Chapters Chapter 1: Chaos at the Door
PROLOGUE
Among a pile of dust and debris, small heckled coughs were drowned out over the sound of another nearby event taking place. However, from the source of the heckled coughs, tiny sparks of pale lightning crackled and surrounded a tiny figure. The figure trembled as it just continued to lay among the debris, attempting to make sense of what was happening around it, but for now all it saw was a haze.
"Now I understand what your fellow princesses have done."
A voice? Whose was it? It sounded deep, rough, powerful. The tiny figure just blinked, still trying to make sense of everything, anything .
Next followed a scream, and the rumbling of distant mountains. The sounds of chaotic destruction only continued as the tiny figure steadily rose to its feet, before crawling over some large boulders. It was apparent it had hooves, as well as a long slender tail, and large clawed hands. As it made it over one of the boulders, it peered on ahead towards two figures in the distance. One was a figure which she instantly recognized to be a pony , while the other was much larger and broad, and centaur was the word which came to mind. As the figure stood upon the boulder, it just blinked in curiosity watching the two do battle with one another before it mumbled. "Why're you two fighting ?"
CHAPTER 1: CHAOS AT THE DOOR
A peaceful morning, something Twilight Sparkle felt she rarely got enough of these days. She was sleeping in, with no plans whatsoever! As she snuggled up in her blankets, she cuddled further into her pillow with a tired chuckle. It was so often she had new princess priority work to deal with she forgot that sometimes, she could just relax. It almost reminded her of the days back when she was in Canterlot, studying at her leisure. She didn't have that many worries back then either. Life was so simple in the old days, all she'd have to do was get up, study in her pastime, and report to Princess Celestia on her progress. But nonetheless she was grateful for change, especially this sort of change. She was now surrounded by loving friends, wise beyond her years, and only furthering her life story with the wonderful adventures she partook in on practically a daily basis. Yes, despite how good it felt to relax, she would never give up this crazy lifestyle for anything.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
Twilight's eyes snapped wide as she just laid on her side. She covered her head with a pillow and groaned.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
Twilight rolled around twice, before staring at the roof of her Queen Sized bed with deep bags underlining her eyes. Now she appeared irritated. What was that about never giving up that crazy lifestyle she thought? She couldn't help but feel bitter over the irony.
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!
Twilight closed her eyes before shouting with ferocity! "I'M COMING!"
Twilight made her way down to the main lobby of the castle as she still wore that grumpy expression. Who could it possibly be? The others had their own keys to the castle, and she wasn't expecting any visitors today. She was precise with her planning, and Pinkie Pie was the only one who happened to throw crazy surprises, and she had a key. So who was this unexpected visitor who'd be so eager to come to her with what she assumed to be a problem? But her cutie mark wasn't blinking either so it couldn't have been that severe. Twilight was running the scenarios through her mind as she made her way towards the large front door of the castle with a heavy sigh. She paused before the door and closed her eyes, exhaled, then patted her cheeks. She muttered softly to herself, "Get it together Twilight." She couldn't allow herself to be so selfish! She was the Princess of Friendship, sleep could wait, the problems of her subjects is what mattered most!
Twilight put on a wide eager confident smile, as she nodded to herself one last time in determination. "Alright!" This was just another start to another day, probably another problem she'd solve in no time! This was nothing to her at this point. Actually, the more she thought of the positive aspect of it all, the more excited she became. She smirked, actually ready to take this problem head on. "Let's do this!"
Twilight opened the door and peered towards the outside world, actually blinded by the sunlight for a moment before it dissipated and everything came into view. But to her surprise, she saw nothing but the town of Ponyville further off in the distance. "Huh?" Twilight blinked a bit while standing, as she just continued to peer ahead before her eyes steadily coursed on down. But as her particular visitor came into view, her pupils only dilated as she felt frozen in place, unable to say anything as she just stared plainly at, it .
Standing on Twilight's doorstep would be a very familiar creature. It wore a bright and happy smile, and had purple fur and a slender snakelike body with pony legs attached, and two red claw arms, with black horns protruding from its head. Its mane was long, ruffled and white, while it also had wide beautiful violet eyes. And it just continued to stand there, staring plainly at Twilight Sparkle as it clutched a book against its chest. It chuckled happily. "MOMMA! IT'S SO GOOD TO SEE YOU!"
There was a lengthy silence between the two after that.
Twilight screeched in terror! "EYAH!" Before slamming the door shut in the creature's face.
The creature flinched with surprise as it just stood there on the doorstep, clueless, continuing to hold the book.
Twilight staggered back, trembling at this point as she continued to steadily retreat further from the door. "T-That's, that was a -"
Knock, knock, knock!
"Momma! Are you alright? You looked really sick! I know it took me awhile to find you but I still had a lot to learn!"
Twilight immediately began to bar the door with all the furniture she could find as she continued to tremble. "S-SPIKE! SPIIIIIIKE!!!" Twilight's thoughts were racing as she tried to make sense of the scenario. But no answer she came up with made sense. I-I've got to send a letter to Princess Celestia ! Let her know that another Discord has managed to appear ! B-But where did she come from !? W-Why is she here !? Is she looking for Discord !? I-I can't defeat a draconequus by myself, n-not alone, can I ? I-I just have to buy time and not fall for any of her tricks until Spike gets here . Twilight's gaze drifted momentarily in confusion. E-Especially that 'Momma' one .
