a proper figure and weight even with her food (she believes) growth spurt. Her eyes were now at the same height as Rarity's horn. "I just can't believe you are going to summon a familiar tomorrow. It's like a dream come true for any unicorn. I wonder what mine would be like." Rarity says wistfully, staring into what can be assumed is her imagination. An extra long giggle. "Didn't your dream come true with Derpy?" At this Rarity snapped to attention with a red face while Applejack looked away. The yellow one - Fluttershy - and Rainbow Dash ( who took the time to look up) glanced the farmers way. Twilight, Spike and Pinkie being oblivious to what occurred 2 months back. After calming her beating heart, Rarity spoke up. "Yes it did, though not the way I expected. Ah but a mare can dream." She smiled again. After a moment, the last yet to speak spoke up. "So Twilight, what do you think you will summon." Said Fluttershy as she picked up a cookie (raisin white chocolate macadamia nut, one of Pinkies strangest, yet to her delicious sweets). "I honestly don't know Fluttershy. There are thousands of ingredients with even more combinations. The book said that every summoner will get a different creature, but I'm hoping mine will be truly unique." She brought up her forehooves to clap. "Why's that Twi?" Said the orange mare, curious about the summoning of a familiar since Earth Ponies can't do it and since this is the first time the alicorn divulged anything about what she would be using for it. "I haven't told you!?" Five shakes of their heads and one grumbling dragon. "Oh well, there are two ways to summon a familiar. The traditional way, which involves runes and ingredients depicting the attributes you want in a familiar and will burn upon completion, and the modern way, which uses more modern practices and does not use the methods used with the first. The difference between the two is the abilities, power, intellect and capabilities of the summoned. The traditional method will bring forth a stronger, faster and overall greater creature, but will also need to be "tamed" (she brought up her forehooves for air-quotes for this), while the modern method will bring a lesser creature, who likely doesn't need taming, and even somepony like Rarity can summon. Though even after "taming", it is still required to train it." She paused to look at her friends. "So its like catching a wild creature and training it to accept you as its master?" "That's exactly it Rainbow, though there have been some creatures that seem to automatically acknowledge their master without them lifting a hoof. The book says that Starswirl had such a creature, a salamander, whose saliva was lava and skin harder than steel." "Okay. but what does it have to do with having a truly unique familiar?" Rainbow Dash was getting quite impatient with the long explanation. "Well Rainbow, as I'm sure you noticed, I'm using the traditional method. And ones of the ways you can select an attribute is magical affinity. Many ponies use common ingredients such as gems, metals, an element or a combination of any. Starswirl used a Firecore Emerald," Rarity gave a strangled gasp. Firecore gems numbered in the low hundreds and currently only Princess Celestia was the only one who could distribute them, "as the affinity for his summon. I, however, managed to get my hooves on a Voidstone, or well, the shaving of one." Rarity looked shocked. "B-b-b-bu-but Voidstone. There are only..., How?" Rarity's shock was well warranted. There are only 5 known to exist in the world. 1 with Luna (was returned to her by Celestia after she returned), 1 that was passed down through the Gold family (currently in Bluebloods possession), 1 with the Minotaur Royal Family (last few centuries with the Bloodhorns), another with the Shamans of Zebrica (given to the Eldest as sign of wisdom) and the last was lost long ago when the Flutterponies disappeared in what is now known as the badlands (though with the Changlings and their home being there, it is though that they are currently in possession of it). "I kinda convinced Luna to let me have a bit for a few favors." Nopony else knew this, but Luna found a way to use the Voidstone to remove nightmares that required a firmer touch to get rid of. "Wait." This came from Fluttershy. "Doesn't Voidstone negate all magic it comes in contact with." Looking to a flabbergasted Twilight, she shrunk down in her seat. "Sorry." "No no, you're right Fluttershy. Voidstone does negate all magic. However, familiar summoning is one of the few magics that throw all Laws of Magic out the proverbial window. Which is why I'm hoping it works and I get a creature like nothing before it. Even if it doesn't work, I got a backup affinity I can use." "Well I hope it works for ya sugarcube, but what are the other attributes you've selected." "Oh well there are many others that are going into it but it all comes down to Spirit, Mind and Body, with the magic affinity belonging to Spirit. Mind can be used to determine how smart the creature is, how quickly it learns and the ability to apply what it knows to any given situation. I've made it so will be very well off intellectually. And Body determines the shape, size, strength, durability and such for the creature. For this I'm basing it on Spike's body type since I've found I quite like the bipedal body for all its uses and enhancing it a bit. Though without the dragon sneezes." "Geez Twilight, one time!" He dropped his chin to the table where his big sister/mother/employer/it's complicated rubbed his head. She gave him a light chuckle. "It's ok Spike, I've forgiven you." She gave him a quick hug which he returned. "Anything else you girls want to know?" Pinkie brought a foreleg to her chin, hummed then asked, "Well you said you can select what you want, can yo also do the opposite?" "Yes actually. As with Spikes dragon breath I made it so it can't expel anything that would burn, freeze, boil, melt, or otherwise harm from its mouth, along with a few others but those are minor." She shrugged it off with a shake of her hoof. "Anything else." They all shook their heads. "Good. Pinkie, Bakers dozen cupcakes to go, I want to celebrate a little." And off went the Pink Missile to parts of the kitchen unknown. Author's Note I was so tempted to use Bluebloods stone but after a few moments thought I didn't really have a way to involve him without getting Rarity in it. Comment. rate, suggest improvements or just badger me for updates. Please be polite when criticizing . Peace. Chapter 2 - The SummonedAuthor's Note This chapter started off, well off, but it gets better after the break. (I went to sleep) Chapter 2 - The Summoned "Morning Applejack. How are you doing this morning?" Twilight says as Spike checks under the cover of the wagon they brought over. Satisfied that nothing has been disturbed, he comes over to Twilight. "Good morning Twilight, morning Spike, you're just in time for breakfast. Come on in." She stood aside allowing the both of them entry into her home. "As for how I'm doing? I'm doing quite well, but you should ask me again after breakfast. I told Granny you would be coming over and she made an extra big breakfast with the help of yours truly." She passed a grin over to an amused Twilight. "Great! I'm looking forward to it. Though I feel sorry Granny won't see her goal of making me fat anytime soon." "If'n I wanted to make you fat I woulda hooked you up with Big Mac, Celestia knows I want to see some great grand foals before my time." Granny Smith, the matriarch of the Apple family and resident demander of great grand foals was standing at the stove slowly stirring in milk to what appeared to be some mashed potatoes. "Course the big lug will make a fuss but he'll come around eventually." The last two Apple siblings were sitting at the table, waiting for their grandmother to sit with them before starting. Big Mac stoically weathered through Granny's newest attempt at getting him a wife while Applebloom just chuckled. "Come now Granny, can't it wait til after breakfast. Besides, Twilight said shes hungry." Applejack said as she, an embarrassed Twilight, and Spike took a seat at the table with the other two. "Oh fine, but we're continuing this discussion later." She turned carrying the potatoes to the table giving her best smile at the Princess. Then sat herself. "Well what are ya waiting for? Dig in." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When everypony had their fill, and Winona found under the table next to Big Macs chair, Twilight and Applejack left to the cornfield. Rainbow was flying around the area making sure there was no wind to be found. The rest of her friends weren't there yet. They still had some time before 10. Setting her cart next her her work space, Twilight got started, asking Spike to bring over the small plates and ingredients as each runic section became ready for them. A process that took most of her time left before the scheduled time. While she was quadruple checking everything, a carriage landed nearby. Everyone else moved towards the departing occupants. "Good morning my little ponies. I see Twilight is checking over her work, so how have you all been? Are you all excited?" Said Celestia standing in front of the five ponies and dragon. Next to her was her sister Luna, the Princess of the Night looking like she'd rather make friends with her pillow. The spot on the other side of Celestia was taken up by a surprising guest. Discord, Lord of Chaos and positively bored out of his mind. Literally, his mind was out of his head sawing logs. If somepony had to guess, it was because he had to promise to be on his best behavior. Though he was secretly curious since he never personally witnessed a summoning. "Why good morning Princesses, I've been wonderful. Though I will admit I didn't expect to see either of you today. And how can I not be excited, one of my friends is performing a once in a lifetime feat. Oh, Twilight mentioned that I may be able to do a summon of my own?" Rarity, looking up to Celestia with hopeful eyes waited with bated breath. "Oui, what am I? Chopped cauliflower?" Discord said after his mind went back to his head. "Morning Dissy!" "Morning Discord." Discord walked away from the Princesses bringing Pinkie and Fluttershy with him to have their own conversation. Celestia gave a polite chuckled. "Well Rarity, I wasn't going to leave the Castle until my sister told me Twilight was going to perform her spell. I just had to take a holiday and bring her along. Discord tagged along mid-flight. For having your own familiar, normally a unicorn must be deemed ready for the responsibility of having a familiar, though for you I'm sure I can make some allowances." Rarity hearing this gave an unladylike bounce. "Though not today. Today belongs to Twilight, we'll discuss your request later." "I understand Princess. Til then can we-" "I'm ready! Oh Princess, I wasn't expecting to see you here." Twilight said, heading for her fellow Princess and ex-mentor. Celestia gave her her best smile. "Twilight, how many times must I tell you to call me Celestia? Also, today is a big day, why wouldn't I be here for you? But I'm sorry to say I couldn't get your brother or Cadence away from the Empire or your parents from their jobs." "I understand Pri- Celestia. I would have loved to have the here. I'll visit them later if my familiar isn't too big to fit in the train." Though she was sad at the news she pushed forward. "So is there anything you can tell me about the summoning? Any backlash or explosions or the such?" "No Twilight, the summoning itself will go smoothly, no one will interfere." She said giving a glance towards Discord and his friends. Twilight followed her gaze and cringed. "Well that's good to know." She perked up. "Well there's no time like the present. Everypony! And Discord, please get in a group and back up a bit. Little more. Good, I don't want to leave anything to chance. Now lets begin!" While the group made themselves comfortable with Discords help (he's such a nice guy), Twilight went back to her circle. Making sure everything was still in place, she lit her horn and began. Slowly she let her magic flow into the runes surrounding her, changing from white to her pink hue. When all the runes had changed she put her magic towards the ingredients, starting with those of the Body. Each one became consumed in a non-burning pink magic fire. When Body was completed she moved onto Mind. The same happened and she moved onto Spirit. Here is where she feared it would go wrong since it had the Voidstone, which she saved for last. When her magic attempted to connect, it would get close but not connect. Putting more power into her spell