Persona: Radianceby Diokno44Chapters1. Welcome to the Velvet Room 2. Home is where the rapier is3. Ponyville University 4 Strange Occurences1. Welcome to the Velvet Room 1. Welcome to the Velvet Room 1/1/4224 The chilly night is calm, the air covered by a thick fog. Out of the darkness, a shining carriage moves down a dimly lit road. There is a flash, and the interior of the carriage appears. A haunting, yet beautiful music fills the air, like something out of a ghostly opera. A draconequis, a hybrid of multiple beings, sits on a dark purple seat which runs along the carriage walls, separating only at the doors on either side. His head is bowed, as if in prayer or deep thought. A mare the color of mints, with a pale mane, and golden eyes stood by him, dressed in a blue flight attendant's uniform. Before them sat a lavender Unicorn, her mane a deep purple-blue with a vibrant pink streak running down it. She opened her eyes, as the Draconequis opened his eyes, smiling. "Ah, it seems we have a visitor, my name is Discord," He gestured to the mare beside him, "This is my assistant, Lyra 2.0." He raised his head, "Welcome, my dear, to the Velvet Room." He nods, as a face down card appears on the table. "Do not worry, you are asleep in the physical world. I can see great potential slumbering within you, waiting to be free." He waved his paw, and the card flipped over, "Ah, the Fool, most interesting. I see you do have quite a tremendous gift." He smiled, as the card vanished with a snap of his fingers. "The Fool, to some, represents a journey that one must undertake, and might I say you have quite the journey before you." He held out his hand, as a paper appeared on the table, "Sign this please, don't worry, its mere a formality." The mare, half asleep, signed it, and it dissipated. Discord chuckled lightly. He glanced at a clock hanging on a wall across from him, behind the Unicorn. "Sadly, the hour is drawing close, but, we shall speak again." His voice slowed down, as everything faded to black. Twilight's eyes snapped open, as she sat up. "That was some dream." She looked to her side, revealing several empty bags of potato and hay chips, "Not to self, don't eat junk food before taking a nap on a train." She said to herself, laughing quietly. She stared out of the train window, watching the cloudy sky whiz by, as a more down-to-earth town appeared. Whereas Canterlot was bustling and luxurious, this "Ponyville", from what she had researched, was a friendly, peaceful, semi-small town where everypony practically knew everypony, if just by face. She sighed, "Hopefully they're as friendly as the travel guides said." She had never really had any true friends, aside from her brother, and her foalsister, who was now her sister-in-law, Princess Cadence. Her parents had gone on an extended business/research trip. Her father was an astronomer who dabbled in neurology, and her mother was a part-time author. With her brother on guard duty, and her parents away, alongside the school in Canterlot not being the best, they had decided to send her to a rather good university in the nearest town, which happened to be Ponyville. She got up off her seat, a pressure mounting within her. Quickly discarding her trash in a nearby, she dashed into the bathroom, and locked the door. With her business done, she exited with a sigh of relief, and sat back down in her seat. The Pegasi had started a drizzle that made the sky seem somewhat gloomy. Rain drops trickled down the window beside her, as Twilight looked out. Various stone or wood buildings with either thatched our tiled roofs stood in neat lines. A chime sounds through the train car, "Arriving at Ponyville Transient Station in, 10 minutes." the intercom replies, before shutting off. Twilight smiled, gently levitating her bags from the compartment, and set them down beside her. The Unicorn mare laid back, "So, this is Ponyville." She said to herself, trying to clear her mind of that strange vision. She reached into her bag, and pulled out a leather-bound book. It was an adventure novel Cadence had gotten her for her "Going Away Party", and, even though it looked used, Twilight didn't care, it was a gift from her half-sister dang-it! She cracked it open, crossed her hind legs, and was lost in the world known as The Agatean Empire, by T. Ratchet. The Canterlot Expresses' horn blew, steam billowing in the wind, as the train chugged to the bright reddish-orange building that was Ponyville Transient Station. The train came to a halt with a final loud blow of its whistle, and a blast of burning steam. Ponies crowded, both within the train, and eagerly waiting on the platform. Twilight smiled as the doors opened with a HISS. She grabbed her bags, and stepped out. Her adopted little brother/son, Spykoran Jr. or Spike, for short, was already here. Now she had to find her half- "Twilight!" A formal, professional tone called out. Twilight Sparkle smiled, turning to see the beautiful alabaster Unicorn that had called to her. Rarity Opus Toreador, Twilight's half-sister. Her mother, Twilight Velvet, had been married to Rarity and Sweetie's father, Magnum, giving him two foals, before divorcing him after Magnum almost got their family targeted by a hitmare after a sting operation went awry. So, she had married her original flame, Night Light Sparkle the 22nd. Rarity embraced Twilight, who reciprocated the hug. "It's been so long dear." Rarity blinked, before turning her head slightly. A small white filly was hiding beneath Rarity's curled tail. "Sweetie, don't you want to say hello to your big half-sister Twilight?' She smiled slightly. Rarity gently nudged Sweetie with her left hindleg. Shyly, Sweetie poked her head out, "Um...hi big sis Twilight." She squeaked, and the ten year old was back to hiding behind her sister. She virtually wrapped herself in Rarity's tail, opening a tiny slit to peek out of. Rarity rolled her eyes, "Urgh, well Twilight, I'm glad to have you stay with us for the year, or so." She smiled warmly, carrying half of Twilight's luggage to their carriage, humming. Author's Note R.I.P Terry Pratchett, even though I never read any of the Discworld books, which I plan to do, it is always a shame when the literature world loses such great minds. May he rest in peace. 2. Home is where the rapier is1/1/4224-Evening The evening sun was dipping below the horizon by the time the carriage had stopped at Carousel Boutique, Rarity's home and business. The sky turned a brilliant shade of orange, with a strand of violet at the end as the wheels came to a halt. Twilight groaned, as she stretched her limbs, almost tumbling out of the vehicle, her legs stiff. She felt her joints pop, as she fixed her normally straight mane. It had taken them a little over an hour to go from the Transient Station to the Boutique. She dusted herself off, and popped open the carriage trunk. Her horn lit up, as she picked up two of her four suitcases, "Thanks for helping me with my luggage Rarity." Twilight said, a warm smile gracing her lips. She grunted as she lifted the heavy bags out of the trunk, and into the warm air behind her. "Anytime Darling, you are my favorite half-sister after all." Rarity smiled back, picking up the other two suitcases with minimal effort. She trotted forward, Sweetie Belle and the two bags trailing behind her. Humming a tune she bent down and moved the green "WELCOME HOME" mat aside, revealing a small brass key. "Really? A key under the mat? And here I thought my fashionista sis would have more imagination than that." Twilight teased, snickering. Rarity playfully stuck her tongue out at the lavender mare. Turning back to the door, she levitated the key into a locked cube bolted to the wall. Turning the key, she pulled out a small silver key. She then inserted the door lock, and turned the key, as the bolt unlocked with a satisfying CLICK. She smirked, turning to Twilight, who pouted cutely, muttering to herself. The trio stepped inside, as Sweetie Belle shut the front door, before heading upstairs to work on her schoolwork. "Ah, home sweet home." Rarity breathed in deeply, as she set the bags by the side of the door, taking off her scarf and hanging it on the coat rack. "Make yourself at home Twilight." She said, then made her way into the kitchen to prepare their dinner. Twilight nodded, setting the rest of the luggage down by its brethren. She took in the place. At the front appeared to be a waiting area, with a doorway which, upon tilting forward slightly, revealed a comfortable, homey, living room. An emerald green couch that could fit around five, and a well cared for, wide Television. A mahogany coffee table provided a barrier between the TV and the couch. Putting her own hat and coat on the coat rack, she noticed something that caught her eye. A shining rapier, one that, while it looked like it had been used, had been well cared for, was nestled amongst umbrellas in a bin not far from the hat rack. When she had barely moved two feet to inspect the weapon, Rarity poked her head back out, and came to chat with her half-sibling, two daisy sandwiches held on a plate, and two cups of fresh tea. While the two enjoyed the simple meal, the blade mixed in with the umbrellas came back to the forefront of