"Momma are you there!?" There was a brief pause. "O-Oh, now I understand! THIS IS A TEST!"
Twilight's eyes widened as she suddenly focused on all the furniture blocking the door as the castle started to rumble.
And suddenly the door blew off its hinges as the furniture flew and scattered with it, creating an opening as a thick cloud of dust and smoke followed. Emerging from that cloud of smoke was the purple draconequus as it still wore its same smile. "Did I pass!?"
Twilight flinched as she immediately pulled further back before surrounding the draconequus with a bubble of magic.
The draconequus just glanced up and around at the bubble itself. "Oh?" Before she popped it with a poke. "How amazing!"
Twilight gasped as she gulped. W-What !? That was a fortified defense spell, C-Cadence taught me that ! "Who are you? Why do you keep calling me Momma!? I-I'm not a draconequus!" At this point she was desperate for answers, as well as for a way to keep this draconequus at bay for the time being. Twilight lowered her head cautiously, remaining focused on the child before her.
The draconequus smiled. "Of course you're my Momma! I made sure of it! I did a lot of studying just like you would before coming here!" She smiled before closing her eyes and her smile widened even further. "Is this another test Momma? My name is Calamity!"
Twilight's expression of nervousness only worsened. C-Calamity ?....
"T-TWILIGHT! WHAT'S GOING ON!?"
Twilight's eyes widened again as she looked towards the staircase with relief. "SPIKE!"
Suddenly hurrying down the steps was Spike as he stopped before Twilight, taking a look around. "W-What's with this huge me-" before he paused and just went into an immediate stutter, pointing his claw while trembling at the draconequus standing not far off from the door. He had trouble gathering the words to describe how he felt currently, or what he wanted to say. "Who, Um, who is-"
Twilight spread her hooves as she focused on the draconequus seriously. "Calamity...."
Calamity continued to smile at Twilight silently, patiently, as if just waiting for her to address her directly.
Spike trembled. "Twilight, w-we, we should get the others. This is serious." He gulped.
Twilight gulped herself, as she remained serious and spoke more softly. "I know, which is exactly why I want you to send a letter to Princess Celestia describing what you've just seen and the current situation. I'll distract her for the time being until then."
Spike looked at Twilight desperately, clutching onto her. "T-Twilight you're not planning to-"
Twilight shook her head before glancing down at the baby dragon. "Of course not Spike. Calamity doesn't seem interested in that, and I don't plan to provoke her into a duel. If she wants to continue to play these mind games like Discord, I'll amuse her for the time being."
Spike backed away from Twilight before hurriedly making his way down another corridor. "Be careful Twilight!"
Twilight nodded firmly. "I will." And she disappeared almost instantly following her words, before reappearing outside.
Calamity didn't react as she disappeared as well, instantly reappearing in front of Twilight.
Twilight gasped again. S-She's fast. But teleportation magic is one of my strong points ! She disappeared again, this time reappearing on another level of the castle as she breathed heavily, looking towards the front yard for any sign of Calamity.
"So is this tag Momma? I love tag! I bet I can catch you!"
Twilight's eyes widened again as she immediately looked to her right, as sitting beside her with her legs crossed and resting her chin atop one of her open palms was Calamity wearing a pleased smile. Twilight backed away again, just shaking her head.
Calamity peered over and up at her with a smile. "I got it from you afterall ."
Twilight spread her wings as she took for the skies with haste, soaring above the clouds in mere moments as she was now doing the best she could to stay away from this monster! W-Who is she !? Why does she keep saying these creepy things !? I'm not her mom !
Calamity just looked towards the skies in confusion. "Is it possible Momma doesn't know?"
Twilight continued to fly, as she just desperately still tried to connect any pieces she was missing.
"Momma? You made me ."
Twilight blinked a bit, as she only just noticed the sudden weight on her back as she flew. "W-What!? When did you?"
Calamity continued while sitting on Twilight's back. "Back when you and Papa were fighting! I thought you knew!"
Twilight almost immediately flushed red as she looked offended. "Papa !? WAIT! Y-You're serious!?" Twilight came to an immediate halt as she rolled midair, and caught Calamity with her hooves before staring her straight in the face. "Y-You're NOT playing mind games with me!? You REALLY think I'm your Mom?" Twilight just stared at her stubbornly at this point, almost suspended in disbelief by the prospect.
Calamity nodded plainly, just staring at Twilight while blinking every now and then.
Twilight rolled her eyes as she just glared at the draconequus. "L-Listen, um, Calamity . I'm not your mom, I've-" she glanced to her right, looking uncomfortable as she was obviously trying to figure out a way to explain this. "I've- I couldn't have done anything that's necessary to be your mom." She now looked sad, knowing breaking the news to the child would break her heart. "You've got the wrong pony."
Calamity spoke plainly. "Sunshine sunshine lady bugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake."
Twilight's eyes widened. "W-What? But that's..."
Calamity continued. "Star Swirl the Bearded. Commendable costume! Thou even got the bells right."
Twilight immediately released Calamity as the draconequus just remained elevated in the air herself with a blank expression. Twilight suddenly looked angry. "T-That's- HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SPYING ON ME!? There's no way you could recall those things!"