she saw the outer edge of the plate the shavings were on catch fire but still not get close. It was an improvement. She added even more power to her magic hoping it would make a bigger difference. She put all her concentration into it as she added even more when- "Come on Twilight! You can do it!" Said a cheery voice from behind her. This wasn't encouraging. Not in the least for she lost her focus on her magic, allowing it to surge. Knowing what happens when magic isn't controlled she attempted to regain her control while closing her eyes and crouching down, expecting a large explosion. Nothing happened. She waited another moment. Still nothing happened. Reopening her eyes she looked around. In the back of her mind she was taking note of everything, from the fur on her body to her friends still being where they were. Though Celestia and Luna had their horns glowing while Rarity silently berated Pinkie. Giving the two sisters a nod and grateful smile she turned back to her work. Everything was still as it was, and the Voidstone was LIT. Yes I did it! I'm going to thank Pinkie after this. She took a deep breathe. She was ready for the final part. She recited the incantation she learned in the book, voice thrumming with power. "I AM TWILIGHT SPARKLE, PRINCESS OF FRIENDSHIP CALLING OUT TO THE REALMS. I SUMMON THEE CREATURE TO BE MY SERVANT AND RIGHT HOOF IN TIMES OF WAR AND PEACE. TO BE MY SWORD AND SHIELD I CALL THEE, COME FORTH AND BE BONDED TO ME." Nothing happened until the last syllable finished echoing in the distance. The plates burst into flame, taking what was in them as well. Higher and higher the flame grew and curved to a center point just above and in front of the young alicorn. A burst of power emanated from the now forming globe of fire. Outside the circle the burst caused a short lived mighty wind, pushing the ponies back until a shield covered them. The small ponies righted themselves as the two Princesses and Draconequus looked on. "Princess, is that suppose to happen?" A nervous looking Pinkie Pie ask, also looking towards the source of wind. "No, no it's not." Celestia, not taking her eyes off of Twilight responded. "My apple trees! What's it doing to them?" Now normally fruit trees were bare of any leaves during winter, but where the wind touched leaves grew and flowers bloomed, even the grass grew straight and healthy. There were even a few cornstalks coming up where seeds had fallen. Luna ignited her horn and felt the land around her. "It seems, dear Applejack, that you will have a second harvest next year. The wind had much magic in it, allowing the plants to be revitalized and strong. I do not believe even our harshest winter will stop them from producing. Least not til the magic runs out." Another wave of wind came, making those who weren't watching have renewed interest. Inside the circle Twilight did not feel any wind. There was none. She did not feel the thrum of power. It came from her. She concentrated, still putting magic into her spell. The fire grew, the runes that were on the ground lifted themselves up to start circling the globe. When the last one did the flames too left the ground. All that was left of the summoning circle was Twilight and a runed globe of pink fire. It suddenly glowed brighter, then dimmed. A few seconds later it repeated. Again and again, faster and faster until it brightened considerably forcing all but Celestia and Discord, who put on some fabulous shades, to look away. Twilight never noticed the brightness, she was looking at the fire, no, into the fire and she saw. A final blast came, stronger then those before it. It tore at the ground outside the smothered circle and shield. The fire came apart, flames heading out to land harmlessly on ground and trees before dissipating. Twilight, magic spent, collapsed on the ground, breathing hard but still staring at the mass before her.When her friends recovered and saw her, they rushed through Celestia's shield without thinking. Thankfully the shield was one way and only meant to keep things out. Celestia, being the first to see the creature, quickly and quite strong wrapped her magic around the muzzles of Luna and Discord. They looked at Celestia pondering why she was doing this, but understood when they looked towards Twilight. "Stay calm, let me handle this." Trusting they heard she let go and the three of them headed towards the others. "OH MY GOSH! I SUMMONED A HUMAN! OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH!" Twilight, still breathing hard, managed to right herself with her friends help but still couldn't stand, looked upon her new familiar. A human! Though it didn't look like one she was familiar with. "Rarity, Applejack, could you turn it onto its back?" "How 'bout I just pick you up sugar." With Pinkies help, Twilight found herself upon Applejack's back, while Fluttershy and Rarity turned the human over. Underneath was a burnt but still whole bag which Rarity moved away. With all looking down they saw a creature with burnt clothing all over, whereas the back still had most of its covering, the front was missing quite a bit. The chest and stomach were exposed, as was the left leg up to the hip and the right leg up to the knee. The feet looked to have had covering due to what was on the end of the feet. The creature had a short amount of dark brown, almost black hair on the top of its head and a short cropped beard around its jaw. It was easily twice as tall as a pony was long. "Wow, I never expected a human." Said Spike next to the head. "Pardon, but what's a human?" Applejack, turning her head to see her charge said. The other five young mares looked at them and back to the now named human, listening in. "Well they are like my friends on the other side of the mirror, but this one looks a bit different." She answered studying the human. Comparing differences. "The body shape is the same but take the eyes, they are much smaller then theirs, as is the head in general, except the nose and ears are comparatively larger." Her eyes roamed downwards. She started talking like she was making a note to herself. "He has a bit of a belly but the chest and arms look right. Fingers seem shorter but keep range of motion. Hip is placed lower on the body causing legs to shorten. Not a good runner then. Feet are longer and wider, maybe use to carrying heavy loads. Hmm." "How do you know its a feller, Twi?" "Hmm? Oh! Hes got a beard. Only males can have that, same as ponies." Twilight looked around at her friends. When her gaze found the Princesses she didn't see happy expressions. "Princess, is something wrong?" Both gave a small jolt before plastering smiles on their faces. "Not at all my Student. I never expected a human to make it here. I am quite curious how since the mirror is the only means to interact with them." "Oh well I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation." Twilight said. A little bit of Rainbow Dash rubbed off on her. She puffed out her chest when she understood it as doing something that was suppose to be impossible. Coming back to her senses she asked Spike to bring the cart over. With an "On it," he walked off. They needed to bring him back to her home since she knew humans preferred to be warn in winter. Only now did she realize she will need to order another Princess sized bed, as well as cloths. "Oh Rarity, do you think you could make him some new cloths, his are kinda burnt at the moment." "I'd love to darling. But may I take a few shreds with me, I don't believe I'm familiar with this material. I might be able to recreate it." "Sure Rarity. Here." Twilight, using as little magic as she could, cut off the pieces left on the back of the legs and removed what was left of the shirt entirely, forcing her to move him onto his side to get it. "Hey Twilight! Look!" Spike pointed his finger at his lower back, where a blotch of white skin was. Within it was Twilight's cutie mark. She smiled. "Thank you Spike. Job well done." She reached out and gave her little brother/assistant/son/it's complicated a hug. "Do you think you could put me in the cart Applejack? Then get him in here as well?" "Sure thing, now just hold on a bit." The apple farmer put the tired princess where she asked then went to get the human. "Oh nelly, he's a big one. Pinkie, help me out here." Even with two earth ponies they barely got him off the ground. "RD! Help!" She prismatic mare wrapped her legs around the torso and flapped for all she was worth. By the time they got him to the cart, Fluttershy was helping guide him in gentle. Rarity just looked confused. A break was well deserved when it was done. As they were all getting their breath, Celestia spoke up. "I'm sorry, but I can't stay any longer." This brought a pout from Twilight. "But I will be in touch. Twilight, you have new responsibility now, please take care of him." "I will Princess. Take care." A short bow from all of them and the Princesses, with Discord, left in the chariot. When they disappeared into the sky, Fluttershy turned to Twilight. "So Twilight, what are you going to name him?" "I'll wait til he wakes up and he could tell me his name." She smiled down onto her human. Still asleep. "Well I'm ready to head back, let's saddle up and bring this fella to the castle." Though Applejack hoped Twilight recovered her magic by then. He was heavy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On the flight to Canterlot, alone chariot flew. "Sister, that was-" "I know Luna." "We can't let-" "I know Luna." "We must-" "I know Luna!" Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she wrapped a wing around her sister. "I know Luna, I know." She looked at the Draconequus flying next to the chariot. He has been silent since the summoning. But it wasn't his silence that bothered her. It was his eyes. There was nothing in them. "I know." Chapter 3 - To PlanAt Canterlot Castle - Princess Celestia's Study Sitting upon a selection of floor pillows was the ever majestic Princesses of Equestria, along with two Captains of the Guard - Unicorn and Pegasus Divisions, as well as Discord, who was floating lazily above then in a circle sipping on a Pina Colada (complete with mini gummy umbrella). The others had an assortment of cookies, cakes and tea of their choice. "Thank you both for coming to see us on such short notice, but I'm afraid I must cut the pleasantries short. There is a new creature to Equestria. We fear for the safety of our citizens if it should prove to be violent. So We would like for the both of you to send a squad to go undercover to observe and if necessary detain the creature." Celestia said, knowing the two in front of her will do their utmost to carry out their will. The unicorn stallion and pegasus mare, known as Cpt. Glass Cannon - who specializes in first strikes, and Cpt. Shadow Breeze - who handles spy missions, were only two of the three Captains. Cpt. Fortress was on vacation in Las Pegasus. He specialized in as one would guess, defense, not magically, but his understanding of it allowed him to spot any weak point at a glance and turn it into a strength. The two Captains knew how serious this was. Not because three of Equestria's most powerful beings were there, nor from her less used serious voice. Princess Celestia has not touched her slice of cake. "It will be done your Highness, but may I ask, what is the creature we will be watching?" Asked Shadow Breeze, wondering how a single creature can cause the Princesses this much trouble. "The creature is a human, Captain." answered Celestia. Glass Cannon managed a spit take that impressed Discord. "Are you sure it is a human ma'am?" Celestia nodded. Glass Cannon sighed. "I don't need a squad for that. I have the perfect mare for the job. She isn't part of the Guard but her father is and she knows our procedures." "Which mare art though speaking of, Captain?" Luna asked curiously. "Lyra Heartstring, ma'am." "Ah, I had forgotten about her...hobby." Celestia knew of the mare and her exuberance about mythic species. Particular of those concerning humans. If she found out there was a living specimen, then she wouldn't let him out of her sights. "Yes, I do believe that will suffice." Then Celestia got a smile on her face, seemingly to notice the cake for the first time and took a bite. "But let the knowledge of it being human be a surprise. It'll be a Hearth's Warming for her." "Very well, I will send her at her earliest convenience." "You don't need to send them right away. Let the soldiers enjoy the holiday." Celestia lifted two folders and handed them out to the two of them. "Here are the specifics. There is one for Fortress when he returns. Read it and select your squad. You are both dismissed." The two saluted and