Twilight's mind. "Hey Rarity," Twilight said, the alabaster mare swallowed her chunk of sandwich, and cocked her head to face her kin, "So, I can't help but notice that," she thought over how to continue, "You have a, well, rapier tucked in there." She pointed to the umbrella bin, which was a rose red color. A faint blush lit up Rarity's cheeks like a Hearthswarming Eve tree light, as a she coughed into her hoof. She set down her sandwich, and took a deep breath, "Twilight, d-did mother ever tell you about those, um, fencing lessons I took when I was in Madame Haylene Mareyer's Finishing School for Fillies?" Twilight nodded, "I...continue practicing, I know it isn't terribly ladylike for one to be seen armed, but, a lady does need a way to defend herself, and, even the greatest noblemares have been reported to have brandished a blade in times of need." She smiled, "Madame Mareyer said I was quite skilled at it." She recalled fondly. "That's unexpected Rarity, but well, at least you haven't been letting yourself get too pudgy." Twilight snickered, as Rarity pouted, and nudged Twilight's right foreleg with her own. "I've done a little fencing during high school, but," she clicked her tongue, "Now that we're both gonna be freshmares at Ponyville University in a week, do you think...." She motioned towards the rapier in the basket. Rarity smiled slightly, "Of course Twilight, I'll be glad to instruct you on Tuesdays,Thursdays, and Saturdays." She took a sip of her tea, "The other day's I'll be busy with Spike." She giggled, a blush rising to her cheeks once more, "I hope you don't mind." Twilight laughed, "No, I'm cool with it, I'm just surprised is all, I thought you two would never be able to muster the courage to admit your feelings for each other." She ducked the felt pillow that was thrown at her, as they continued their meal, making small talk in between. It was an hour later when the two had finished, and Rarity had scrubbed the plates with the aid of Twilight, and had then put Sweetie to bed. The filly had fallen asleep after a grueling battle with history. The door closed behind them as they exited her room. "With Spike coming over, how does she ever get sleep?" She quipped. "My walls are soundproofed." Rarity flushed, "If only you didn't consider him a brother, the things he can do with those claws...." She stopped in place, her eyes glazing over, as various images of her drakefriend and her in compromising positions, a thin strand of drool dripping from her mouth. Twilight chuckled lightly, wiping away the saliva. Rarity trotted into her bedroom as if in a perverted stupor, and went to bed. Twilight smiled, whispering a "Goodnight sis." before she closed the door. She made sure the front door was locked, before hefting aloft her luggage with her magic. Carefully, she trudged up the stairs with her bags, the only sound being her labored breaths as she carried her suitcases with her. She made sure not to wake up her half-siblings. The weight of her hooves caused the carpeted stairs to creak ever so slightly beneath her as she ascended. The sounds of a pair of muffled snores that would rival a dragon's came from the Toreador sisters' rooms, causing Twilight to hush a snicker with her hoof. She pushed the door of her room open, and unpacked her clothes and other items, placing them in their correct places. She set aside her bags by the light grey cabinet. Twilight inhaled the cool bedroom air, and then pulled the covers down. The lavender mare set her dark grey pleather jacket and cap on the nightstand next to her bed, and folded them. Twilight Sparkle pulled the dark blue covers over herself, as the luminescent moon was eclipsed by a passing cloud, bathing the room in a cool darkness. She snuggled into her pillow, yawning quietly. Exhaling a blast of air from her nostrils, sleep began to take Twilight. Closing her eyes, she finally entered Luna's Dreamland. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1/2/4224-Early Morning Twilight Sparkle mumbled in her sleep, as a cock crowed in the distance, signaling the coming dawn. Twilight slowly opened her eyes, groaning as the harsh sunlight blasted her in the face. She rubbed her brilliant purple eyes with her hooves, yawning, as she slowly sat up in bed. She smacked her lips, before she felt a familiar pressure. Quickly kicking off the midnight blue covers of her bedspread, she made her way to the bathroom and took care of her business. Flushing, she then proceeded to carefully brush her teeth. Rinsing her mouth, Twilight looked at herself in the polished mirror. Her mane looked like a she had tried to cut it with a rusty chainsaw, dipped the tips of each strand of hair in a mixture of sulfuric acid and Pinkto-Abysmal, and then got several Pegasi on some serious drugs to fly around her head while they were singing folk songs. In short, it was a total disaster. She grumbled, before brushing her mane. "Note to self, never eat too much before bed again." The lavender Unicorn mumbled to herself. Her mane finally in order, Twilight went out to greet the new day. She didn't put her jacket or hat back on, and the only reason she had even worn them was twofold. One, she wanted to make a fashionable first impression on her half-sisters, and two, it was pretty bucking cold in between Canterlot and Ponyville. Her tail swished as she trotted downstairs, her sensitive nose having picked up the scent of freshly made Gelgian waffles, and freshly squeezed mango juice. "Good morning!" Twilight chirped, as she entered the kitchen. She got a muffled response from Sweetie Belle, who currently had a waffle in her mouth, which was dripping butter onto her plate. A half empty glass of juice sat next to Sweetie's plate. Rarity trotted in from the stove, a mint green, floral patterned apron around her body, and gave a disapproving look at Sweetie Belle for her table manners, before smiling. "Good morning Twilight," She gestured to an empty seat, with the plate and silverware set up, "How was your sleep?" She asked. Twilight returned the smile, "It was fine, I didn't really dream anything noteworthy." She responded, and took her seat. She eagerly licked her lips as a batch of fresh waffles was heaped onto her plate. "Thanks sis." She grabbed her fork and knife in her magic, and began to carefully eat the meal before her. Small talk was exchanged by the trio as they ate their breakfast. By the time the food was done, Twilight had re-dressed in her jacket and cap, with light purple saddlebags with her Cutie Mark as the clasp, while Rarity was dressed in a long, multicolored scarf, a crimson beret with a gold eagle pin, and her saddlebags. Both escorted Sweetie Belle to the Middle School building of Ponyville University, then made their way to the main campus. Rarity hummed a quiet tune as the two trotted through the long path leading from the plated gates, to the double revolving doors of the central administration building. Cheerilee was a former teacher of Art History, and was the Vice Principal, while her cousin Colgate, a part time orthodontist, took up the post of Principal. The secretary, Ditzy Doo, twin sister to the Head of Ponyville University Mail Delivery Services, or the HPUMDS for short, Derpy Hooves, waved a friendly hoof to the two, "Good morning girls." She smiled warmly. The two responded in kind, as they made their way to the office. Rarity knocked, as the door was enveloped in a pale blue aura, and swung open. Colgate sat at her desk, absentmindedly brushing a fake set of teeth with a brush. She looked up, smiling warmly. "Ah, Ms. Toreador, and..." She stared inquisitively at the lavender Unicorn, "You must be Ms. Toreador's half-sister, Twilight Sparkle the 14th." She went to her computer, and printed out two sheets of paper, and hoofed it to the mare. "One is your schedule, and the second paper is a copy of the school bulletin." Twilight thanked her, as the two exited her office, and went their seperate ways. Today would be the start of Twilight's bizzare adventure.... 