Calamity smiled again as she snapped her claw as suddenly appearing in her palm was a large book, the one Twilight recognized she was holding onto earlier. Calamity pulled it open to a random page and then showed it to Twilight, as it was shown to be a scribbled drawing of Twilight as a filly. "I know everything about you Momma! Your whole recent life! I know it all!" She closed her eyes with a bright smile as while she continued to talk, Twilight only steadily appeared more and more horrified. "It took me awhile to make sense of your memories! But when I did that's when I knew you were my Momma! You made me during the battle with Papa! How don't you know!?"
Twilight's eyes only widened further as she looked upon the pages and trembled. "B-Battle....Battle with,....Papa ?"
Calamity grinned happily, as she turned to another page merrily. "Yes! Papa! Don't you recognize him!?"
And Twilight felt as if her psyche had snapped upon seeing that page. A poorly drawn red & black centaur. Twilight's world slowed down as her eyes steadily coursed back to Calamity, and she looked at the black horns, the red fur arms, white mane, and then, most hauntingly, those familiar purple eyes. Twilight knew whose eyes those were now that she took a good long look at them, they were hers .
Calamity's expression brightened as she looked excited. "So, you finally believe me Momma!? Hooray!" She chuckled happily, breaking off into a merry laugh as Twilight just continued to remain elevated there, in shock. Calamity continued as she looked up at Princess Twilight, before latching onto her in the form of a hug. "So, speaking of Papa!" She smiled, "When will we see him?"
And Twilight just looked down at the draconequus as her face darkened in distress. T-This, this can't be happening .
Chapter 2: Alone on the Throne
CHAPTER 2: ALONE ON THE THRONE
Among other things, Fluttershy was currently enjoying her day, relaxing within her home peacefully as she was preparing some snacks for both Discord and her to enjoy in their leisure time. She also took some time to admire the beauty of the nature outside her kitchen window, she momentarily sighed before baring a soft satisfied smile. She stopped what she was doing to admire the view in silence.
Twilight popped up in front of the window abruptly with a crazed expression. "FLUTTERSHY!"
"EEEEK!" Fluttershy shrieked as she immediately ducked and covered her head with both hooves, trembling.
Twilight popped into the kitchen with a spell before just lowering her head immediately towards Fluttershy with haste. "Fluttershy, where's Discord!? I need to speak to him!" She began trotting around her home, glancing around immediately, still with a rushed demeanor.
Fluttershy cautiously rose as she trembled still. "U-Um, Twilight? Are, are you okay?"
Twilight ignored the question as she looked back at Fluttershy with a brow twitch.
Fluttershy flinched before gulping once. "Um, D-Discord should be here, he's just-"
"Doooown here!" Came a tiny almost obscured voice.
Twilight blinked a bit before looking down towards the wooden floor, squinting at a tiny figure and raising a brow at it.
Discord was apparently the size of an ant. "What might this be? You need me !? Ohohoho, well, how flattering!"
Twilight focused on him intently. "This isn't a game Discord. I need your help. I've got a problem that I feel only you can fix."
Discord crossed his arms at her before suddenly in a poof of magic, he was his original size, then levitating and crossing his legs, managing to manifest a tea cup in the process. "Oh? Well, why didn't you say so? Of course of course! Anything for my dear friend Princess Twilight right ? Now, what might be this dire issue hm?" He was wholly intrigued as he leaned in to listen before taking a sip from his cup.
Twilight exhaled as she glanced back at Fluttershy, then back up at Discord before closing her eyes. "Well, um-" she suddenly appeared ashamed of herself as she looked up at Discord. "First off, h-how, how are draconequus born Discord?"
Discord suddenly spit out his drink before chuckling heartily. "Oho! Well this is a surprise! And here I thought nopony cared about my life story at all besides Fluttershy! Well, not even SHE has ever asked me how I was born. It's touching really." He took another sip.
Twilight groaned as she just gave him a look of impatience. "Would you just tell me already Discord?"
Discord smirked before suddenly disappearing in a poof of smoke and reappearing on the couch. "Oh you misunderstand me Princess Twilight! Did you ever truly think we could simply be born ? I'm one of a kind !" He suddenly raised his claws as an image appeared overhead, displaying a scene which put his words into visual understanding. "To clarify, my race can only be created through the power of raw magical energy. Time magic, elemental magic, dark magic, there are many different forms as you well know." He paused with a devious smirk, then snapped causing his scene to disappear. "So as you also know, the accumulation of many different forms of magic at once can have sometimes, unpredictable results . Or should I say, Chaotic ones !" He burst into laughter before pridefully rising and levitating himself. "So to cut the story short! We are born through unpredictable happenings in the magical world! Typically in areas where a mass of raw magical power is gathered at once, insinuating beautiful chaos! Quite impressive if I do say so myself!"
Fluttershy began clapping her hooves as she did appear impressed with Discord's story. "Very veeery impressive Discord."
Discord smiled at Fluttershy before closing his eyes and bowing. "Oh thaaaank you Fluttershy! Please please, I'm flattered!"