returned to their normal duties. When a moment of silence passed, Celestia turned to her sister. "Luna. Do you think you can find the humans dreams? Any information you get will be better than what we have now." Luna nodded. "I believe so, but it has been over four thousand years. I may be, oh how do they say it, rusty?" Humans can access the Dreamscape just like every other species, but like everything about them, it required a special trick to do so. "Thank you Luna. You should head off to sleep. It's past your bedtime." At the mention of her pillow, Luna cracked a wide yawn. She nodded and headed off. "I'll tell the staff to make a late dinner for you." All she got was a grunt in return. Giggling she turned to Discord. Then watched him for a moment. "I know this will be hard on you, but I don't want you anywhere near the human for the next few days." Discord rolled over to look at Celestia. "As such, I will temporarily release you from your promise of using too much chaos, but not of causing harm. Go out, have some fun. Enjoy yourself." "Very well, Princess. I wonder if Fortress would mind a bunk buddy." With a snap of his claws he was off, likely giving the Captain a hard time. "I'll need to give Fortress a bonus for this." With another sigh she got up and walked out to her balcony, she looked towards the castle on the outskirts of Ponyville, forming plans to the situation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile in Ponyville "How can such a skinny fellow weigh more than a cow?" Chapter 4 - DiscoverySomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 5 - What is Magic, Baby Don't Blast Me"So why did you ponies abduct me?" "I didn't abduct you." Twilight managed to say after a short coughing fit. Storm noticed the "I" and turned to her. "Then you can send me back?" "What? Why?" He glared at her. "I-I don't know. I don't even know if it's possible." "Then how is what you did any different from abducting me." She was about to respond but he interrupted her. "How can you justify forcing me away from my friends, family and loved ones to be your pet." She looked down dejectedly, scoffing her hoof across the table. "I can't," She finally managed to say. Storm gave an exaggerated sigh. "Look Twilight," he waited til she looked up at him, "I've never liked being forced into things I didn't want to do. I get enough of that from my brother, but as I see it there's currently nothing I can do about it. Just give me some time to adapt to this place and we'll see where things go." The ponies smiled." BUT! That doesn't mean I will be your pet. If you want something of me then you will ask. Nicely. You will treat me as an equal, and nothing less. Do you understand my terms?" She grinned and nodded to me. "And second I want a promise from you that you'll look for a way to send me back. Maybe even find a way to summon me back and forth between my world and yours." She made the promise, but the pink mare spoke up. "Twilight, you took him from his home, he should get more reassurance that you will look." A short chant which ended with a hoof in her eye later and Pinkie was happy. Storm being confused, looked to the others. Rainbow spoke up. "You don't break a Pinkie Promise." "Why's that?" "Do you know what Pinkie would do to her if she broke her promise." He deadpanned and waved a hand to indicate himself. "Right, right. Just don't break a Pinkie Promise." "I can't believe shes that scary. I mean look at her. That fluffy mane, those big innocent eyes, and her personality, while random, I would call her a candy girl." She and others giggled. "She is just an unassuming lass." "Well I do work with the cakes making all sorts of sweets." Pinkie claimed. Storm gave a little fist pump. It wasn't every year he got something right. "Oh! Speaking of unassuming, where could I get some cloth?" Strangely it was only Twilight that wasn't confused or curious. "Why would you want some cloth?" That one came from the white one. So he turned towards her. "Well I don't have fur and cant keep myself warm, so I need to make cloths for myself. Though I'll be the first to admit whatever I make won't last a day." He shrugged. "Besides, I don't want to be eye candy." Looking around he saw that Pinkie was drooling just a little. "Well I don't know about eye candy, whatever that is, but I could create you an assemble for any occasion." He looked back at her. "You can make cloths?" She responded with a yes. "Ever work on a biped before?" "Er, no, I admit I've never had the opportunity to." She looked sheepish at her admittance. He shrugged again. "Meh, it'll be better than whatever I end up making. You available right now?" She was. "Then lets not waste time." He got up and wrapped the blanket tighter around him. He took a few steps before turning back around. "Where am I going again?" "This way dear." And thus I ended up following her along with Twilight, and Pinkie, while the others excused themselves. "So what types of cloths can you make?" ****************************************************************************** "Good morning Luna. How was Night Court?" Princess Celestia asked her sister as she came to breakfast looking sullen. "The court was cancelled so we may concentrate on finding the humans dreams." She sat at her end of the table where a waiter placed a big mug in front of her. Celestia couldn't understand how her sister enjoyed such an awful beverage, but the results speak for themselves. It came from a locally grown bean on a far off island on the southern edge of the kingdom. Luna discovered it when she went to see the world in her first year after her return. "It doesn't sound like you were successful." Celestia commented as she began to cut into her strawberry waffles. "Not so. I did find his dreams. However I saw nothing." Celestia looked back at her sister. Before she could ask Luna spoke again. "Nothing at all. He was dreaming, or at least in the dream realm, but he wasn't dreaming about anything. Just nothing but a void. So I used my magic to try and force a dream. The same blackness was there. Then I tried to bring a memory of a dream. It worked, but before I saw more then the first image he awoke." She took a big gulp of her drink. "So what did you see." Celestia asked curiously. It was not often when her sister failed with dreams. "An ancient forest before the rays of first light shown over the horizon." She sighed, thankful for the mug in her magic grasp. "I shall have better luck tonight." Just then a plate of blueberry waffles was placed in front of her. Before she could say her thanks a puff of smoke covered the table. Discord was there in the middle when the smoke cleared. "Good morning Princess, and Celestia. I have returned." He said triumphantly holding up a stallion in armor and his family along with a large amount of suit cases. "Discord, you didn't need to bring Fortress back from his vacation." Celestia didn't want to deal with Discord this early in the morning, but she had to now. "Now now Tia, I looked it up," He pulled a book out of his ear. "Right here, if any active member of the Guard is called to be on duty then they shall be compensated yada yada, in short he will receive four weeks paid vacation. Consider this my Hearths Warming to him and his family." He snapped the book shut and tossed it over his shoulder where it landed as a potted plant in full bloom. Celestia looked to the floating stallion. "And what do you say Captain?" "I wouldn't object to an entire month with my girls." Fortress smiled, he pretty much got four weeks extra for missing the last day of his vacation. "Very well, Discord, please put them down." He did so. "Take your family home and unpack, we will discuss what we need you to do at lunch." The stallion bowed and asked for help with the luggage from the other guards before leaving. "So how are you feeling?" She asked when the doors closed. "Much better than yesterday, thank you." He sat down and with a snap of his talons a plate of upside down waffles and a huge amount of plaid syrup appeared. Instead of thinking about that the Princesses simply ignore it and continued with their own breakfast's. ****************************************************************************** Storm was amazed. Not because of all the ponies staring at him. Not because he got a brief history on the town and the different kinds of ponies within it. Nor was he (too) amazed that pegasus's controlled the weather. No. He was amazed that Rarity, under two hours, measured, designed and completed six outfits to his specifications and lots of grumbling. Five casual and one suit, with one he put on paper from memory so she could work on it later. Call it a special order he said and to take her time with it along with his suggestion that she could put some needle work to it, but nothing shiny or too fancy. Thanking her for her work, the three of them left and headed out to lunch. Storm wanted to go back to the castle to put the cloths away but Pinkie just snatched them up and they disappeared into her mane. "Uh?" "Don't think about it, it's just Pinkie being Pinkie." Twilight said, still walking. "I guess I should just call it magic and leave it at that?" She nodded. "Too late, I'm already thinking of the possibilities." She looked up at him and noticed he looked contemplative. "Isn't what she did bothering you?" "No." "Why not?" "It's possible she's compressing the space in her mane so that any objects that enter become smaller and easier to carry. Course that's only one of the things I can think of and I have no way to prove it." He paused as he saw her eye twitch. "Course it could just be Pinkie being Pinkie." That was the right thing to say as she sat down and did a calming gesture. When they made it to their destination, Storm couldn't help but giggle. Standing in front of him was what looked to be a mix of fast food restaurants all rolled into one. Upon entering and being seated he asked Twilight a question. "Hey Twilight? Didn't you say there were only four pony races?" She looked at him from her menu. "That's right. Earth, Unicorn, Pegasus, and Alicorn. Why do you ask?" "Well there's a pony over there that doesn't look like the others." He said as he pointed over at a table closer to the kitchens. Both her and Pinkie looked but turned back looking at him strangely. "Really? The black one over there." He pointed again, they looked again. "There isn't a black pony there, or anywhere in here Storm." Twilight said after she looked around. "Really? You don't see the black pony with... insect wings and holes in its legs?" He asked again as he squinted at the pony before turning back to see both the ponies he was with looking at him nervously. "Th-that would be a changeling. Their magic lets them disguise themselves as a pony and they eat love. There's an order to detain them if they are found." Her ears perked up. "But how can you see it when we can't?" She got a glint in her eye when he answered in the negative, followed by science and experiments. "Twilight, focus. You said they must be detained?" She nodded. "Very well." Storm got up and headed towards the changeling. "Storm, what are you doing!?" She attempted to grab him with her magic but couldn't. Before she could think about that, he was already at the table where three ponies were eating. When they looked up he grabbed the one sitting by herself. Immediately a wave of green fire washed over the pony from where his hands touched, surprising him long enough to stop him from picking her up when a cry of "Changeling!" came from the ponies sitting across the table. After a few seconds the place was empty except for the four of them, even the sounds in the kitchen had ceased. Picking the now struggling Changeling up and carrying her to Twilight. "I don't think we'll be eating here anytime soon." He said. The changeling, realizing just who she was with stopped struggling in favor of shivering. "It's okay little one, I'm not going to hurt you." He petted her on the head while still holding onto her tightly. "Whelp, let's go back and get Buttercup out of view." Putting action to words he did just that, with no interference as he left the building all the way to the castle. ****************************************************************************** Back at Canterlot, Princess Celestia had just called for lunch and was heading to the dining hall when she met with her three captains. "Ah, good afternoon. I trust the two of you have appraised Captain Fortress of the details." The three nodded. "Excellent! Do any of you need to prepare for your assignment?" The three shook their heads. Now they entered the dining hall where there was an assortment of sandwiches, a few cakes and some