3. Ponyville University 3. Ponyville University The two mares trotted through the ruby red and gold painted halls of Ponyville University. Students bustled past them, whether to grab something from their lockers, or to head to their next class. Rarity trotted alongside her half-sister, leading her to her homeroom, and first class, Medical Magics 101. Rarity's first class of the new year was Geometric Theory. The duo stopped at the door of a classroom, "Well, here we are darling, I'll see you later." She patted the other mare on the shoulder, before striding away to her classroom. Taking a deep breath, Twilight Sparkle opened the door, and placed a hoof in the classroom- -To find that, aside from the teacher, she was the only one in the room. The teacher, Dr. Stable Hoof, according to his nameplate, a retired surgeon from the local hospital, was at his desk, his phone out, and was absentmindedly playing a game, bored out of his mind. He was a rugged, jovial Earth Pony. His light tan coat was neatly brushed, his carefully combed mane, which was the color of chocolate, speckled with grey, blew lightly in the breeze. She cleared her throat, snapping him out of his concentration. He closed out the game, and turned to the purple mare, "Ah, hello there..." He glanced at his phone, which he had switched to the roster, which included a photo of the student next to their name, gender, and other necessary information, Though why I'd ever need to know their blood type is odd., the former medical practitioner thought, "Ms. Sparkle, I am Dr. Stable Hoof." He smiled warmly, the kind a grandfather would to a favored grandchild, even though he couldn't have been been older then 36. "Hello to you, Dr. Hoof." Twilight smiled, taking the desk nearest to the teacher, since a seating chart hadn't been created yet. "So, let me guess, either everypony's late, or I'm extraordinarily early." She grinned. The older stallion chuckled, his mane swishing, "Hah, both." He smiled, as he leaned back, "So, how much of healing magic do you know Ms. Sparkle?" Twilight thought it over. At the behest of her former foalsitter, and now half-sister Princess Cadence, Princess Celestia had tutored her in magic whenever she found the time, healing spells included, which was on her record. "I know all the basic spells, and a few advanced ones." She said, as the instructor nodded his head in approval. "That's good, I'm sure you'll go far in my class." He then fixed his coat, as students started coming in. Each gave a reason for why they were late, and apologized. Soon, the room was abuzz with conversation. Less than a half hour into the class, Stable placed the book he had been reading the lesson from on his desk, and cleared his throat, getting his pupils' attention. "Alright class, pop question time. Now, we got through reading the forerunner, and in the modern age, sister skill to medical magic, alchemy. Originally used to transmute one mineral into another, it later grew to the making of potions, and as a conduit for magic. Now, Ms. Sparkle..." The lavender mare shot up from her desk, hooves resting on the metal surface. "Which of these three is credited as the founder of modern alchemy? A. Sir Van Hornheim, B. Elixir Faustis, C. Prism Magustus, or D. Lady Bubble Gum?: Twilight thought it over, recalling every history lesson she had attended, and every history book she had read that mentioned alchemy, and turned them over and over in her mind. The true founder was a matter of dispute, but many scholars agreed the most likely candidate was-"Sir Van Hornheim!" She said, smiling confidently, her brain surging with the knowledge she held within. Dr. Hoof grinned, applauding, "Excellent work my dear, excellent work." A number of her classmates looked at her with admiration and surprise. It took a lot a lot to impress the former medical practitioner, "Hornheim discovered, through unknown means, how to use alchemy to not only create both elixirs to heal, but also poison, but also how to use it to act as a conduit for one's natural magic. Ergo, an Earth Pony could access magics, even the forbidden ones, that Chancellor Level Head, or Pudding Head, to use the moniker she took on in her adulthood, and her son Smart Cookie sealed away long ago. History also tells us of the one of one of the Maker's greatest generals against that vile daemon, Messorem Animas, the accursed Reaper of Souls. Her name was Solar Flare, a great Pegasus-Gargoyle pyromancer from the southern Gargoyle city of Rockoris, in the Gargoyle homeland of Petrificus. Using alchemical sigils, and but a simple candle, she was able to weave powerful firestorms again the unholy forces." He then checked the clock, "Alright class, I've P-Mailed you your assignments, have them in by next Thursday." The bell rang, as it was now time for the 30 minute break in between classes. Twilight and the others funneled out into the hall. Twilight stretched as she trotted outside of the classroom, her saddlebags slung over her back, whistling quietly. She levitated the dark grey "Welcome" Ponyville the principal had given her out of her left saddlebag, and opened it. Aside from an introduction to the University, information about clubs and whatnot, it also contained her schedule. She looked it over, and found her next class after the break was Mythohistory. Her stomach rumbled loudly, causing her to rub it. "Now, where was the cafeteria again?" She asked to nopony in particular. Taking out the map included in the folder. Humming, her eyes scanned the freshly printed out map, her nose absorbing the scent of new paper. "Ah, here it is, let's see, turn right, right again, down the hall..." She mumbled, occasionaly lifting her eyes from the paper before her, looking for signs marked "Cafeteria". After thirty minutes, she pushed the double doors open, and stepped inside. Her ears picked up on hundreds of mini-conversations. Many of the tables were packed with ponies, zebras, dragons, griffons, and a number of members from the other sentient races. Taking a tray from a stack, she made her way down the various booths, scooping up some food into her plates. Looking for a place to eat, she sat down, and looked over her food. Small strips of steak, some fresh hay and Prench fries, a few slices of an apple, and an ear of corn. "Ah, perfectly health, appetizing, school food!" she said, without a hint of sarcasm in her voice at all. As she moved to take bit of her meat, a pear sailed across the table, and smacked her right shoulder, causing her concentration to waver, and for her fork to clatter on the plate. She rubbed her sore shoulder, wincing. "Sorry bout that!" A mare's voice called out. Twilight turned to see a cyan Pegasus mare at her table. Her rainbow mane and tail swished in the faint breeze. "Meant to hit the trashcan." She blushed lightly, as she scratched the back of her head. Twilight sighed, smiling slightly, "It's alright, so, who do I have to thank for hitting me in the foreleg with a piece of fruit?" She smirked. She placed her hoof down, and continued eating. The mare grinned, "Name's Dash, Rainbow Spectrum Dash, captain of the school's aerobatics, track and field, and ballooning teams, as well as founder of the Ponyville High Aerial Race Club" Rainbow said, picking up the pear, and tossed it into the trash in one swing of a wing. "Impressive." Twilight nodded, as she finished her hoof, "So, let me guess, only beings who can fly get to join?" She asked, motioning to her horn. Rainbow guffawed at this, waving a hoof, "No, no." She pulled out a poster, blue backdrop, with a pair of sleek, metallic wings in the center. "The local LIMB clinic recently started offering these biomechanical wings, so, a Pegasus that suffered an injury or has a medical condition that leaves them with only one wing or none, or any of the flightless races can join in." She rolled the poster up, and stuffed it in her saddlebag, "Cheap compared to what the older medical companies have to offer." Twilight rubbed her chin, "I might look into it." She then looked closely at the mare before her, before something clicked in her mind. "Hey, wasn't your mom captain of the Wonderbolts Aerial Flight Performers and Defense Team before Spitfire?" She asked. Rainbow looked down, a dark look coming over her eyes. A small sigh escaped her, "Y-yeah, she was." She looked up to Twilight, "The official report said she was killed during a training mission, right?" At Twilight's nod, a hollow, mirthless chuckle came from her, "It's all horseapples. It wasn't a training mission." She then turned away, leaving a confused, and sympathetic Twilight behind. "Wasn't a training mission..." Twilight repeated, placing her tray in the retrieval slot. Could she have been...murdered? She thought to herself. She pushed the thought back, as it would soon be time for her next class.She grabbed her saddlebags, and slung them over her back. Quickly looking at her map, she found her classroom, Room 187, Mythohistory. The class covered what was known as the Aurora Era, when the Maker and his kind made war on the daemons that plagued the realm, before the races of Equis recorded their history in written language. The teacher, Lyra Heartstrings, alongside her wife and teaching assistant, Bon-Bon, though most friends referred to her as Sweetie Drops, on account of her own a candy shop, were, as they put it, eccentric. Lyra and Bon-Bon were only a year or two older than their students, but had gotten their diplomas at a younger age. Whistling quietly, she pushed the door open, to find Mrs. Heartstrings sorting through some paperwork on her desk. Her mint colored coat shined in the daylight. "Good morning Mrs. Heartstrings." She said politely. Quickly glancing at the seating chart, she took her seat at the front of the class, middle row. Another pony, an Earth Pony stallion, a female Minotaur, a muscular looking heifer, an athletic looking female Zebra, and a slim male Changeling, his insectoid like shell shined as if polished, made up the class. She pulled out a pen, and opened her notebook, as class began. 