Twilight was lost in her thoughts for a moment as she just peered at Discord. "So Discord was born through chaos alone?" Twilight looked towards the ground as she sunk further into her trove of theories before coming to a realization. "That would mean Calamity is-"
Discord suddenly got in her face. "YES! And I am the ONLY one! Chaotic magic is my birthright and mine alone Princess Twilight!" He snapped his claw and appearing in his grasp was a chocolate candy bar. "So if you thought of learning my magic, I'll have to burst your curious little bubble! You do not have the natural makeup to handle such magical power on your own! Not even as an alicorn."
Twilight just remained lost, and it showed on her face. "It's not me I'm worried about ."
Discord raised a brow before taking a bite out of the candy bar. "Well then who are you worried about? It certainly isn't me! Or dear Fluttershy! If you're thinking about trying to experiment with what I just told you then don't bother! It is an impossible task!"
Twilight's expression sunk further as she sulked, just giving Discord a particularly guilty look.
Discord looked at Twilight for a moment raising a brow. His look of surprise steadily melted away as he let his arms hang at his side before he suddenly appeared distraught, nervous, and even frightened with a blank expression. "Wait, don't tell me you actually did it?"
Fluttershy's expression mimicked Discord's as she looked just as worried. "D-Discord? What's wrong?"
Twilight remained silent as she didn't really know how to put it into words.
Discord shook his head as he appeared awfully insecure. "W-Where!? You couldn't have possibly done it! When!?"
Twilight muttered. "In the battle with Tirek, I, I had the magical energy of the other princesses. Tirek possessed the magic of all of my friends as well as-" she paused before giving Discord a grim look, "Yours , Discord. It was more than enough to do as you said."
Discord suddenly became infuriated as he tore at his mane. "Y-YOU! WHY YOU IRRESPONSIBLE LITTLE PONY!" He spread his arms in a wide gesture of Twilight's incompetence. "DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU'VE DONE!? I AM THE ONLY DRACOENQUUS I'VE EVER MET! ME , I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH ANOTHER ONE! WHAT HAPPENS IF IT DOES WHATEVER IT WANTS!? WHAT HAPPENS IF IT'S ABLE TO OUTPERFORM EVEN ME!? I'M DISCORD
Twilight snapped back at Discord. "Now's not the time to be blaming me for all of this Discord! Just because you're afraid you'll be outdone isn't what we should be talking about right now! Besides if it weren't for you betraying us then we wouldn't be in this mess!"
Discord flinched as he just sulked afterwords.
Fluttershy immediately flew between the two as she scolded Twilight. "T-Twilight! That was unnecessary!"
Twilight's eyes widened as she sulked as well due to her own harsh words. "S-Sorry Fluttershy." She looked up at Discord, "She's right Discord, I didn't mean it like that. Listen, I know you don't approve of what happened, neither do I, but we're both a part of this. And now that there's another one of you around, I need your help with her." Twilight lowered her head, "She's, she's a little too wild for me."
Fluttershy blinked a bit, obviously confused about all of this. "A-Another Discord?"
"Where is she?" Discord spoke with a tone lacking confidence, which surprised Fluttershy.
Twilight raised her head again at Discord. "S-She's at the castle. I already had a letter sent to Princess Celestia. She is probably on her way over here right now. But for now I'm on my own so I was hoping I could use your help." She looked on over to Fluttershy. "And yours to Fluttershy. You're the first pony to ever convince Discord to join our side. Maybe you help with another situation like that?"
Fluttershy's eyes widened. "O-Oh gosh Twilight. Another Discord? I-I, I um, I don't know. I only got lucky the first time."
Twilight approached Fluttershy, allowing her tired features to come fully into view for the pegasus. "Please Fluttershy, I really need you here. I, I don't know what else to do anymore. I bought as much time as I could, and even now I'm wasting it as Spike is left alone to fend for himself at the castle. S-She's something else!" Twilight had thick wrinkled bags beneath her eyes. "I, I really need you! So, PLEASE !"
Fluttershy just looked plainly at Twilight for another moment, and it didn't take her a second longer to put on a determined expression. "I'll do it!" Fluttershy fluttered up momentarily as she spread her hooves in confidence with a smirk. "Are you ready
Discord continued to sulk as he sluggishly made his way out of the house, muttering. "Yea, u-um, of course."
Both Twilight and Fluttershy were baffled as Fluttershy spoke with concern, raising a hoof to her muzzle. "D-Discord?"
As Twilight, Discord, and Fluttershy arrived back at the castle, before entering they all paused. The world around them was beautiful, a little too good to be true in Twilight's eyes, with clear blue skies and tweeting birds who flew around the area. It's what awaited inside that caused Twilight to hesitate as she stood there. She took in a deep breath, before looking back at Discord and Fluttershy tiredly. "Ready?"
Discord gulped, as Fluttershy nodded firmly with a determined expression.
Twilight nodded back to them, before pushing open the door hesitantly. "S-Spike?..."
Within, there were streams of confetti strewn about, hanging from every area accompanied by balloons. Sweets were plastered on the walls and furniture was destroyed. A chandelier suddenly fell from the roof and crashed to the floor, before a flock of chickens and geese ran across the main lobby down another corridor. The three just stood there with shocked expressions on their faces.
"T-Twiliiiiight?" Questioned a familiar voice.