tea already prepared. "Will you join me?" It wasn't much of a question as it was a polite command to stay. After they were all seated and took a dish or two they were ready to eat. Then a scroll materialized in front of Celestia. Putting down for fork of cake, she caught and opened the scroll. She read it once, twice and again for good measure before speaking. "It appears that our guest caught a changeling...and is treating it like a scared puppy." She looked up to the Captains. "It seems we'll have to move up our plans. Gather your ponies and an interagator. I will transport us all to Ponyville Castle." ****************************************************************************** "Why do you want to keep a changeling as a pet!?" "Why do you hate a race based on what a few did? And not as a pet, a friend! Wasn't it you who sent Twilight to learn of friendship? Or are you saying only ponies are worth considering?" It was discovered that day that Storm and Celestia do not get along. At all. Author's Note I had to rewrite a bit because I kept going into first person with the human. Chapter 6 - A Good Cup of...Bloody Celestia. Bloody Twilight. Bloody ponies. These thoughts and more went though his mind after he woke up in his room. What's so wrong with Changelings? You can't call them evil just because you're their food. Hell, if I was hungry enough you'd be my food too, but I'm not evil. Bloody ponies. Storm, the sole human in Equestria was not having a good morning. Being yelled at by both Princesses, and later lectured by Twilight put him in a bad mood that he hoped would have dissipated by morning. Nope. But if there was one way to get back at them, it was to refuse to hand over Buttercup. Oh, remembering the look on Celestia's face made him feel better, if only a little. He sighed. "I need coffee." He remembered at the last moment he brought the changeling up with him and looked at the corner where he put the pillows for her. Laying on top was the changeling, still asleep. Well, first things first. Walking over he knelled and shook her. She gave an adorable snort. Smiling, he had a cruel yet funny idea. He rolled her over and picked her up. One arm under and one to keep her to his chest, she was upside down, legs in the air and head hanging down. A twitch and nothing more. With his charge in tow, he went forth to scavenge food. Making it to the dining hall he saw Twilight, Rarity and Pinkie sitting down, speaking to the waiter. Setting the changeling down in a seat and making it comfortable for her, Storm took the seat next to her. After a few moments waiting for the others to choose their breakfast's, the waiter pony came up to Storm. "And what would you like today, sir." "COOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE." He answered like a zombie asking for brains. "Pardon?" "...Coffee." "I don't believe we have that... or what that is. Would you care for a strawberry salad with warm milk?" He looked at the stallion. "No coffee?" He shook his head. Storm looked at the ponies at the table. They shook their heads. Head met table. "Ow." It was not made of wood. He took a moment to rub his pain away. "Next you'll tell me there is no wine." Silence greeted him. He looked back up. "Seriously? No alcohol?" "You can get alcohol at the hospital." Rarity helpfully answered. "Wrong type of alcohol." He gave a heavy sigh. "Okay. I need a pony that can ... get things. Oh sorry, can you make hash browns? oh good. I'll take that with two eggs, sunny side up and some orange juice. Thank you." "OO OO I'll get you things, whatcha need?" Pinkie Pie, gleefully and somehow said sitting on Storms lap. A momentary silence and he picked her up and deposited her on the floor. He turned to Twilight. "First things first. Do you know what caffeine is?" "Of course I know what caffeine is. Wh-" "What does it come from?" She doesn't like being disrupted. "Why do you want to know." "It's so I can make a drink out of it and not get on others nerves." Not really true but if it gives her a reason to give it to him then all the better. "If I recall correctly it comes from a bean-" YES! "-but is only found on an island to the south and they are highly protective of it." NO! Then an angel appeared. "I got some of those beans." Storm looked and there was Fluttershy, sitting of all places next to the sleeping changeling. How she got there without anyone noticing was a question for another day. One much more important needed to be asked. "Fluttershy. How in the world did you get your hooves on those. I can understand if Blueblood got some but you. No offense." Twilight said amazed at what her friend was saying. "Oh none taken. You see a few years ago some of my bird friends visited the island on their way south for the winter. They really liked the beans but the ponies there would always shoo them away. So when they weren't paying attention some of the birds grabbed some and brought them to me as a sweet thank you gift. I've been growing them since." Note: be VERY nice to the birds. "Fluttershy, how many beans do you have right now?" Storm was hopeful. "Since only a few like them and I just plant a few more each year, I have 6 ten pound sacks." Storm got up, moved over to Fluttershy and hugged her. "You are best pony." He stayed like that for a moment before letting go. "Could you bring over a sack? I will love you forever if you do." "S-s-sure." She responded a little red in the cheeks. He gave her another hug, only shorter this time. Then he went back to his chair. "Okay Pinkie, if you can get them I need a 50 pound barrel, enough fresh fruit or berry juice to fill it, a few pounds of sugar and some yeast that does well in liquids. Do this and you will be best pony number two." "If? If I can't get them then I'll give you a party every day for a month!" Then her eyes turned into pinpricks before returning to normal. GASP! "I forgot to give you a welcome party! We have so much to catch up on." She hopped behind his chair and disappeared. Well today is gonna be a good day. "Wah, how did I get here!?" Said a buzzy voice next to him. Chapter 7 - Stories (Or What Were They Thinking)Breakfast was good. Even without coffee. Once Fluttershy brought over her sack, he'll figure out how to roast them, perhaps with Spikes help, might even give it a unique taste. Then when Pinkie gets back, he will abandon all and start making some good stuff. He doubts the ponies have everything he needs, but it'll take a while to finish, so there's time to make anything he's missing. "So Twilight, while we wait for Fluttershy and Pinkie, whaddya wanna do?" Storm asked as he followed Twilight around. "I would like to take a look at you and find out how you saw through a changelings magic." "...As long as you don't go mad scientist on me, I'll let you do what you want. So where are we going?" "We are going to my lab. And before you ask, no, I don't have a skylight for lightning strikes." "You've gone mad scientist before haven't you." "..." "That fills me with so much confidence. I think I'll need an adult." "I am an adult. And I wasn't that bad. I only hooked Pinkie up to my machine and she's perfectly fine. Besides, it's all non invasive." "Well that's good." A few minutes later they entered into what Storm would call a mad scientist's lab. So many blinking lights, vials and large vats filled with bubbling liquids and one device with a mirror in its center. Definitely mad scientist. He was led over to a seat next to a brain scanner that looks like it was stolen from Doc Brown. Sitting down, Twilight magic'd the scanner over to his head and strapped it on. She connected the cables and turned the machine on. After a few seconds she realized why there was no paper coming out, she used it all on Pinkie. Turning the machine off she refilled the paper bin and turned it back on. On the paper that came out where the usually squiggly line was not a squiggly line. It was razor straight. No deviation up or down. Again she turned the machine off and checked all the connections. Everything was good and seemed in working order. Again she turned it on and again the same straight line. "Arrrhh, what's wrong with this thing?" "What's this thing suppose to measure? Besides the amount of colorful blinking lights." "Oh ha ha. This is suppose to record the subjects magic signature, but it's obviously not working right." She gave it a kick hoping her frustration will make it magically work. "Right. Twilight, I hate to have to break this to you but I don't have magic. No human does." "Of course you have magic, everypony has magic. It is an integral part of our world. For Celestia's sake, even my human friends in the other world have magic. There's no way you can't have magic!" Some of her hairs sprung up as she went back to look over the machine, forgetting to turn it off. "Hold on. Humans in the other world? Twilight!" He was understandably mad, she was suppose to get him home and here she was saying she had a way home. "Horseapples." She turned towards him. "Yes they are human, but you don't look like them. They can use magic if sparingly and if you indeed can't, then you are different types of humans." He stared in her eyes as she said that. "I will be the judge of that. You will take me to see this other world." "I don't think-" "I will be the judge of that." This time he said it with clear anger. Twilight stayed where she was looking at him before she huffed. "Fine, but not today, I want to figure this out." "Tomorrow then." He could be patient for a day. Truthfully he was a bit curious about magic. Twilight worked silently now, and Storm just watched her, letting his anger bleed away. Finally he was calm enough to ask something he has been wondering about for a while. "So Twilight, where'd you meet your friends? Not to sound rude, but they don't seem like the types that would usually be friends." She smiled. "Well I met them all the day Celestia sent me to oversee the Summer Sun Celebration..." ***Assume Twilight is talking about her adventures and these are his responses. Can be skipped*** "I don't like how she did it but you really needed to get out of the library once in awhile." "Even your friends chased you around town for a pair of tickets. I've seen friendships crumble for more." "Wha-" "I know what I said." "Ha! Poor Applejack, but that's what happens when you don't sleep." "You have Griffons here? Cool. I wanna ride one... Don't give me that look." "Her stare made a dragon feel like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar? Impressive." "Brave little filly. But really, a pranking flower? Hehe." "I have a feeling I'm going to be meeting those three sooner rather than later if what ya say is right." "Run when Pinkie twitches. Got it." "Wow, Rainbow can go mach 1. I got no words for it." "Mach 1 is breaking the sound barrier." "We're experimenting with mach 22. You do the math." "The power of apple pie I guess." "Flat haired Pinkie can't be that scary." "So she brought you all pretty much knowing you'll wreck the place. Guess she's not all bad." Author's Note Couldn't think of something more, But I don't want to make you wait another month for an update. As always; Rate, pillage and plunder.