4 Strange Occurences1/2/4225-After School High Tide Twilight stretched, as the final bell rang. Her last class had been Advanced Metaphysics. It had been quite an interesting day. In Mythohistory, which also studied the history of the thousand years or so following the Aurora Era, Lyra, who had an odd fascination with wearing an Ancient Roaman Officer's Helmet, while her wife wore what appeared to be a Solar Guard Helmet from 14 BB (Before Banishment). Lyra somehow managed to KO herself with her own helmet, and was lovingly tended to, and scolded by, her wife, who took over the lesson, while Lyra nursed her head with an icepack, whimpering cutely. Whereas, in Advanced Metaphyics, the teacher, Mrs. Harshwhinny Sr. had fallen asleep at her desk, bored as a majority of her students had been, save Twilight. As she was trotting through the halls, she noticed a familiar young Unicorn mare, and a pale stallion next to her. The mare had an alabaster coat, and a poofy violet mane, her eyes, gazing at the muscular stallion next to her, were deep blue. The stallion was a similar shade of white, with a short, forest green mane. He was a Unicorn, with a pair of silver mechanical wings attached to a harness. She knew both quite well. The stallion was Lord Gold Soul, a member of the Equestrian Council, which aided Celestia and Luna in drafting up new laws or taxes. He was also close to the Princesses, almost like a brother of sorts. His wings, made by Atlas Corp. had been specially ordered so he could go on flights with the Royal Sisters without the need of a strenous levitation spell, or a chariot. The mare next to him was his marefriend, Party Pop, Rarity's daughter, and a freshmare. She was apparently majoring in fashion design, Hoity Toity's class if she recalled.Twilight had only met the mare twice, once a few weeks after she had been born, and another when she was about four. Most wondered how Rarity could retain her youthful appearance, despite having a daughter of twenty years of age. The answer she always gave was that it involved a breathing technique she had picked up while vacationing in Monlan, in Northeast Pasia, and something involving Spike. Before Twilight could get a word out, a voice called out to them, ¨Hey Gold, P-Pop, wait up." A stallion rushed up to the two. He had a short, black mane and tail, a light brown coat, and eyes the color of fresh blood. His black longcoat swished about him, in fact, he was one of the few ponies around to be fully clothed. Most of the others were either fully nude, as a majority of the ponies were, or partially clothed. Fangs were visible whenever he opened his mouth. She had seen him around Ponyville. From what the Princesses had said, they considered the youthful looking vampony to be an old friend. Luna moreso due to also being a vampony. He rarely spoke of his past, and Twilight never asked, not meaning to pry. His crimson eyes turned to the lavender mare, and a small smile graced his face, "Hey Twilight." He waved. Students meandered about, grabbing things from their lockers or chatting with one another. "Hey guys." Twilight trotted over, her charcoal coat swishing against her combed fur. "How's my favorite niece?" She smiled, nuzziling Party. "How's that startup going?" She ruffled Party's poofy purple mane. Party Pop grinned, a light shining in her eyes. "It's going great auntie Twilight!" She bounced on her hooves, ecstatic. "I got some of my friends to help and everything!" She giggled, "And until Auntie Cadence gives birth in..." She checked a specially crafted watch made by a friend of Twilight's, Doctor Whooves. Little was known of the mytserious stallion, outside of the fact he had married the sisters Derpy and Ditzy, after the two had been fused together, and that he was an expert watchsmith, who dabbled in the ancient art of Chronomancy. The watch could tell not only the time, but also the year, month, day, etc, of events. "Two months, four days, seventeen hours, and five minutes from today." She chirped, putting her hoof back to the tiled floor. "I'm your only niece!" She grinned. Party resembled an Earth Pony, like her motherr Pinkie, but she had the mane and coat color of her mom Rarity. A birth defect had caused her horn to grow inward. Twin earings, enchanted with a slight magic suppresion and control spell, were the only things that allowed her to use her magic, which mainly constituted of basic spells such as levitation, safely. Otherwise, the magic would surge through her brain, and possibly kill her. The only side effect of this was a slight twitch she had gained. "True as ever Party." Twilight smiled, before shivering. For a second, she had felt a strange shift in the air, and the scent of...fresh ashes pervading her nostrils. She blinked, noticing the trio staring at her. "Its a bit chilly." She said, chuckiling slightly. Party looked at her aunt, "Yeaahhh auntie." She said, scratching the back of her head with a hoof. She was about to say something, when Gold prodded her with a hoof. SHe turned her head, smiling, "Yeah Goldie?" She asked. "Um, I'd hate to break up the friendly chat, but do you feel that?" Gold Soul asked. An icey feeling had crept over the group. A slight breeze whistled through the halls. Knight looked around, glancing around. "Where is everypony?" He asked, fangs bared. Before, the halls had been practically abuzz with the hsould of hooves, or other such appendages clacking against the tiled floor, the din of friendly chatter, or the squeaking of lockers opening and shutting. Now, save for the group, there wasn't a living soul around. The key word was living, for around them, statues resembeling their classmates lined the halls. Above each, written in a blood-red color, were words. Many of them were derogatory, above one female half-Griffon was the word "Halfbreed Whorse." While others read things such as "Agony", and a few were even in sentences, like "I steal medication from my family pharmacy." "W-what in Celestia's teats is going on?!" Twilight shouted, sweat pouring down her face. This was wrong, why were they the only ones who weren't statues? Who wrote these words and phrases? What in the name of all that was holy was going on? The group's attention shifted when they heard a grotesques noise come from deeper down the hall, to their left. Their faces turned, as a figure came into view.It looked like a pony, if the pony had been made of ink. Its coat was as black as night, with violet stripes running across their body. A light blue mask, with a featureless expression, was attached to its "face" "Hello?" Party Pop asked the new comer, taking a step back. The creature's head sharply turned towards the group. A horrid gurgling sound could be heard, as its body began to shift. Like fresh tar, thick tendrils began emerging from its back. It began to shamble towards them, an eeries giggiling coming from its vicinity. "I've seen enough Neighponese anime to know where this is going!" Gold said, charging up his horn. The other three glanced at him, eyebrows raised, before turning to the tentacled beast. Knight readied himself, his blades sliding out of their sheathes. He attached them to harnesses attached to his hooves, as the blades crackled with an ethereal energy, a light grey glow radiating from the tempered steel. Seconds passed, as the creature moved towards them. It roared, before lunging at them, its slimy body jiggiling. Twilight's horn began charging up. Before Gold and the other two could retalitate, the creature seemed to freeze in place. A fiery, pulsating azure aura, ethereal butterflies dancing off her, surrounded Twilight, "Huh?" the lavender mare asked, blinking. Party and Gold had looks of confusion of their faces, but Knight had a small smile on his face, a knowing look in his eyes. Twilight turned, as a blue card, with an sillohute of a stallion carrying a sack on a stick, floated before her. Knight nodded, "Touch it Twilight, it won't hurt you." Twilight nodded, slamming her hoof into the card. As it shattered, a soothing, female voice resonated in her mind. I am Thou... Thou art I... From the sea of your soul I come... I who sit behind the Throne of Heaven, the medr!iator of the Make Twilight gasped, as a figure materiezled before her. He was an imposing silver stallion, his mane the color of copper, appeared. He had thirty-six wings, and eyes on the bottom of his hooves, the back of his head, as well as his face. A white and gold aura surrounded him. Metalllic hoof guards were attached, with a hole for the eye. A white hauberk, with a golden cruxis emblazoned the front, covered his torso. His irises were like minature suns, the color of pure gold, and burning with rigtheous fury. He raised a hoof, as crackling lightning shot forth, striking the tendriled beast in the chest. It howeled, before dissapearing. The stallion nodded to Twilight, and turned into hovering sparks, which rushed into her head. The chill dissipated, as the students returned to their living selves, as if nothing odd had occured nearby. Twilight felt faint, shifting on her hooves. She turned to Knight, "Y-you knew what to do? What was that? What just happened?" She asked, leaning on her niece for support, sweat pouring down her hot forehead. Knight sighed, a look of contemplation on his face. "I do, I'll tall you more at my place." He turned, his coat swishing behind him. Slowly, Gold, Party, and Twilight followed the vampony. This bizzare adventure had just begun. What was that power I unleashed? Twilight thought to herself, her hooves as tired as her mind. Grabbing her bag, they left the university. With the afternoon sun dipping over the horizon, dusk was approaching. Together, they started on their way to Knight's home.