Twilight snapped back to attention as she glanced to her lower right, and crawling towards her from a shadowed corner was Spike. He was disheveled, with makeup all over his face, in torn clothes, with a full belly and icing still covering his lips. "SPIKE!?"
Fluttershy gasped as she covered her muzzle with both hooves in horror.
Discord cringed.
Twilight rushed inside as she didn't hesitate to grab hold of Spike, obviously concerned. Tears swelled in her eyes as she looked over the baby dragon, obviously partied out as he laid there as a shell of his former self. "W-What? What happened!?"
Spike burped then just groaned heavily. "T-Too many games, t-too many defeats....I, I, I can't beat her Twilight, I'm sorry."
Twilight sniffled as she smiled. "I-It's okay, I know you tried."
"Twenty two games of tick tack toe! Fifty three games of tag! Four games of chess! Sixteen games of stare contests! Nine games of riddles! Ten eating contests! And fourteen games of hide and seek to be precise! Welcome back Momma! Ready to play now!?"
Twilight's eyes widened as she immediately glared towards the main lobby with a deep scowl. Sitting down with her legs crossed over the wreckage of the chandelier was Calamity, who still wore an innocently playful expression with both arms behind her back.
Fluttershy's now started to tremble with a frightened look. This was the first time she saw another draconequus besides Discord.
Discord just stared in awe, a little too shocked for words as well. So she wasn't kidding about there being another him now.
Twilight trotted forward, still obviously tired based on her demeanor. "No more games Calamity! You NEED to LISTEN to me!"
Calamity's eyes immediately widened in distress as she appeared troubled. "B-But, but but you said we'd keep playing until you won!" She leaned forward, obviously hurt by Twilight's words. "You promised Momma! And I know you don't break pinkie promises!"
Twilight to appeared distressed and conflicted, as she shook her head in desperation. "But that was before I knew you were too good at EVERY GAME! I can't keep this up forever Calamity! I-I need you to listen to me if we're to figure out what to do with you!"
Calamity suddenly flinched as she leaned her head back and spoke with a sinister tone. "What's that supposed to mean ?"
Twilight's eyes widened again as she shook her head nervously. "N-Nothing Calamity! I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to word it like that." She paused with a sigh before glancing up at her again. "I just need you to stop playing games for right now, okay ?"
Calamity leaned forward and snapped at Twilight again in distress. "YOU'RE GOING TO GIVE ME WHAT I WANT! "
Twilight just ran a hoof down her own face in sheer agony. Just the irony of knowing where Calamity got that part of her personality from is what annoyed her the most. But suddenly an idea dawned on Twilight as she smirked with confidence. "C-Calamity! I know I know, instead of playing games! H-How about, how about, WE STUDY!?" She smiled widely, nervously. Please please pleeeease work !
Calamity's eyes widened as she almost immediately burst into joyful chuckles. "Well why didn't you say so Momma!? Studying is only like one of the bazillion things I love to do! Let's study about everything! Let's stay up every night to study together forever okay!?"
Twilight's brow twitched as a look of inherent fear was practically a part of her now. She nervously backed away before commenting, "W-Why of course Calamity! We'll get to that soon enough. But FIRST! I'd like you to play a game with a new friend I've brought!"
Calamity's eyes widened curiously. "A new friend? Oh I love new friends! Who is it?" She blinked curiously, peering from atop the broken chandelier towards Twilight, awaiting this mysterious new friend to come into the light and reveal himself to her.
Twilight closed her eyes and chuckled nervously again. "O-Of course, come on in you guys!"
And hesitantly making his way inside was Discord, accompanied by Fluttershy.
Calamity's eyes widened almost immediately at the two as she tilted her head to the left.
Discord couldn't bring himself to look at the child directly for some reason.
Fluttershy smiled nervously at the draconequus. "H-Hello, um, C-Calamity? Nice to meet you. I'm-"
Calamity tilted her head to the right with a smile. "Auntie Fluttershy! Uncle Discord! HI!"
Fluttershy and Discord's eyes grew wide with surprise as they peered at the child then on in surprise.
Calamity looked at Twilight. "Momma! Why would you bring these two? Auntie Fluttershy is nice, but she can't possibly beat me in any game either!" She chuckled a bit closing her eyes before glancing over at Discord. "And Uncle Discord? He's obsolete !"
Discord's eyes widened further in reaction to those words.
Fluttershy placed both hooves on her hips as she fluttered on up. "H-HEY! THAT'S NOT TRUE!"
Twilight reacted immediately as well in Discord's defense. "Calamity! That's a horrible thing to say!"
Calamity appeared distressed again. "Why Momma!? I'm only saying the truth! Uncle Discord can't be trusted! And he's no longer the only draconequus around! He's not needed anymore! I could replace him and help you more Momma! He could never beat me!"
Discord gritted his teeth for another moment before calling out to her. "Oh? Well is that so!? Care to prove it then?"
Calamity glanced on over at Discord with an intense squint and grumpy look. "Rrrrrrrrrr...."
Discord smirked confidently as he stated. "A duel of our magic! If I win! You will listen to anything I have to say!"
Twilight's eyes widened in surprise as she smiled. "G-Good thinking Discord!" Twilight glanced on back over to Calamity nervously. Calamity is smart enough to know how crazy accepting this is. Discord has way too much experience and she knows that it'd probably be -
Calamity stared blankly at Discord and didn't hesitate to answer. "Okay!"