Chapter 1 - Questions AnsweredA beautiful warm winter day in Ponyville. The leftover snow from the last storm is slowly melting, making way for the next in a few days time. The foals are on the last week of school before winter break. Homes are warm and cozy. Mares and stallions are heading to work or going downstairs to do the same. In a giant gingerbread house, the proprietors started hours ago, ensuring that all customers will get a steamy hot breakfast, or early snack in a foals case. In a corner booth there are six ponies and a dragon, each with a selection of goodies and hot cocoa in front of them. Each was paying attention to the local alicorn and Princess - Twilight Sparkle. "I got everything I need for it yesterday, I just need a wide open space to perform the spell." She said looking at one of her best friends - Applejack. "Well I imagine you can use our cornfield since it's winter and nothing is growing right now." She answered with a happy grin, sipping from her mug. Her family makes good apple juice but Pinkie makes a mean hot cocoa that's perfect for just a day. "Thanks Applejack. Rainbow, do you think you can make sure there is no wind while I'm busy." She looked at her other best friend - Rainbow Dash - who had her face in a bowl of chocolate oatmeal cookies. Also made by Pinkie. She needed a moment to chew and shallow. "No sweat Twi, just give the order and the whole team will make sure not a breath interrupts you." Giving a wide smile she didn't wait for an answer before slamming her face back into the bowl. Pinkies cookies were just that good. "That won't be necessary, but thank you Rainbow." She giggled as her friend waved at her while still stuffing her face. "Rainbow, dear, do you think you could eat less sloppily? No offense but Dinky has more table manners then you." "Heh heh. Come'on Rares, you can't blame her for wanting to eat Pinkies cookies." A giggle came from the pink mare next to Applejack. "I don't mind. Just means after this i need to make more for lil Dashie Washie." Another giggle came as the cutely mentioned mare sputters in her bowl. Its been a few weeks since she started saying that like Rarity does with Spike. When asked why her response is "She is so adorable when shes embarrassed." "But still she should be more ladylike in public." But Rarity still gave a sigh of resignation, knowing that Rainbow is the one mare she simply can't change. More giggles. "Thanks girls. Is 10 good for everypony." Nods all around. She again turned to Applejack "Great! I'll stop by your place earlier to transport and prepare everything." "Well why don't ya stop by for a bit of breakfast. I know Granny will be happy to put some meat on your bones." She says with a good natured smile. "Well as long as I'm not too full to cast my spell, sure, I'd love to. Thank you Applejack." She responded with just as much good natured teasing. Ever since her last meal with the Apples, Granny Smith has been determined to but "meat on the growing young alicorn." Not that it's a bad thing, far from it, she has keep a proper figure and weight even with her food (she believes) growth spurt. Her eyes were now at the same height as Rarity's horn. "I just can't believe you are going to summon a familiar tomorrow. It's like a dream come true for any unicorn. I wonder what mine would be like." Rarity says wistfully, staring into what can be assumed is her imagination. An extra long giggle. "Didn't your dream come true with Derpy?" At this Rarity snapped to attention with a red face while Applejack looked away. The yellow one - Fluttershy - and Rainbow Dash ( who took the time to look up) glanced the farmers way. Twilight, Spike and Pinkie being oblivious to what occurred 2 months back. After calming her beating heart, Rarity spoke up. "Yes it did, though not the way I expected. Ah but a mare can dream." She smiled again. After a moment, the last yet to speak spoke up. "So Twilight, what do you think you will summon." Said Fluttershy as she picked up a cookie (raisin white chocolate macadamia nut, one of Pinkies strangest, yet to her delicious sweets). "I honestly don't know Fluttershy. There are thousands of ingredients with even more combinations. The book said that every summoner will get a different creature, but I'm hoping mine will be truly unique." She brought up her forehooves to clap. "Why's that Twi?" Said the orange mare, curious about the summoning of a familiar since Earth Ponies can't do it and since this is the first time the alicorn divulged anything about what she would be using for it. "I haven't told you!?" Five shakes of their heads and one grumbling dragon. "Oh well, there are two ways to summon a familiar. The traditional way, which involves runes and ingredients depicting the attributes you want in a familiar and will burn upon completion, and the modern way, which uses more modern practices and does not use the methods used with the first. The difference between the two is the abilities, power, intellect and capabilities of the summoned. The traditional method will bring forth a stronger, faster and overall greater creature, but will also need to be "tamed" (she brought up her forehooves for air-quotes for this), while the modern method will bring a lesser creature, who likely doesn't need taming, and even somepony like Rarity can summon. Though even after "taming", it is still required to train it." She paused to look at her friends. "So its like catching a wild creature and training it to accept you as its master?" "That's exactly it Rainbow, though there have been some creatures that seem to automatically acknowledge their master without them lifting a hoof. The book says that Starswirl had such a creature, a salamander, whose saliva was lava and skin harder than steel." "Okay. but what does it have to do with having a truly unique familiar?" Rainbow Dash was getting quite impatient with the long explanation. "Well Rainbow, as I'm sure you noticed, I'm using the traditional method. And ones of the ways you can select an attribute is magical affinity. Many ponies use common ingredients such as gems, metals, an element or a combination of any. Starswirl used a Firecore Emerald," Rarity gave a strangled gasp. Firecore gems numbered in the low hundreds and currently only Princess Celestia was the only one who could distribute them, "as the affinity for his summon. I, however, managed to get my hooves on a Voidstone, or well, the shaving of one." Rarity looked shocked. "B-b-b-bu-but Voidstone. There are only..., How?" Rarity's shock was well warranted. There are only 5 known to exist in the world. 1 with Luna (was returned to her by Celestia after she returned), 1 that was passed down through the Gold family (currently in Bluebloods possession), 1 with the Minotaur Royal Family (last few centuries with the Bloodhorns), another with the Shamans of Zebrica (given to the Eldest as sign of wisdom) and the last was lost long ago when the Flutterponies disappeared in what is now known as the badlands (though with the Changlings and their home being there, it is though that they are currently in possession of it). "I kinda convinced Luna to let me have a bit for a few favors." Nopony else knew this, but Luna found a way to use the Voidstone to remove nightmares that required a firmer touch to get rid of. "Wait." This came from Fluttershy. "Doesn't Voidstone negate all magic it comes in contact with." Looking to a flabbergasted Twilight, she shrunk down in her seat. "Sorry." "No no, you're right Fluttershy. Voidstone does negate all magic. However, familiar summoning is one of the few magics that throw all Laws of Magic out the proverbial window. Which is why I'm hoping it works and I get a creature like nothing before it. Even if it doesn't work, I got a backup affinity I can use." "Well I hope it works for ya sugarcube, but what are the other attributes you've selected." "Oh well there are many others that are going into it but it all comes down to Spirit, Mind and Body, with the magic affinity belonging to Spirit. Mind can be used to determine how smart the creature is, how quickly it learns and the ability to apply what it knows to any given situation. I've made it so will be very well off intellectually. And Body determines the shape, size, strength, durability and such for the creature. For this I'm basing it on Spike's body type since I've found I quite like the bipedal body for all its uses and enhancing it a bit. Though without the dragon sneezes." "Geez Twilight, one time!" He dropped his chin to the table where his big sister/mother/employer/it's complicated rubbed his head. She gave him a light chuckle. "It's ok Spike, I've forgiven you." She gave him a quick hug which he returned. "Anything else you girls want to know?" Pinkie brought a foreleg to her chin, hummed then asked, "Well you said you can select what you want, can yo also do the opposite?" "Yes actually. As with Spikes dragon breath I made it so it can't expel anything that would burn, freeze, boil, melt, or otherwise harm from its mouth, along with a few others but those are minor." She shrugged it off with a shake of her hoof. "Anything else." They all shook their heads. "Good. Pinkie, Bakers dozen cupcakes to go, I want to celebrate a little." And off went the Pink Missile to parts of the kitchen unknown. Author's Note I was so tempted to use Bluebloods stone but after a few moments thought I didn't really have a way to involve him without getting Rarity in it. Comment. rate, suggest improvements or just badger me for updates. Please be polite when criticizing . Peace.
Chapter 2 - The SummonedAuthor's Note This chapter started off, well off, but it gets better after the break. (I went to sleep) Chapter 2 - The Summoned "Morning Applejack. How are you doing this morning?" Twilight says as Spike checks under the cover of the wagon they brought over. Satisfied that nothing has been disturbed, he comes over to Twilight. "Good morning Twilight, morning Spike, you're just in time for breakfast. Come on in." She stood aside allowing the both of them entry into her home. "As for how I'm doing? I'm doing quite well, but you should ask me again after breakfast. I told Granny you would be coming over and she made an extra big breakfast with the help of yours truly." She passed a grin over to an amused Twilight. "Great! I'm looking forward to it. Though I feel sorry Granny won't see her goal of making me fat anytime soon." "If'n I wanted to make you fat I woulda hooked you up with Big Mac, Celestia knows I want to see some great grand foals before my time." Granny Smith, the matriarch of the Apple family and resident demander of great grand foals was standing at the stove slowly stirring in milk to what appeared to be some mashed potatoes. "Course the big lug will make a fuss but he'll come around eventually." The last two Apple siblings were sitting at the table, waiting for their grandmother to sit with them before starting. Big Mac stoically weathered through Granny's newest attempt at getting him a wife while Applebloom just chuckled. "Come now Granny, can't it wait til after breakfast. Besides, Twilight said shes hungry." Applejack said as she, an embarrassed Twilight, and Spike took a seat at the table with the other two. "Oh fine, but we're continuing this discussion later." She turned carrying the potatoes to the table giving her best smile at the Princess. Then sat herself. "Well what are ya waiting for? Dig in." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When everypony had their fill, and Winona found under the table next to Big Macs chair, Twilight and Applejack left to the cornfield. Rainbow was flying around the area making sure there was no wind to be found. The rest of her friends weren't there yet. They still had some time before 10. Setting her cart next her her work space, Twilight got started, asking Spike to bring over the small plates and ingredients as each runic section became ready for them. A process that took most of her time left before the scheduled time. While she was quadruple checking everything, a carriage landed nearby. Everyone else moved towards the departing occupants. "Good morning my little ponies. I see Twilight is checking over her work, so how have you all been? Are you all excited?" Said Celestia standing in front of the five ponies and dragon. Next to her was her sister Luna, the Princess of the Night looking like she'd rather make friends with her pillow. The spot on the other side of Celestia was taken up by a surprising guest. Discord, Lord of Chaos and positively bored out of his mind. Literally, his mind was out of his head sawing logs. If somepony had to guess, it was because he had to promise to be on his best behavior. Though he was secretly curious since he never personally witnessed a summoning. "Why good morning Princesses, I've been wonderful. Though I will admit I didn't expect to see either of you today. And how can I not be excited, one of my friends is performing a once in a lifetime feat. Oh, Twilight mentioned that I may be able to do a summon of my own?" Rarity, looking up to Celestia with hopeful eyes waited with bated breath. "Oui, what am I? Chopped cauliflower?" Discord said after his mind went back to his head. "Morning Dissy!" "Morning Discord." Discord walked away from the Princesses bringing Pinkie and Fluttershy with him to have their own conversation. Celestia gave a polite chuckled. "Well Rarity, I wasn't going to leave the Castle until my sister told me Twilight was going to perform her spell. I just had to take a holiday and bring her along. Discord tagged along mid-flight. For having your own familiar, normally a unicorn must be deemed ready for the responsibility of having a familiar, though for you I'm sure I can make some allowances." Rarity hearing this gave an unladylike bounce. "Though not today. Today belongs to Twilight, we'll discuss your request later." "I understand Princess. Til then can we-" "I'm ready! Oh Princess, I wasn't expecting to see you here." Twilight said, heading for her fellow Princess and ex-mentor. Celestia gave her her best smile. "Twilight, how many times must I tell you to call me Celestia? Also, today is a big day, why wouldn't I be here for you? But I'm sorry to say I