1. Welcome to the Velvet Room 1. Welcome to the Velvet Room 1/1/4224 The chilly night is calm, the air covered by a thick fog. Out of the darkness, a shining carriage moves down a dimly lit road. There is a flash, and the interior of the carriage appears. A haunting, yet beautiful music fills the air, like something out of a ghostly opera. A draconequis, a hybrid of multiple beings, sits on a dark purple seat which runs along the carriage walls, separating only at the doors on either side. His head is bowed, as if in prayer or deep thought. A mare the color of mints, with a pale mane, and golden eyes stood by him, dressed in a blue flight attendant's uniform. Before them sat a lavender Unicorn, her mane a deep purple-blue with a vibrant pink streak running down it. She opened her eyes, as the Draconequis opened his eyes, smiling. "Ah, it seems we have a visitor, my name is Discord," He gestured to the mare beside him, "This is my assistant, Lyra 2.0." He raised his head, "Welcome, my dear, to the Velvet Room." He nods, as a face down card appears on the table. "Do not worry, you are asleep in the physical world. I can see great potential slumbering within you, waiting to be free." He waved his paw, and the card flipped over, "Ah, the Fool, most interesting. I see you do have quite a tremendous gift." He smiled, as the card vanished with a snap of his fingers. "The Fool, to some, represents a journey that one must undertake, and might I say you have quite the journey before you." He held out his hand, as a paper appeared on the table, "Sign this please, don't worry, its mere a formality." The mare, half asleep, signed it, and it dissipated. Discord chuckled lightly. He glanced at a clock hanging on a wall across from him, behind the Unicorn. "Sadly, the hour is drawing close, but, we shall speak again." His voice slowed down, as everything faded to black. Twilight's eyes snapped open, as she sat up. "That was some dream." She looked to her side, revealing several empty bags of potato and hay chips, "Not to self, don't eat junk food before taking a nap on a train." She said to herself, laughing quietly. She stared out of the train window, watching the cloudy sky whiz by, as a more down-to-earth town appeared. Whereas Canterlot was bustling and luxurious, this "Ponyville", from what she had researched, was a friendly, peaceful, semi-small town where everypony practically knew everypony, if just by face. She sighed, "Hopefully they're as friendly as the travel guides said." She had never really had any true friends, aside from her brother, and her foalsister, who was now her sister-in-law, Princess Cadence. Her parents had gone on an extended business/research trip. Her father was an astronomer who dabbled in neurology, and her mother was a part-time author. With her brother on guard duty, and her parents away, alongside the school in Canterlot not being the best, they had decided to send her to a rather good university in the nearest town, which happened to be Ponyville. She got up off her seat, a pressure mounting within her. Quickly discarding her trash in a nearby, she dashed into the bathroom, and locked the door. With her business done, she exited with a sigh of relief, and sat back down in her seat. The Pegasi had started a drizzle that made the sky seem somewhat gloomy. Rain drops trickled down the window beside her, as Twilight looked out. Various stone or wood buildings with either thatched our tiled roofs stood in neat lines. A chime sounds through the train car, "Arriving at Ponyville Transient Station in, 10 minutes." the intercom replies, before shutting off. Twilight smiled, gently levitating her bags from the compartment, and set them down beside her. The Unicorn mare laid back, "So, this is Ponyville." She said to herself, trying to clear her mind of that strange vision. She reached into her bag, and pulled out a leather-bound book. It was an adventure novel Cadence had gotten her for her "Going Away Party", and, even though it looked used, Twilight didn't care, it was a gift from her half-sister dang-it! She cracked it open, crossed her hind legs, and was lost in the world known as The Agatean Empire, by T. Ratchet. The Canterlot Expresses' horn blew, steam billowing in the wind, as the train chugged to the bright reddish-orange building that was Ponyville Transient Station. The train came to a halt with a final loud blow of its whistle, and a blast of burning steam. Ponies crowded, both within the train, and eagerly waiting on the platform. Twilight smiled as the doors opened with a HISS. She grabbed her bags, and stepped out. Her adopted little brother/son, Spykoran Jr. or Spike, for short, was already here. Now she had to find her half- "Twilight!" A formal, professional tone called out. Twilight Sparkle smiled, turning to see the beautiful alabaster Unicorn that had called to her. Rarity Opus Toreador, Twilight's half-sister. Her mother, Twilight Velvet, had been married to Rarity and Sweetie's father, Magnum, giving him two foals, before divorcing him after Magnum almost got their family targeted by a hitmare after a sting operation went awry. So, she had married her original flame, Night Light Sparkle the 22nd. Rarity embraced Twilight, who reciprocated the hug. "It's been so long dear." Rarity blinked, before turning her head slightly. A small white filly was hiding beneath Rarity's curled tail. "Sweetie, don't you want to say hello to your big half-sister Twilight?' She smiled slightly. Rarity gently nudged Sweetie with her left hindleg. Shyly, Sweetie poked her head out, "Um...hi big sis Twilight." She squeaked, and the ten year old was back to hiding behind her sister. She virtually wrapped herself in Rarity's tail, opening a tiny slit to peek out of. Rarity rolled her eyes, "Urgh, well Twilight, I'm glad to have you stay with us for the year, or so." She smiled warmly, carrying half of Twilight's luggage to their carriage, humming. Author's Note R.I.P Terry Pratchett, even though I never read any of the Discworld books, which I plan to do, it is always a shame when the literature world loses such great minds. May he rest in peace.
2. Home is where the rapier is1/1/4224-Evening The evening sun was dipping below the horizon by the time the carriage had stopped at Carousel Boutique, Rarity's home and business. The sky turned a brilliant shade of orange, with a strand of violet at the end as the wheels came to a halt. Twilight groaned, as she stretched her limbs, almost tumbling out of the vehicle, her legs stiff. She felt her joints pop, as she fixed her normally straight mane. It had taken them a little over an hour to go from the Transient Station to the Boutique. She dusted herself off, and popped open the carriage trunk. Her horn lit up, as she picked up two of her four suitcases, "Thanks for helping me with my luggage Rarity." Twilight said, a warm smile gracing her lips. She grunted as she lifted the heavy bags out of the trunk, and into the warm air behind her. "Anytime Darling, you are my favorite half-sister after all." Rarity smiled back, picking up the other two suitcases with minimal effort. She trotted forward, Sweetie Belle and the two bags trailing behind her. Humming a tune she bent down and moved the green "WELCOME HOME" mat aside, revealing a small brass key. "Really? A key under the mat? And here I thought my fashionista sis would have more imagination than that." Twilight teased, snickering. Rarity playfully stuck her tongue out at the lavender mare. Turning back to the door, she levitated the key into a locked cube bolted to the wall. Turning the key, she pulled out a small silver key. She then inserted the door lock, and turned the key, as the bolt unlocked with a satisfying CLICK. She smirked, turning to Twilight, who pouted cutely, muttering to herself. The trio stepped inside, as Sweetie Belle shut the front door, before heading upstairs to work on her schoolwork. "Ah, home sweet home." Rarity breathed in deeply, as she set the bags by the side of the door, taking off her scarf and hanging it on the coat rack. "Make yourself at home Twilight." She said, then made her way into the kitchen to prepare their dinner. Twilight nodded, setting the rest of the luggage down by its brethren. She took in the place. At the front appeared to be a waiting area, with a doorway which, upon tilting forward slightly, revealed a comfortable, homey, living room. An emerald green couch that could fit around five, and a well cared for, wide Television. A mahogany coffee table provided a barrier between the TV and the couch. Putting her own hat and coat on the coat rack, she noticed something that caught her eye. A shining rapier, one that, while it looked like it had been used, had been well cared for, was nestled amongst umbrellas in a bin not far from the hat rack. When she had barely moved two feet to inspect the weapon, Rarity poked her head back out, and came to chat with her half-sibling, two daisy sandwiches held on a plate, and two cups of fresh tea. While the two enjoyed the simple meal, the blade mixed in with the umbrellas came back to the forefront of Twilight's mind. "Hey Rarity," Twilight said, the alabaster mare swallowed