Discord, Fluttershy, and Twilight all froze with shock.
Calamity continued raising a claw and smiling softly in excitement. "And if I win! You and Auntie Fluttershy will listen to everything and anything I say! We will play as many games as I want, and study as much as I want! You will give me what I want!"
Discord put on a determined expression as he stared at this draconequus.
Fluttershy worriedly glanced over at Discord, not too sure about this any longer.
It took some time for Twilight to overcome her initial shock to Calamity's answer and ease her nervousness. She cleared her head, before looking at Discord worriedly. "D-Discord wait! Don't accept! There's something not right about Calamity's confi-"
Discord placed both claws on his hips and snapped a claw, suddenly manifesting gym clothes on himself. "ACCEPTED!"
Calamity smiled as she clapped both claws together in delight and smiled wide. "Yaaaay, I can't wait to play with you Uncle Discord!"
Twilight gulped as she cringed, and looked over nervously at Calamity.
While Flutteshy was just as worried before looking hesitantly towards the ground.
Calamity continued merrily. "And like with Momma! We'll all be an even bigger happy family!"
Chapter 3: Eeny Meeny Miny Mom?
CHAPTER 3: EENY MEENY MINY MOM?
Outside the castle, Twilight and Spike stood beside Calamity on one opposing end while Discord and Fluttershy stood on the other.
Twilight glanced down at Calamity before nervously scratching at the back of her mane. It was obvious she was uncomfortable with this whole situation as she stood behind the draconequus. She raised a hoof, wanting to touch her, to confront her with her concerns but she hesitated. She just kept that hoof raised, unable to actually touch Calamity for some odd reason. Was she still troubled by the idea of being the mother to this child that was undoubtedly hers? She looked guilty, and gazed towards the ground in that moment.
"What's wrong Momma?" Calamity glanced back at Twilight in curiosity.
Twilight flinched. That word again . She was a mother now. It was no different from Spike right? She avoided eye contact.
Spike sat, still with a full belly as he burped. "H-Hah, i-it's over Calamity. There's no way you can beat Discord!"
Calamity looked on over at Spike as she stared blankly at him. "You want Uncle Discord to win?"
Spike raised a claw as if about to confidently state something before he hesitated and then questioned himself. "Well um, yea sure? If Discord wins you have to do whatever he says!" He stood up smirking. "And that'll get you to finally listen to us!"
Calamity just continued to look at Spike blankly before glancing over at Twilight. "What about you Momma?"
Twilight's eyes saddened as she muttered. "Um, I don't know actually." She approached Calamity. "L-Listen Calamity. I know you're young and you want to play, but, please reconsider this. You're talented but, so is Discord. I don't want you do this." She hesitantly placed a hoof on Calamity's shoulder before smiling a little. "I, well, I am your mom after all right?" She still seemed uncomfortable.
Calamity hugged Twilight and nuzzled into her happily. "Yes! I love you Momma!"
Twilight felt as if she'd melted in that moment as she turned beat red. She trembled a little before raising a hoof and pulling the draconequus closer into her as she still wore a look of uncertainty. "I, I like you to Calamity. You're really sweet."
Calamity peered up at her with wide eyes. "Mhmm! I'll do anything for you!"
Twilight now looked upset. "T-Then why won't you listen to me? I told you, I need you to listen."
Calamity smiled wide. "Because I like you Momma! And if I don't make you, you won't spend time with me!"
Twilight glanced to the upper right. "O-Oh, well, can you maybe um, let it slide just this once?" She gave a cheesy smile.
Calamity shook her head. "NOPE!"
Twilight frowned before glaring a bit at the draconequus.
Calamity pulled away from her before hurrying on over further into the field. "Okay! Watch me Momma!"
Twilight raised a hoof towards her hesitantly again before sighing with a frustrated groan. "Ugh!..."
Spike raised a brow at Twilight. "What's wrong Twilight?"
Twilight grumpily peered at the grass. "She won't listen to me! H-How can she sit there and call me mom and not even listen to what I have to say? I feel like the child right now. Not to mention she just walked into my life a few hours ago! It's just, unfair ."
Spike blinked a bit. "Jeez Twilight, well um, yea I guess that is a lot to take in on a single day haha." He scratched the back of his head.
Twilight's expression sunk further. "A lot to take in!? Of course it's a lot to take in Spike! Not even Shining Armor has a kid yet and he's married! I-I don't even know how to be a mom. How do I deal with problems like this? You were never this bad when you were smaller!"
"And are you ready Uncle Discord!?"
Twilight and Spike looked to the field then, concentrating on the game between the two again.
Fluttershy cupped her muzzle with both hooves calling out to Discord. "Be careful Discord! Y-You to Calamity! Play nice!"
Calamity tossed a wave at Fluttershy. "Yes Ma'am!" She looked up at Discord as the two stood in the middle of the field.
Discord looked down at her grumpily before pointing at her. "Just because you're a draconequus doesn't mean you know how to use our magic! I have generations of experience on you! Don't think you can just waltz on in and take the spotlight from the King of Chaos!"
Calamity smiled up at him with a chuckle. "Yes Uncle Discord! Are you ready?"