couldn't get your brother or Cadence away from the Empire or your parents from their jobs." "I understand Pri- Celestia. I would have loved to have the here. I'll visit them later if my familiar isn't too big to fit in the train." Though she was sad at the news she pushed forward. "So is there anything you can tell me about the summoning? Any backlash or explosions or the such?" "No Twilight, the summoning itself will go smoothly, no one will interfere." She said giving a glance towards Discord and his friends. Twilight followed her gaze and cringed. "Well that's good to know." She perked up. "Well there's no time like the present. Everypony! And Discord, please get in a group and back up a bit. Little more. Good, I don't want to leave anything to chance. Now lets begin!" While the group made themselves comfortable with Discords help (he's such a nice guy), Twilight went back to her circle. Making sure everything was still in place, she lit her horn and began. Slowly she let her magic flow into the runes surrounding her, changing from white to her pink hue. When all the runes had changed she put her magic towards the ingredients, starting with those of the Body. Each one became consumed in a non-burning pink magic fire. When Body was completed she moved onto Mind. The same happened and she moved onto Spirit. Here is where she feared it would go wrong since it had the Voidstone, which she saved for last. When her magic attempted to connect, it would get close but not connect. Putting more power into her spell she saw the outer edge of the plate the shavings were on catch fire but still not get close. It was an improvement. She added even more power to her magic hoping it would make a bigger difference. She put all her concentration into it as she added even more when- "Come on Twilight! You can do it!" Said a cheery voice from behind her. This wasn't encouraging. Not in the least for she lost her focus on her magic, allowing it to surge. Knowing what happens when magic isn't controlled she attempted to regain her control while closing her eyes and crouching down, expecting a large explosion. Nothing happened. She waited another moment. Still nothing happened. Reopening her eyes she looked around. In the back of her mind she was taking note of everything, from the fur on her body to her friends still being where they were. Though Celestia and Luna had their horns glowing while Rarity silently berated Pinkie. Giving the two sisters a nod and grateful smile she turned back to her work. Everything was still as it was, and the Voidstone was LIT. Yes I did it! I'm going to thank Pinkie after this. She took a deep breathe. She was ready for the final part. She recited the incantation she learned in the book, voice thrumming with power. "I AM TWILIGHT SPARKLE, PRINCESS OF FRIENDSHIP CALLING OUT TO THE REALMS. I SUMMON THEE CREATURE TO BE MY SERVANT AND RIGHT HOOF IN TIMES OF WAR AND PEACE. TO BE MY SWORD AND SHIELD I CALL THEE, COME FORTH AND BE BONDED TO ME." Nothing happened until the last syllable finished echoing in the distance. The plates burst into flame, taking what was in them as well. Higher and higher the flame grew and curved to a center point just above and in front of the young alicorn. A burst of power emanated from the now forming globe of fire. Outside the circle the burst caused a short lived mighty wind, pushing the ponies back until a shield covered them. The small ponies righted themselves as the two Princesses and Draconequus looked on. "Princess, is that suppose to happen?" A nervous looking Pinkie Pie ask, also looking towards the source of wind. "No, no it's not." Celestia, not taking her eyes off of Twilight responded. "My apple trees! What's it doing to them?" Now normally fruit trees were bare of any leaves during winter, but where the wind touched leaves grew and flowers bloomed, even the grass grew straight and healthy. There were even a few cornstalks coming up where seeds had fallen. Luna ignited her horn and felt the land around her. "It seems, dear Applejack, that you will have a second harvest next year. The wind had much magic in it, allowing the plants to be revitalized and strong. I do not believe even our harshest winter will stop them from producing. Least not til the magic runs out." Another wave of wind came, making those who weren't watching have renewed interest. Inside the circle Twilight did not feel any wind. There was none. She did not feel the thrum of power. It came from her. She concentrated, still putting magic into her spell. The fire grew, the runes that were on the ground lifted themselves up to start circling the globe. When the last one did the flames too left the ground. All that was left of the summoning circle was Twilight and a runed globe of pink fire. It suddenly glowed brighter, then dimmed. A few seconds later it repeated. Again and again, faster and faster until it brightened considerably forcing all but Celestia and Discord, who put on some fabulous shades, to look away. Twilight never noticed the brightness, she was looking at the fire, no, into the fire and she saw. A final blast came, stronger then those before it. It tore at the ground outside the smothered circle and shield. The fire came apart, flames heading out to land harmlessly on ground and trees before dissipating. Twilight, magic spent, collapsed on the ground, breathing hard but still staring at the mass before her.When her friends recovered and saw her, they rushed through Celestia's shield without thinking. Thankfully the shield was one way and only meant to keep things out. Celestia, being the first to see the creature, quickly and quite strong wrapped her magic around the muzzles of Luna and Discord. They looked at Celestia pondering why she was doing this, but understood when they looked towards Twilight. "Stay calm, let me handle this." Trusting they heard she let go and the three of them headed towards the others. "OH MY GOSH! I SUMMONED A HUMAN! OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH!" Twilight, still breathing hard, managed to right herself with her friends help but still couldn't stand, looked upon her new familiar. A human! Though it didn't look like one she was familiar with. "Rarity, Applejack, could you turn it onto its back?" "How 'bout I just pick you up sugar." With Pinkies help, Twilight found herself upon Applejack's back, while Fluttershy and Rarity turned the human over. Underneath was a burnt but still whole bag which Rarity moved away. With all looking down they saw a creature with burnt clothing all over, whereas the back still had most of its covering, the front was missing quite a bit. The chest and stomach were exposed, as was the left leg up to the hip and the right leg up to the knee. The feet looked to have had covering due to what was on the end of the feet. The creature had a short amount of dark brown, almost black hair on the top of its head and a short cropped beard around its jaw. It was easily twice as tall as a pony was long. "Wow, I never expected a human." Said Spike next to the head. "Pardon, but what's a human?" Applejack, turning her head to see her charge said. The other five young mares looked at them and back to the now named human, listening in. "Well they are like my friends on the other side of the mirror, but this one looks a bit different." She answered studying the human. Comparing differences. "The body shape is the same but take the eyes, they are much smaller then theirs, as is the head in general, except the nose and ears are comparatively larger." Her eyes roamed downwards. She started talking like she was making a note to herself. "He has a bit of a belly but the chest and arms look right. Fingers seem shorter but keep range of motion. Hip is placed lower on the body causing legs to shorten. Not a good runner then. Feet are longer and wider, maybe use to carrying heavy loads. Hmm." "How do you know its a feller, Twi?" "Hmm? Oh! Hes got a beard. Only males can have that, same as ponies." Twilight looked around at her friends. When her gaze found the Princesses she didn't see happy expressions. "Princess, is something wrong?" Both gave a small jolt before plastering smiles on their faces. "Not at all my Student. I never expected a human to make it here. I am quite curious how since the mirror is the only means to interact with them." "Oh well I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation." Twilight said. A little bit of Rainbow Dash rubbed off on her. She puffed out her chest when she understood it as doing something that was suppose to be impossible. Coming back to her senses she asked Spike to bring the cart over. With an "On it," he walked off. They needed to bring him back to her home since she knew humans preferred to be warn in winter. Only now did she realize she will need to order another Princess sized bed, as well as cloths. "Oh Rarity, do you think you could make him some new cloths, his are kinda burnt at the moment." "I'd love to darling. But may I take a few shreds with me, I don't believe I'm familiar with this material. I might be able to recreate it." "Sure Rarity. Here." Twilight, using as little magic as she could, cut off the pieces left on the back of the legs and removed what was left of the shirt entirely, forcing her to move him onto his side to get it. "Hey Twilight! Look!" Spike pointed his finger at his lower back, where a blotch of white skin was. Within it was Twilight's cutie mark. She smiled. "Thank you Spike. Job well done." She reached out and gave her little brother/assistant/son/it's complicated a hug. "Do you think you could put me in the cart Applejack? Then get him in here as well?" "Sure thing, now just hold on a bit." The apple farmer put the tired princess where she asked then went to get the human. "Oh nelly, he's a big one. Pinkie, help me out here." Even with two earth ponies they barely got him off the ground. "RD! Help!" She prismatic mare wrapped her legs around the torso and flapped for all she was worth. By the time they got him to the cart, Fluttershy was helping guide him in gentle. Rarity just looked confused. A break was well deserved when it was done. As they were all getting their breath, Celestia spoke up. "I'm sorry, but I can't stay any longer." This brought a pout from Twilight. "But I will be in touch. Twilight, you have new responsibility now, please take care of him." "I will Princess. Take care." A short bow from all of them and the Princesses, with Discord, left in the chariot. When they disappeared into the sky, Fluttershy turned to Twilight. "So Twilight, what are you going to name him?" "I'll wait til he wakes up and he could tell me his name." She smiled down onto her human. Still asleep. "Well I'm ready to head back, let's saddle up and bring this fella to the castle." Though Applejack hoped Twilight recovered her magic by then. He was heavy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ On the flight to Canterlot, alone chariot flew. "Sister, that was-" "I know Luna." "We can't let-" "I know Luna." "We must-" "I know Luna!" Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she wrapped a wing around her sister. "I know Luna, I know." She looked at the Draconequus flying next to the chariot. He has been silent since the summoning. But it wasn't his silence that bothered her. It was his eyes. There was nothing in them. "I know."