her chunk of sandwich, and cocked her head to face her kin, "So, I can't help but notice that," she thought over how to continue, "You have a, well, rapier tucked in there." She pointed to the umbrella bin, which was a rose red color. A faint blush lit up Rarity's cheeks like a Hearthswarming Eve tree light, as a she coughed into her hoof. She set down her sandwich, and took a deep breath, "Twilight, d-did mother ever tell you about those, um, fencing lessons I took when I was in Madame Haylene Mareyer's Finishing School for Fillies?" Twilight nodded, "I...continue practicing, I know it isn't terribly ladylike for one to be seen armed, but, a lady does need a way to defend herself, and, even the greatest noblemares have been reported to have brandished a blade in times of need." She smiled, "Madame Mareyer said I was quite skilled at it." She recalled fondly. "That's unexpected Rarity, but well, at least you haven't been letting yourself get too pudgy." Twilight snickered, as Rarity pouted, and nudged Twilight's right foreleg with her own. "I've done a little fencing during high school, but," she clicked her tongue, "Now that we're both gonna be freshmares at Ponyville University in a week, do you think...." She motioned towards the rapier in the basket. Rarity smiled slightly, "Of course Twilight, I'll be glad to instruct you on Tuesdays,Thursdays, and Saturdays." She took a sip of her tea, "The other day's I'll be busy with Spike." She giggled, a blush rising to her cheeks once more, "I hope you don't mind." Twilight laughed, "No, I'm cool with it, I'm just surprised is all, I thought you two would never be able to muster the courage to admit your feelings for each other." She ducked the felt pillow that was thrown at her, as they continued their meal, making small talk in between. It was an hour later when the two had finished, and Rarity had scrubbed the plates with the aid of Twilight, and had then put Sweetie to bed. The filly had fallen asleep after a grueling battle with history. The door closed behind them as they exited her room. "With Spike coming over, how does she ever get sleep?" She quipped. "My walls are soundproofed." Rarity flushed, "If only you didn't consider him a brother, the things he can do with those claws...." She stopped in place, her eyes glazing over, as various images of her drakefriend and her in compromising positions, a thin strand of drool dripping from her mouth. Twilight chuckled lightly, wiping away the saliva. Rarity trotted into her bedroom as if in a perverted stupor, and went to bed. Twilight smiled, whispering a "Goodnight sis." before she closed the door. She made sure the front door was locked, before hefting aloft her luggage with her magic. Carefully, she trudged up the stairs with her bags, the only sound being her labored breaths as she carried her suitcases with her. She made sure not to wake up her half-siblings. The weight of her hooves caused the carpeted stairs to creak ever so slightly beneath her as she ascended. The sounds of a pair of muffled snores that would rival a dragon's came from the Toreador sisters' rooms, causing Twilight to hush a snicker with her hoof. She pushed the door of her room open, and unpacked her clothes and other items, placing them in their correct places. She set aside her bags by the light grey cabinet. Twilight inhaled the cool bedroom air, and then pulled the covers down. The lavender mare set her dark grey pleather jacket and cap on the nightstand next to her bed, and folded them. Twilight Sparkle pulled the dark blue covers over herself, as the luminescent moon was eclipsed by a passing cloud, bathing the room in a cool darkness. She snuggled into her pillow, yawning quietly. Exhaling a blast of air from her nostrils, sleep began to take Twilight. Closing her eyes, she finally entered Luna's Dreamland. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1/2/4224-Early Morning Twilight Sparkle mumbled in her sleep, as a cock crowed in the distance, signaling the coming dawn. Twilight slowly opened her eyes, groaning as the harsh sunlight blasted her in the face. She rubbed her brilliant purple eyes with her hooves, yawning, as she slowly sat up in bed. She smacked her lips, before she felt a familiar pressure. Quickly kicking off the midnight blue covers of her bedspread, she made her way to the bathroom and took care of her business. Flushing, she then proceeded to carefully brush her teeth. Rinsing her mouth, Twilight looked at herself in the polished mirror. Her mane looked like a she had tried to cut it with a rusty chainsaw, dipped the tips of each strand of hair in a mixture of sulfuric acid and Pinkto-Abysmal, and then got several Pegasi on some serious drugs to fly around her head while they were singing folk songs. In short, it was a total disaster. She grumbled, before brushing her mane. "Note to self, never eat too much before bed again." The lavender Unicorn mumbled to herself. Her mane finally in order, Twilight went out to greet the new day. She didn't put her jacket or hat back on, and the only reason she had even worn them was twofold. One, she wanted to make a fashionable first impression on her half-sisters, and two, it was pretty bucking cold in between Canterlot and Ponyville. Her tail swished as she trotted downstairs, her sensitive nose having picked up the scent of freshly made Gelgian waffles, and freshly squeezed mango juice. "Good morning!" Twilight chirped, as she entered the kitchen. She got a muffled response from Sweetie Belle, who currently had a waffle in her mouth, which was dripping butter onto her plate. A half empty glass of juice sat next to Sweetie's plate. Rarity trotted in from the stove, a mint green, floral patterned apron around her body, and gave a disapproving look at Sweetie Belle for her table manners, before smiling. "Good morning Twilight," She gestured to an empty seat, with the plate and silverware set up, "How was your sleep?" She asked. Twilight returned the smile, "It was fine, I didn't really dream anything noteworthy." She responded, and took her seat. She eagerly licked her lips as a batch of fresh waffles was heaped onto her plate. "Thanks sis." She grabbed her fork and knife in her magic, and began to carefully eat the meal before her. Small talk was exchanged by the trio as they ate their breakfast. By the time the food was done, Twilight had re-dressed in her jacket and cap, with light purple saddlebags with her Cutie Mark as the clasp, while Rarity was dressed in a long, multicolored scarf, a crimson beret with a gold eagle pin, and her saddlebags. Both escorted Sweetie Belle to the Middle School building of Ponyville University, then made their way to the main campus. Rarity hummed a quiet tune as the two trotted through the long path leading from the plated gates, to the double revolving doors of the central administration building. Cheerilee was a former teacher of Art History, and was the Vice Principal, while her cousin Colgate, a part time orthodontist, took up the post of Principal. The secretary, Ditzy Doo, twin sister to the Head of Ponyville University Mail Delivery Services, or the HPUMDS for short, Derpy Hooves, waved a friendly hoof to the two, "Good morning girls." She smiled warmly. The two responded in kind, as they made their way to the office. Rarity knocked, as the door was enveloped in a pale blue aura, and swung open. Colgate sat at her desk, absentmindedly brushing a fake set of teeth with a brush. She looked up, smiling warmly. "Ah, Ms. Toreador, and..." She stared inquisitively at the lavender Unicorn, "You must be Ms. Toreador's half-sister, Twilight Sparkle the 14th." She went to her computer, and printed out two sheets of paper, and hoofed it to the mare. "One is your schedule, and the second paper is a copy of the school bulletin." Twilight thanked her, as the two exited her office, and went their seperate ways. Today would be the start of Twilight's bizzare adventure....