Discord gritted his teeth before raising his claw and then pressing it against her forehead. "WHY! I'LL SHOW YOU!"
Twilight looked on as a fearful look suddenly overcame her but she remained silent with wide observant eyes.
Spike glanced over and up at Twilight, before paying attention to the magic duel again. "Worry worm."
Calamity just stood there as her eyes appeared hypnotized for a moment as she smiled up at Discord.
Discord pulled his claw back and smiled. "HAH! Too easy! And you call yourself a draconequus!" He crossed his arms and smirked to himself in confidence before glancing back at Fluttershy. "See Fluttershy? It looks like not all of us can be as capable with this magic!"
Fluttershy did indeed look surprised as she tilted her head to the right in confusion. "O-Oh my, t-that was fast."
Discord returned his attention to Calamity. "Now, dear little Calamity, why don't you admit who's the best draconequus of them all?"
Calamity muttered something inaudible.
Discord leaned in closer, still wearing his smirk as he spoke with a tone of delight. "Oh what was that? I couldn't hear you!"
Calamity chuckled before shouting with her mighty Canterlot voice. "MEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! "
Discord immediately cringed before flying back from the sheer pressure of the voice itself and tumbling and rolling across the grass.
Spike, Twilight, and Fluttershy all had their ears covered as they looked on in shock.
Discord wobbled dizzily to his feet before shaking his head. "But, but that's-"
Twilight muttered. "The traditional Canterlot voice?..."
Spike glanced up at Twilight again. "I thought that was just a Princess Luna thing?"
Twilight continued to observe, paying close attention to Calamity's methods of magic. "I thought so to."
Discord scowled a bit before snapping his claw and a nearby bird became enraged, enlarging and turning into a more frightening version of itself. He pointed his claw at Calamity as the bird just charged the draconequus with a mighty echoing screech.
Calamity just stood there and the moment the bird arrived at her feet, it returned to its former self and casually flew away.
Discord blinked, before becoming increasingly frustrated. "Why yoooou!" Discord snapped again.
Chains wrapped around Calamity as she just stood there, blinking as she eyed the chains.
Discord snapped once more as a multitude of boxes appeared over Calamity, trapping her. "Oho, now try to weasel out of that one!"
The boxes all exploded as did the chains as Calamity just stood there doing twirls on one pony leg. "Fun fun fun!"
Discord bit his lower lip as his brow twitched and he just pointed his claw at the little draconequus and fired off a succession of spells.
The spells bounced off Calamity before she opened her mouth and swallowed one, then firing it back at Discord with a burp.
Discord immediately split himself vertically in half as he dodged the beam with a relieved look.
Twilight looked on as she squinted a bit. Calamity, she isn't using any magic. She's naturally able to reject his spells.
"What in the world is going on here!? "
Calamity, Discord, Fluttershy, Spike and Twilight all looked towards the sky immediately then.
Descending down and inbetween both draconequus was Princess Celestia as she was obviously upset. "What is the meaning of this? Why is there a magical duel between two of the most powerful creatures in Equestria going on in such close proximity to Ponyville!?"
Twilight's expression sunk as she shook her head. "P-Princess Celestia I-"
Princess Celestia looked on over at Twilight with concern. "And how could you just stand there and let it happen Princess Twilight?"
Twilight's eyes saddened as she lowered her head and sulked.
Princess Celestia glanced back at Discord. "And you Discord! You know better than to-"
"HEY! Don't you yell at Momma!"
Princess Celestia's eyes widened before she turned around and peered down at the little draconequus silently.
Twilight called out to Calamity. "C-Calamity, wait!"
Calamity was breathing heavily as she wore a distressed look.
Princess Celestia's surprised look never disappeared. "Oh yes, you . The new little draconequus, so you're her."
Calamity squinted as the princess loomed over her. "L-Leave Momma alone."
Princess Celestia raised a brow at Calamity before glancing over at Twilight then back down at her. "Momma?" She sighed only a moment later before she regarded the draconequus with a sad expression. "Now this all makes sense. Why you've decided to come here."
Calamity nodded with determination. "Y-Yes! I've finally found my Momma Princess Celestia! So you leave her alone! I will protect her no matter what, so, so you can't yell at her! Do you understand!?" She pointed her claw firmly at Princess Celestia in confidence.
Princess Celestia shook her head. "Do you truly believe Twilight is your mother little one?"
Calamity's eyes widened as she lowered her arm a little, wearing a slightly shocked look. "H-Huh?"
Twilight blinked a bit, just as confused.
Calamity continued desperately, swiping her arm. "O-Of course she's my Momma! I, I made sure of it!"
Princess Celestia sighed again. "Just because you are comprised of the magical energy of Twilight as well as Tirek does not make them your parents little one. You are also comprised of the magical energy of Discord, my sister, as well as myself and another. None of these things however mean that we're your parents . You are but the mass collection of raw magical power, the living form of cataclysmic energy."
Discord raised a brow at Celestia. "Wait, how did you know that!?"
Princess Celestia glanced over at Discord with disinterest. "I've known for quite some time Discord..."
Calamity took a step back shaking her head as she trembled. "B-But I-, Momma tell her!" She looked over at Twilight desperately.
Twilight however remained silent with wide eyes.