Chapter 3 - To PlanAt Canterlot Castle - Princess Celestia's Study Sitting upon a selection of floor pillows was the ever majestic Princesses of Equestria, along with two Captains of the Guard - Unicorn and Pegasus Divisions, as well as Discord, who was floating lazily above then in a circle sipping on a Pina Colada (complete with mini gummy umbrella). The others had an assortment of cookies, cakes and tea of their choice. "Thank you both for coming to see us on such short notice, but I'm afraid I must cut the pleasantries short. There is a new creature to Equestria. We fear for the safety of our citizens if it should prove to be violent. So We would like for the both of you to send a squad to go undercover to observe and if necessary detain the creature." Celestia said, knowing the two in front of her will do their utmost to carry out their will. The unicorn stallion and pegasus mare, known as Cpt. Glass Cannon - who specializes in first strikes, and Cpt. Shadow Breeze - who handles spy missions, were only two of the three Captains. Cpt. Fortress was on vacation in Las Pegasus. He specialized in as one would guess, defense, not magically, but his understanding of it allowed him to spot any weak point at a glance and turn it into a strength. The two Captains knew how serious this was. Not because three of Equestria's most powerful beings were there, nor from her less used serious voice. Princess Celestia has not touched her slice of cake. "It will be done your Highness, but may I ask, what is the creature we will be watching?" Asked Shadow Breeze, wondering how a single creature can cause the Princesses this much trouble. "The creature is a human, Captain." answered Celestia. Glass Cannon managed a spit take that impressed Discord. "Are you sure it is a human ma'am?" Celestia nodded. Glass Cannon sighed. "I don't need a squad for that. I have the perfect mare for the job. She isn't part of the Guard but her father is and she knows our procedures." "Which mare art though speaking of, Captain?" Luna asked curiously. "Lyra Heartstring, ma'am." "Ah, I had forgotten about her...hobby." Celestia knew of the mare and her exuberance about mythic species. Particular of those concerning humans. If she found out there was a living specimen, then she wouldn't let him out of her sights. "Yes, I do believe that will suffice." Then Celestia got a smile on her face, seemingly to notice the cake for the first time and took a bite. "But let the knowledge of it being human be a surprise. It'll be a Hearth's Warming for her." "Very well, I will send her at her earliest convenience." "You don't need to send them right away. Let the soldiers enjoy the holiday." Celestia lifted two folders and handed them out to the two of them. "Here are the specifics. There is one for Fortress when he returns. Read it and select your squad. You are both dismissed." The two saluted and returned to their normal duties. When a moment of silence passed, Celestia turned to her sister. "Luna. Do you think you can find the humans dreams? Any information you get will be better than what we have now." Luna nodded. "I believe so, but it has been over four thousand years. I may be, oh how do they say it, rusty?" Humans can access the Dreamscape just like every other species, but like everything about them, it required a special trick to do so. "Thank you Luna. You should head off to sleep. It's past your bedtime." At the mention of her pillow, Luna cracked a wide yawn. She nodded and headed off. "I'll tell the staff to make a late dinner for you." All she got was a grunt in return. Giggling she turned to Discord. Then watched him for a moment. "I know this will be hard on you, but I don't want you anywhere near the human for the next few days." Discord rolled over to look at Celestia. "As such, I will temporarily release you from your promise of using too much chaos, but not of causing harm. Go out, have some fun. Enjoy yourself." "Very well, Princess. I wonder if Fortress would mind a bunk buddy." With a snap of his claws he was off, likely giving the Captain a hard time. "I'll need to give Fortress a bonus for this." With another sigh she got up and walked out to her balcony, she looked towards the castle on the outskirts of Ponyville, forming plans to the situation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile in Ponyville "How can such a skinny fellow weigh more than a cow?"
Chapter 4 - DiscoverySomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 5 - What is Magic, Baby Don't Blast Me"So why did you ponies abduct me?" "I didn't abduct you." Twilight managed to say after a short coughing fit. Storm noticed the "I" and turned to her. "Then you can send me back?" "What? Why?" He glared at her. "I-I don't know. I don't even know if it's possible." "Then how is what you did any different from abducting me." She was about to respond but he interrupted her. "How can you justify forcing me away from my friends, family and loved ones to be your pet." She looked down dejectedly, scoffing her hoof across the table. "I can't," She finally managed to say. Storm gave an exaggerated sigh. "Look Twilight," he waited til she looked up at him, "I've never liked being forced into things I didn't want to do. I get enough of that from my brother, but as I see it there's currently nothing I can do about it. Just give me some time to adapt to this place and we'll see where things go." The ponies smiled." BUT! That doesn't mean I will be your pet. If you want something of me then you will ask. Nicely. You will treat me as an equal, and nothing less. Do you understand my terms?" She grinned and nodded to me. "And second I want a promise from you that you'll look for a way to send me back. Maybe even find a way to summon me back and forth between my world and yours." She made the promise, but the pink mare spoke up. "Twilight, you took him from his home, he should get more reassurance that you will look." A short chant which ended with a hoof in her eye later and Pinkie was happy. Storm being confused, looked to the others. Rainbow spoke up. "You don't break a Pinkie Promise." "Why's that?" "Do you know what Pinkie would do to her if she broke her promise." He deadpanned and waved a hand to indicate himself. "Right, right. Just don't break a Pinkie Promise." "I can't believe shes that scary. I mean look at her. That fluffy mane, those big innocent eyes, and her personality, while random, I would call her a candy girl." She and others giggled. "She is just an unassuming lass." "Well I do work with the cakes making all sorts of sweets." Pinkie claimed. Storm gave a little fist pump. It wasn't every year he got something right. "Oh! Speaking of unassuming, where could I get some cloth?" Strangely it was only Twilight that wasn't confused or curious. "Why would you want some cloth?" That one came from the white one. So he turned towards her. "Well I don't have fur and cant keep myself warm, so I need to make cloths for myself. Though I'll be the first to admit whatever I make won't last a day." He shrugged. "Besides, I don't want to be eye candy." Looking around he saw that Pinkie was drooling just a little. "Well I don't know about eye candy, whatever that is, but I could create you an assemble for any occasion." He looked back at her. "You can make cloths?" She responded with a yes. "Ever work on a biped before?" "Er, no, I admit I've never had the opportunity to." She looked sheepish at her admittance. He shrugged again. "Meh, it'll be better than whatever I end up making. You available right now?" She was. "Then lets not waste time." He got up and wrapped the blanket tighter around him. He took a few steps before turning back around. "Where am I going again?" "This way dear." And thus I ended up following her along with Twilight, and Pinkie, while the others excused themselves. "So what types of cloths can you make?" ****************************************************************************** "Good morning Luna. How was Night Court?" Princess Celestia asked her sister as she came to breakfast looking sullen. "The court was cancelled so we may concentrate on finding the humans dreams." She sat at her end of the table where a waiter placed a big mug in front of her. Celestia couldn't understand how her sister enjoyed such an awful beverage, but the results speak for themselves. It came from a locally grown bean on a far off island on the southern edge of the kingdom. Luna discovered it when she went to see the world in her first year after her return. "It doesn't sound like you were successful." Celestia commented as she began to cut into her strawberry waffles. "Not so. I did find his dreams. However I saw nothing." Celestia looked back at her sister. Before she could ask Luna spoke again. "Nothing at all. He was dreaming, or at least in the dream realm, but he wasn't dreaming about anything. Just nothing but a void. So I used my magic to try and force a dream. The same blackness was there. Then I tried to bring a memory of a dream. It worked, but before I saw more then the first image he awoke." She took a big gulp of her drink. "So what did you see." Celestia asked curiously. It was not often when her sister failed with dreams. "An ancient forest before the rays of first light shown over the horizon." She sighed, thankful for the mug in her magic grasp. "I shall have better luck tonight." Just then a plate of blueberry waffles was placed in front of her. Before she could say her thanks a puff of smoke covered the table. Discord was there in the middle when the smoke cleared. "Good morning Princess, and Celestia. I have returned." He said triumphantly holding up a stallion in armor and his family along with a large amount of suit cases. "Discord, you didn't need to bring Fortress back from his vacation." Celestia didn't want to deal with Discord this early in the morning, but she had to now. "Now now Tia, I looked it up," He pulled a book out of his ear. "Right here, if any active member of the Guard is called to be on duty then they shall be compensated yada yada, in short he will receive four weeks paid vacation. Consider this my Hearths Warming to him and his family." He snapped the book shut and tossed it over his shoulder where it landed as a potted plant in full bloom. Celestia looked to the floating stallion. "And what do you say Captain?" "I wouldn't object to an entire month with my girls." Fortress smiled, he pretty much got four weeks extra for missing the last day of his vacation. "Very well, Discord, please put them down." He did so. "Take your family home and unpack, we will discuss what we need you to do at lunch." The stallion bowed and asked for help with the luggage from the other guards before leaving. "So how are you feeling?" She asked when the doors closed. "Much better than yesterday, thank you." He sat down and with a snap of his talons a plate of upside down waffles and a huge amount of plaid syrup appeared. Instead of thinking about that the Princesses simply ignore it and continued with their own breakfast's. ****************************************************************************** Storm was amazed. Not because of all the ponies staring at him. Not because he got a brief history on the town and the different kinds of ponies within it. Nor was he (too) amazed that pegasus's controlled the weather. No. He was amazed that Rarity, under two hours, measured, designed and completed six outfits to his specifications and lots of grumbling. Five casual and one suit, with one he put on paper from memory so she could work on it later. Call it a special order he said and to take her time with it along with his suggestion that she could put some needle work to it, but nothing shiny or too fancy. Thanking her for her work, the three of them left and headed out to lunch. Storm wanted to go back to the castle to put the cloths away but Pinkie just snatched them up and they disappeared into her mane. "Uh?" "Don't think about it, it's just Pinkie being Pinkie." Twilight said, still walking. "I guess I should just call it magic and leave it at that?" She nodded. "Too late, I'm already thinking of the possibilities." She looked up at him and noticed he looked contemplative. "Isn't what she did bothering you?" "No." "Why not?" "It's possible she's compressing the space in her mane so that any objects that enter become smaller and easier to carry. Course that's only one of the things I can think of and I have no way to prove it." He paused as he saw her eye twitch. "Course it could just be Pinkie being Pinkie." That was the right thing to say as she sat down and did a calming gesture. When they made it to their destination, Storm couldn't help but giggle. Standing in front of him was what looked to be a mix of fast food restaurants all rolled into one. Upon entering and being seated he asked Twilight a question. "Hey Twilight? Didn't you say there were only four pony races?" She looked at him from her menu. "That's right. Earth, Unicorn, Pegasus, and Alicorn. Why do you ask?" "Well there's a pony over there that doesn't look like the others." He said as he pointed over at a table closer to the kitchens. Both her and Pinkie looked but turned back looking at him strangely. "Really? The black one over there." He pointed again, they looked again. "There isn't a black pony there, or anywhere in here Storm." Twilight said after she looked around. "Really? You don't see the black pony with... insect wings and holes in its legs?" He asked again as he squinted at the pony before turning back to see both the ponies he was with looking at him nervously. "Th-that would be a changeling. Their magic lets them disguise themselves as a pony and they eat love. There's an order to detain them if they are found." Her ears perked up. "But how can you see it when we can't?" She got a glint in her eye when he answered in the negative, followed by science and experiments. "Twilight, focus. You said they must be detained?" She nodded. "Very well." Storm got up and headed towards the changeling. "Storm, what are you doing!?" She attempted to grab him