3. Ponyville University 3. Ponyville University The two mares trotted through the ruby red and gold painted halls of Ponyville University. Students bustled past them, whether to grab something from their lockers, or to head to their next class. Rarity trotted alongside her half-sister, leading her to her homeroom, and first class, Medical Magics 101. Rarity's first class of the new year was Geometric Theory. The duo stopped at the door of a classroom, "Well, here we are darling, I'll see you later." She patted the other mare on the shoulder, before striding away to her classroom. Taking a deep breath, Twilight Sparkle opened the door, and placed a hoof in the classroom- -To find that, aside from the teacher, she was the only one in the room. The teacher, Dr. Stable Hoof, according to his nameplate, a retired surgeon from the local hospital, was at his desk, his phone out, and was absentmindedly playing a game, bored out of his mind. He was a rugged, jovial Earth Pony. His light tan coat was neatly brushed, his carefully combed mane, which was the color of chocolate, speckled with grey, blew lightly in the breeze. She cleared her throat, snapping him out of his concentration. He closed out the game, and turned to the purple mare, "Ah, hello there..." He glanced at his phone, which he had switched to the roster, which included a photo of the student next to their name, gender, and other necessary information, Though why I'd ever need to know their blood type is odd., the former medical practitioner thought, "Ms. Sparkle, I am Dr. Stable Hoof." He smiled warmly, the kind a grandfather would to a favored grandchild, even though he couldn't have been been older then 36. "Hello to you, Dr. Hoof." Twilight smiled, taking the desk nearest to the teacher, since a seating chart hadn't been created yet. "So, let me guess, either everypony's late, or I'm extraordinarily early." She grinned. The older stallion chuckled, his mane swishing, "Hah, both." He smiled, as he leaned back, "So, how much of healing magic do you know Ms. Sparkle?" Twilight thought it over. At the behest of her former foalsitter, and now half-sister Princess Cadence, Princess Celestia had tutored her in magic whenever she found the time, healing spells included, which was on her record. "I know all the basic spells, and a few advanced ones." She said, as the instructor nodded his head in approval. "That's good, I'm sure you'll go far in my class." He then fixed his coat, as students started coming in. Each gave a reason for why they were late, and apologized. Soon, the room was abuzz with conversation. Less than a half hour into the class, Stable placed the book he had been reading the lesson from on his desk, and cleared his throat, getting his pupils' attention. "Alright class, pop question time. Now, we got through reading the forerunner, and in the modern age, sister skill to medical magic, alchemy. Originally used to transmute one mineral into another, it later grew to the making of potions, and as a conduit for magic. Now, Ms. Sparkle..." The lavender mare shot up from her desk, hooves resting on the metal surface. "Which of these three is credited as the founder of modern alchemy? A. Sir Van Hornheim, B. Elixir Faustis, C. Prism Magustus, or D. Lady Bubble Gum?: Twilight thought it over, recalling every history lesson she had attended, and every history book she had read that mentioned alchemy, and turned them over and over in her mind. The true founder was a matter of dispute, but many scholars agreed the most likely candidate was-"Sir Van Hornheim!" She said, smiling confidently, her brain surging with the knowledge she held within. Dr. Hoof grinned, applauding, "Excellent work my dear, excellent work." A number of her classmates looked at her with admiration and surprise. It took a lot a lot to impress the former medical practitioner, "Hornheim discovered, through unknown means, how to use alchemy to not only create both elixirs to heal, but also poison, but also how to use it to act as a conduit for one's natural magic. Ergo, an Earth Pony could access magics, even the forbidden ones, that Chancellor Level Head, or Pudding Head, to use the moniker she took on in her adulthood, and her son Smart Cookie sealed away long ago. History also tells us of the one of one of the Maker's greatest generals against that vile daemon, Messorem Animas, the accursed Reaper of Souls. Her name was Solar Flare, a great Pegasus-Gargoyle pyromancer from the southern Gargoyle city of Rockoris, in the Gargoyle homeland of Petrificus. Using alchemical sigils, and but a simple candle, she was able to weave powerful firestorms again the unholy forces." He then checked the clock, "Alright class, I've P-Mailed you your assignments, have them in by next Thursday." The bell rang, as it was now time for the 30 minute break in between classes. Twilight and the others funneled out into the hall. Twilight stretched as she trotted outside of the classroom, her saddlebags slung over her back, whistling quietly. She levitated the dark grey "Welcome" Ponyville the principal had given her out of her left saddlebag, and opened it. Aside from an introduction to the University, information about clubs and whatnot, it also contained her schedule. She looked it over, and found her next class after the break was Mythohistory. Her stomach rumbled loudly, causing her to rub it. "Now, where was the cafeteria again?" She asked to nopony in particular. Taking out the map included in the folder. Humming, her eyes scanned the freshly printed out map, her nose absorbing the scent of new paper. "Ah, here it is, let's see, turn right, right again, down the hall..." She mumbled, occasionaly lifting her eyes from the paper before her, looking for signs marked "Cafeteria". After thirty minutes, she pushed the double doors open, and stepped inside. Her ears picked up on hundreds of mini-conversations. Many of the tables were packed with ponies, zebras, dragons, griffons, and a number of members from the other sentient races. Taking a tray from a stack, she made her way down the various booths, scooping up some food into her plates. Looking for a place to eat, she sat down, and looked over her food. Small strips of steak, some fresh hay and Prench fries, a few slices of an apple, and an ear of corn. "Ah, perfectly health, appetizing, school food!" she said, without a hint of sarcasm in her voice at all. As she moved to take bit of her meat, a pear sailed across the table, and smacked her right shoulder, causing her concentration to waver, and for her fork to clatter on the plate. She rubbed her sore shoulder, wincing. "Sorry bout that!" A mare's voice called out. Twilight turned to see a cyan Pegasus mare at her table. Her rainbow mane and tail swished in the faint breeze. "Meant to hit the trashcan." She blushed lightly, as she scratched the back of her head. Twilight sighed, smiling slightly, "It's alright, so, who do I have to thank for hitting me in the foreleg with a piece of fruit?" She smirked. She placed her hoof down, and continued eating. The mare grinned, "Name's Dash, Rainbow Spectrum Dash, captain of the school's aerobatics, track and field, and ballooning teams, as well as founder of the Ponyville High Aerial Race Club" Rainbow said, picking up the pear, and tossed it into the trash in one swing of a wing. "Impressive." Twilight nodded, as she finished her hoof, "So, let me guess, only beings who can fly get to join?" She asked, motioning to her horn. Rainbow guffawed at this, waving a hoof, "No, no." She pulled out a poster, blue backdrop, with a pair of sleek, metallic wings in the center. "The local LIMB clinic recently started offering these biomechanical wings, so, a Pegasus that suffered an injury or has a medical condition that leaves them with only one wing or none, or any of the flightless races can join in." She rolled the poster up, and stuffed it in her saddlebag, "Cheap compared to what the older medical companies have to offer." Twilight rubbed her chin, "I might look into it." She then looked closely at the mare before her, before something clicked in her mind. "Hey, wasn't your mom captain of the Wonderbolts Aerial Flight Performers and Defense Team before Spitfire?" She asked. Rainbow looked down, a dark look coming over her eyes. A small sigh escaped her, "Y-yeah, she was." She looked up to Twilight, "The official report said she was killed during a training mission, right?" At Twilight's nod, a hollow, mirthless chuckle came from her, "It's all horseapples. It wasn't a training mission." She then turned away, leaving a confused, and sympathetic Twilight behind. "Wasn't a training mission..." Twilight repeated, placing her tray in the retrieval slot. Could she have been...murdered? She thought to herself. She pushed the thought back, as it would soon be time for her next class.She grabbed her saddlebags, and slung them over her back. Quickly looking at her map, she found her classroom, Room 187, Mythohistory. The class covered what was known as the Aurora Era, when the Maker and his kind made war on the daemons that plagued the realm, before the races of Equis recorded their history in written language. The teacher, Lyra Heartstrings, alongside her wife and teaching assistant, Bon-Bon, though most friends referred to her as Sweetie Drops, on account of her own a candy shop, were, as they put it, eccentric. Lyra and Bon-Bon were only a year or two older than their students, but had gotten their diplomas at a younger age. Whistling quietly, she pushed the door open, to find Mrs. Heartstrings sorting through some paperwork on her desk. Her mint colored coat shined in the daylight. "Good morning Mrs. Heartstrings." She said politely. Quickly glancing at the seating chart, she took her seat at the front of the class, middle row. Another pony, an Earth Pony stallion, a female Minotaur, a muscular looking heifer, an athletic looking female Zebra, and a slim male Changeling, his insectoid like shell shined as if polished, made up the class. She pulled out a pen, and opened her notebook, as class began.
4 Strange Occurences1/2/4225-After School High Tide Twilight stretched, as the final bell rang. Her last class had been Advanced Metaphysics. It had been quite an interesting day. In Mythohistory, which also studied the history of the thousand years or so following the Aurora Era, Lyra, who had an odd fascination with wearing an Ancient Roaman Officer's Helmet, while her wife wore what appeared to be a Solar Guard Helmet from 14 BB (Before Banishment). Lyra somehow managed to KO herself with her own helmet, and was lovingly tended to, and scolded by, her wife, who took over the lesson, while Lyra nursed her head with an icepack, whimpering cutely. Whereas, in Advanced Metaphyics, the teacher, Mrs. Harshwhinny Sr. had fallen asleep at her desk, bored as a majority of her students had been, save Twilight. As she was trotting through the halls, she noticed a familiar young Unicorn mare, and a pale stallion next to her. The mare had an alabaster coat, and a poofy violet mane, her eyes, gazing at the muscular stallion next to her, were deep blue. The stallion was a similar shade of white, with a short, forest green mane. He was a Unicorn, with a pair of silver mechanical wings attached to a harness. She knew both quite well. The stallion was Lord Gold Soul, a member of the Equestrian Council, which aided Celestia and Luna in drafting up new laws or taxes. He was also close to the Princesses, almost like a brother of sorts. His wings, made by Atlas Corp. had been specially ordered so he could go on flights with the Royal Sisters without the need of a strenous levitation spell, or a chariot. The mare next to him was his marefriend, Party Pop, Rarity's daughter, and a freshmare. She was apparently majoring in fashion design, Hoity Toity's class if she recalled.Twilight had only met the mare twice, once a few weeks after she had been born, and another when she was about four. Most wondered how Rarity could retain her youthful appearance, despite having a daughter of twenty years of age. The answer she always gave was that it involved a breathing technique she had picked up while vacationing in Monlan, in Northeast Pasia, and something involving Spike. Before Twilight could get a word out, a voice called out to them, ¨Hey Gold, P-Pop, wait up." A stallion rushed up to the two. He had a short, black mane and tail, a light brown coat, and eyes the color of fresh blood. His black longcoat swished about him, in fact, he was one of the few ponies around to be fully clothed. Most of the others were either fully nude, as a majority of the ponies were, or partially clothed. Fangs were visible whenever he opened his mouth. She had seen him around Ponyville. From what the Princesses had said, they considered the youthful looking vampony to be an old friend. Luna moreso due to also being a vampony. He rarely spoke of his past, and Twilight never asked, not meaning to pry. His crimson eyes turned to the lavender mare, and a small smile graced his face, "Hey Twilight." He waved. Students meandered about, grabbing things from their lockers or chatting with one another. "Hey guys." Twilight trotted over, her charcoal coat swishing against her combed fur. "How's my favorite niece?" She smiled, nuzziling Party. "How's that startup going?" She ruffled Party's poofy purple mane. Party Pop grinned, a light shining in her eyes. "It's going great auntie Twilight!" She bounced on her hooves, ecstatic. "I got some of my friends to help and everything!" She giggled, "And until Auntie Cadence gives birth in..." She checked a specially crafted watch made by a friend of Twilight's, Doctor Whooves. Little was known of the mytserious stallion, outside of the fact he had married the sisters Derpy and Ditzy, after the two had been fused together, and that he was an expert watchsmith, who dabbled in the ancient art of Chronomancy. The watch could tell not only the time, but also the year, month, day, etc, of events. "Two months, four days, seventeen hours, and five minutes from today." She chirped, putting her hoof back to the tiled floor. "I'm your only niece!" She grinned. Party resembled an Earth Pony, like her motherr Pinkie, but she had the mane and coat color of her mom Rarity. A birth defect had caused her horn to grow inward. Twin earings, enchanted with a slight magic suppresion and control spell, were the only things that allowed her to use her magic, which mainly constituted of basic spells such as levitation, safely. Otherwise, the magic would surge through her brain, and possibly kill her. The only side effect of this was a slight twitch she had gained. "True as ever Party." Twilight smiled, before shivering. For a second, she had felt a strange shift in the air, and the scent of...fresh ashes pervading her nostrils. She blinked, noticing the trio staring at her. "Its a bit chilly." She said, chuckiling slightly. Party looked at her aunt, "Yeaahhh auntie." She said, scratching the back of her head with a hoof. She was about to say something, when Gold prodded her with a hoof. SHe turned her head, smiling, "Yeah Goldie?" She asked. "Um, I'd hate to break up the friendly chat, but do you feel that?" Gold Soul asked. An icey feeling had crept over the group. A slight breeze whistled through the halls. Knight looked around, glancing around. "Where is everypony?" He asked, fangs bared. Before, the halls had been practically abuzz with the hsould of hooves, or other such appendages clacking against the tiled floor, the din of friendly chatter, or the squeaking of lockers opening and shutting. Now, save for the group, there wasn't a living soul around. The key word was living, for around them, statues resembeling their classmates lined the halls. Above each, written in a blood-red color, were words. Many of them were derogatory, above one female half-Griffon was the word "Halfbreed Whorse." While others read things such as "Agony", and a few were even in sentences, like "I steal medication from my family pharmacy." "W-what in Celestia's teats is going on?!" Twilight shouted, sweat pouring down her face. This was wrong, why were they the only ones who weren't statues? Who wrote these words and phrases? What in the name of all that was holy was going on? The group's attention shifted when they heard a grotesques noise come from deeper down the hall, to their left. Their faces turned, as a figure came into view.It looked like a pony, if the pony had been made of ink. Its coat was as black as night, with violet stripes running across their body. A light blue mask, with a featureless expression, was attached to its "face" "Hello?" Party Pop asked the new comer, taking a step back. The creature's head sharply turned towards the group. A horrid gurgling sound could be heard, as its body began to shift. Like fresh tar, thick tendrils began emerging from its back. It began to shamble towards them, an eeries giggiling coming from its vicinity. "I've seen enough Neighponese anime to know where this is going!" Gold said, charging up his horn. The other three glanced at him, eyebrows raised, before turning to the tentacled beast. Knight readied himself, his blades sliding out of their sheathes. He attached them to harnesses attached to his hooves, as the blades crackled with an ethereal energy, a light grey glow radiating from the tempered steel. Seconds passed, as the creature moved towards them. It roared, before lunging at them, its slimy body jiggiling. Twilight's horn began charging up. Before Gold and the other two could retalitate, the creature seemed to freeze in place. A fiery, pulsating azure aura, ethereal butterflies dancing off her, surrounded Twilight, "Huh?" the lavender mare asked, blinking. Party and Gold had looks of confusion of their faces, but Knight had a small smile on his face, a knowing look in his eyes. Twilight turned, as a blue card, with an sillohute of a stallion carrying a sack on a stick, floated before her. Knight nodded, "Touch it Twilight, it won't hurt you." Twilight nodded, slamming her hoof into the card. As it shattered, a soothing, female voice resonated in her mind. I am Thou... Thou art I... From the sea of your soul I come... I who sit behind the Throne of Heaven, the medr!iator of the Make Twilight gasped, as a figure materiezled before her. He was an imposing silver stallion, his mane the color of copper, appeared. He had thirty-six wings, and eyes on the bottom of his hooves, the back of his head, as well as his face. A white and gold aura surrounded him. Metalllic hoof guards were attached, with a hole for the eye. A white hauberk, with a golden cruxis emblazoned the front, covered his torso. His irises were like minature suns, the color of pure gold, and burning with rigtheous fury. He raised a hoof, as crackling lightning shot forth, striking the tendriled beast in the chest. It howeled, before dissapearing. The stallion nodded to Twilight, and turned into hovering sparks, which rushed into her head. The chill dissipated, as the students returned to their living selves, as if nothing odd had occured nearby. Twilight felt faint, shifting on her hooves. She turned to Knight, "Y-you knew what to do? What was that? What just happened?" She asked, leaning on her niece for support, sweat pouring down her hot forehead. Knight sighed, a look of contemplation on his face. "I do, I'll tall you more at my place." He turned, his coat swishing behind him. Slowly, Gold, Party, and Twilight followed the vampony. This bizzare adventure had just begun. What was that power I unleashed? Twilight thought to herself, her hooves as tired as her mind. Grabbing her bag, they left the university. With the afternoon sun dipping over the horizon, dusk was approaching. Together, they started on their way to Knight's home.