with her magic but couldn't. Before she could think about that, he was already at the table where three ponies were eating. When they looked up he grabbed the one sitting by herself. Immediately a wave of green fire washed over the pony from where his hands touched, surprising him long enough to stop him from picking her up when a cry of "Changeling!" came from the ponies sitting across the table. After a few seconds the place was empty except for the four of them, even the sounds in the kitchen had ceased. Picking the now struggling Changeling up and carrying her to Twilight. "I don't think we'll be eating here anytime soon." He said. The changeling, realizing just who she was with stopped struggling in favor of shivering. "It's okay little one, I'm not going to hurt you." He petted her on the head while still holding onto her tightly. "Whelp, let's go back and get Buttercup out of view." Putting action to words he did just that, with no interference as he left the building all the way to the castle. ****************************************************************************** Back at Canterlot, Princess Celestia had just called for lunch and was heading to the dining hall when she met with her three captains. "Ah, good afternoon. I trust the two of you have appraised Captain Fortress of the details." The three nodded. "Excellent! Do any of you need to prepare for your assignment?" The three shook their heads. Now they entered the dining hall where there was an assortment of sandwiches, a few cakes and some tea already prepared. "Will you join me?" It wasn't much of a question as it was a polite command to stay. After they were all seated and took a dish or two they were ready to eat. Then a scroll materialized in front of Celestia. Putting down for fork of cake, she caught and opened the scroll. She read it once, twice and again for good measure before speaking. "It appears that our guest caught a changeling...and is treating it like a scared puppy." She looked up to the Captains. "It seems we'll have to move up our plans. Gather your ponies and an interagator. I will transport us all to Ponyville Castle." ****************************************************************************** "Why do you want to keep a changeling as a pet!?" "Why do you hate a race based on what a few did? And not as a pet, a friend! Wasn't it you who sent Twilight to learn of friendship? Or are you saying only ponies are worth considering?" It was discovered that day that Storm and Celestia do not get along. At all. Author's Note I had to rewrite a bit because I kept going into first person with the human.
Chapter 6 - A Good Cup of...Bloody Celestia. Bloody Twilight. Bloody ponies. These thoughts and more went though his mind after he woke up in his room. What's so wrong with Changelings? You can't call them evil just because you're their food. Hell, if I was hungry enough you'd be my food too, but I'm not evil. Bloody ponies. Storm, the sole human in Equestria was not having a good morning. Being yelled at by both Princesses, and later lectured by Twilight put him in a bad mood that he hoped would have dissipated by morning. Nope. But if there was one way to get back at them, it was to refuse to hand over Buttercup. Oh, remembering the look on Celestia's face made him feel better, if only a little. He sighed. "I need coffee." He remembered at the last moment he brought the changeling up with him and looked at the corner where he put the pillows for her. Laying on top was the changeling, still asleep. Well, first things first. Walking over he knelled and shook her. She gave an adorable snort. Smiling, he had a cruel yet funny idea. He rolled her over and picked her up. One arm under and one to keep her to his chest, she was upside down, legs in the air and head hanging down. A twitch and nothing more. With his charge in tow, he went forth to scavenge food. Making it to the dining hall he saw Twilight, Rarity and Pinkie sitting down, speaking to the waiter. Setting the changeling down in a seat and making it comfortable for her, Storm took the seat next to her. After a few moments waiting for the others to choose their breakfast's, the waiter pony came up to Storm. "And what would you like today, sir." "COOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE." He answered like a zombie asking for brains. "Pardon?" "...Coffee." "I don't believe we have that... or what that is. Would you care for a strawberry salad with warm milk?" He looked at the stallion. "No coffee?" He shook his head. Storm looked at the ponies at the table. They shook their heads. Head met table. "Ow." It was not made of wood. He took a moment to rub his pain away. "Next you'll tell me there is no wine." Silence greeted him. He looked back up. "Seriously? No alcohol?" "You can get alcohol at the hospital." Rarity helpfully answered. "Wrong type of alcohol." He gave a heavy sigh. "Okay. I need a pony that can ... get things. Oh sorry, can you make hash browns? oh good. I'll take that with two eggs, sunny side up and some orange juice. Thank you." "OO OO I'll get you things, whatcha need?" Pinkie Pie, gleefully and somehow said sitting on Storms lap. A momentary silence and he picked her up and deposited her on the floor. He turned to Twilight. "First things first. Do you know what caffeine is?" "Of course I know what caffeine is. Wh-" "What does it come from?" She doesn't like being disrupted. "Why do you want to know." "It's so I can make a drink out of it and not get on others nerves." Not really true but if it gives her a reason to give it to him then all the better. "If I recall correctly it comes from a bean-" YES! "-but is only found on an island to the south and they are highly protective of it." NO! Then an angel appeared. "I got some of those beans." Storm looked and there was Fluttershy, sitting of all places next to the sleeping changeling. How she got there without anyone noticing was a question for another day. One much more important needed to be asked. "Fluttershy. How in the world did you get your hooves on those. I can understand if Blueblood got some but you. No offense." Twilight said amazed at what her friend was saying. "Oh none taken. You see a few years ago some of my bird friends visited the island on their way south for the winter. They really liked the beans but the ponies there would always shoo them away. So when they weren't paying attention some of the birds grabbed some and brought them to me as a sweet thank you gift. I've been growing them since." Note: be VERY nice to the birds. "Fluttershy, how many beans do you have right now?" Storm was hopeful. "Since only a few like them and I just plant a few more each year, I have 6 ten pound sacks." Storm got up, moved over to Fluttershy and hugged her. "You are best pony." He stayed like that for a moment before letting go. "Could you bring over a sack? I will love you forever if you do." "S-s-sure." She responded a little red in the cheeks. He gave her another hug, only shorter this time. Then he went back to his chair. "Okay Pinkie, if you can get them I need a 50 pound barrel, enough fresh fruit or berry juice to fill it, a few pounds of sugar and some yeast that does well in liquids. Do this and you will be best pony number two." "If? If I can't get them then I'll give you a party every day for a month!" Then her eyes turned into pinpricks before returning to normal. GASP! "I forgot to give you a welcome party! We have so much to catch up on." She hopped behind his chair and disappeared. Well today is gonna be a good day. "Wah, how did I get here!?" Said a buzzy voice next to him.
Chapter 7 - Stories (Or What Were They Thinking)Breakfast was good. Even without coffee. Once Fluttershy brought over her sack, he'll figure out how to roast them, perhaps with Spikes help, might even give it a unique taste. Then when Pinkie gets back, he will abandon all and start making some good stuff. He doubts the ponies have everything he needs, but it'll take a while to finish, so there's time to make anything he's missing. "So Twilight, while we wait for Fluttershy and Pinkie, whaddya wanna do?" Storm asked as he followed Twilight around. "I would like to take a look at you and find out how you saw through a changelings magic." "...As long as you don't go mad scientist on me, I'll let you do what you want. So where are we going?" "We are going to my lab. And before you ask, no, I don't have a skylight for lightning strikes." "You've gone mad scientist before haven't you." "..." "That fills me with so much confidence. I think I'll need an adult." "I am an adult. And I wasn't that bad. I only hooked Pinkie up to my machine and she's perfectly fine. Besides, it's all non invasive." "Well that's good." A few minutes later they entered into what Storm would call a mad scientist's lab. So many blinking lights, vials and large vats filled with bubbling liquids and one device with a mirror in its center. Definitely mad scientist. He was led over to a seat next to a brain scanner that looks like it was stolen from Doc Brown. Sitting down, Twilight magic'd the scanner over to his head and strapped it on. She connected the cables and turned the machine on. After a few seconds she realized why there was no paper coming out, she used it all on Pinkie. Turning the machine off she refilled the paper bin and turned it back on. On the paper that came out where the usually squiggly line was not a squiggly line. It was razor straight. No deviation up or down. Again she turned the machine off and checked all the connections. Everything was good and seemed in working order. Again she turned it on and again the same straight line. "Arrrhh, what's wrong with this thing?" "What's this thing suppose to measure? Besides the amount of colorful blinking lights." "Oh ha ha. This is suppose to record the subjects magic signature, but it's obviously not working right." She gave it a kick hoping her frustration will make it magically work. "Right. Twilight, I hate to have to break this to you but I don't have magic. No human does." "Of course you have magic, everypony has magic. It is an integral part of our world. For Celestia's sake, even my human friends in the other world have magic. There's no way you can't have magic!" Some of her hairs sprung up as she went back to look over the machine, forgetting to turn it off. "Hold on. Humans in the other world? Twilight!" He was understandably mad, she was suppose to get him home and here she was saying she had a way home. "Horseapples." She turned towards him. "Yes they are human, but you don't look like them. They can use magic if sparingly and if you indeed can't, then you are different types of humans." He stared in her eyes as she said that. "I will be the judge of that. You will take me to see this other world." "I don't think-" "I will be the judge of that." This time he said it with clear anger. Twilight stayed where she was looking at him before she huffed. "Fine, but not today, I want to figure this out." "Tomorrow then." He could be patient for a day. Truthfully he was a bit curious about magic. Twilight worked silently now, and Storm just watched her, letting his anger bleed away. Finally he was calm enough to ask something he has been wondering about for a while. "So Twilight, where'd you meet your friends? Not to sound rude, but they don't seem like the types that would usually be friends." She smiled. "Well I met them all the day Celestia sent me to oversee the Summer Sun Celebration..." ***Assume Twilight is talking about her adventures and these are his responses. Can be skipped*** "I don't like how she did it but you really needed to get out of the library once in awhile." "Even your friends chased you around town for a pair of tickets. I've seen friendships crumble for more." "Wha-" "I know what I said." "Ha! Poor Applejack, but that's what happens when you don't sleep." "You have Griffons here? Cool. I wanna ride one... Don't give me that look." "Her stare made a dragon feel like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar? Impressive." "Brave little filly. But really, a pranking flower? Hehe." "I have a feeling I'm going to be meeting those three sooner rather than later if what ya say is right." "Run when Pinkie twitches. Got it." "Wow, Rainbow can go mach 1. I got no words for it." "Mach 1 is breaking the sound barrier." "We're experimenting with mach 22. You do the math." "The power of apple pie I guess." "Flat haired Pinkie can't be that scary." "So she brought you all pretty much knowing you'll wreck the place. Guess she's not all bad." Author's Note Couldn't think of something more, But I don't want to make you wait another month for an update. As always; Rate, pillage and plunder.