Calamity turned to face Twilight with a look of dread. "M-Momma?" She blinked, worriedly at the fact Twilight said nothing.
Spike blinked a bit himself as he glanced up at Twilight, nudging her. "H-Hey Twilight? Aren't you going to say something?"
Twilight in that moment glanced to her lower right with a look of guilt, still saying absolutely nothing.
Spike raised a brow at Twilight in confusion. "Twilight?"
Calamity's eyes went wide as in that moment as well, she just lowered her head and with a blank look. She turned around and sluggishly walked past Princess Celestia, and Discord who just watched her depart with a cold expression, saying nothing. She understood .
Fluttershy had her muzzle covered with both hooves as she just watched with a heartbroken look. "C-Calamity?"
Twilight was silent for some time more before she raised a hoof at Calamity. "Calamity, please wait, just because-"
Princess Celestia cut in with a delighted smile in regards to Calamity. "But this doesn't mean I can't adopt you either ."
Calamity came to an abrupt halt, before sniffling and glancing back at Princess Celestia. "A-Adopt?"
Twilight froze as she raised a brow at Princess Celestia in shock. W-WHAT !?
Discord to looked over at Celestia, baffled . "CELESTIA!? What is the meaning of this? Do you know what you're doing!?"
Princess Celestia continued with half closed eyes and a caring smile. "Yes, it means I would officially be her mother."
Fluttershy appeared shocked at first, before a heartfelt smile overcame her and she sniffled.
Calamity turned around and looked up at Princess Celestia as tears began to fill her eyes to the brim.
Princess Celestia strode over to the draconequus child and pulled her into a tight hug. "I cannot imagine what you've put yourself through to get this far child. But even if this was not the end you imagined, it doesn't mean we can't reach a happy one, all of us, together."
Tears rolled down the little draconequus' face as she hesitantly, but inevitably returned Princess Celestia's hug.
Princess Celestia closed her eyes and ran her hoof through Calamity's white mane. "There there, it's alright." Before she glanced over at Princess Twilight and winked at her and then gave her a nod of understanding. She looked down at Calamity affectionately then.
Twilight still looked shocked however.
Spike nudged Twilight playfully in that moment. "Oh that crafty Princess Celestia! She knew you weren't ready for this sort of responsibility Twilight, so not only did she turn the situation around but she took care of the problem at the same time! Isn't this great?"
Twilight was silent as she just looked on at the two hugging with a blank look.
Spike raised a brow at Twilight before scratching at the back of his head. "Hey, um, Twilight you okay?"
Twilight remained silent as her brow just twitched as she just looked at Princess Celestia and Spike questioned again, "Twilight?"
Chapter 4: Thank You, Twilight Sparkle
CHAPTER 4: THANK YOU, TWILIGHT SPARKLE
"I see, so she quite literally showed up on your doorstep." Princess Celestia was troubled but just as impressed by the news. They still stood outside Twilight's castle, as both Twilight and her remained some distance from the others to speak alone. Princess Celestia smiled softly at her past student. "Well, I'm happy to hear you managed to last this long though Princess Twilight. You did the right thing by sending that letter." Princess Celestia glanced on over at Calamity with interest as the child was currently playing tag with Discord. "She is a sweet child, I'm sure she will make a wonderful daughter. Although there are still many preparations to make before it's official." She chuckled.
Twilight's nose wrinkled a bit as she looked to her lower left. Why am I suddenly annoyed ?
Princess Celestia continued with an affectionate smile. "She has your coat and your eyes. But it seems her habits might need some looking into. But that's fine, I haven't looked after such a wild child since Luna's younger days. It'll be quite the experience."
Twilight lowered her head in that instant as she was obviously grumpy based on her demeanor. "Y-You did adopt her so suddenly."
Princess Celestia chuckled again as she began to laugh softly. "Ahaha, yes, it was quite hasty of me wasn't it?" She glanced over at Twilight. "But I could tell you obviously weren't ready to look after such a child Twilight, you made the right decision leaving her to me."
Twilight looked up at Princess Celestia desperately. "B-But you didn't even tell me what you were going to do!"
Princess Celestia raised a brow at Twilight in amusement. "Did you truly expect me to just let her walk off like that Twilight?"
Twilight's eyes saddened as she looked towards the grass. "N-No but, still ..."
Princess Celestia smiled affectionately at Twilight. "Do not worry Twilight, I shall be fine. You have nothing to worry about."
Twilight sighed heavily as she turned away from Princess Celestia, which just left Celestia feeling a little confused.
"Over here Uncle Discord!"
Discord's eyes were intently focused on capturing the little runt as he snapped his claw in that instant, attempting to subdue her with a spell, but in that same instant she was gone from where she called out to him. He just blinked in surprise before appearing frustrated again.
Calamity popped out from beneath the ground like a mole. "Over here!"
Discord pointed his claw down at the hole before it was quite literally filled and overflowed by ice.
Calamity now sat atop his head before leaning over and looking him in the eyes upside down. "Right here!"
Fluttershy was chuckling softly as she just watched the two play from afar. "Good job Calamity!"
Spike was actually pleased as he stood beside Fluttershy and nudged her. "She's fast isn't she?"
Fluttershy nodded. "Mhm! Maybe she'd have more fun with Rainbow Dash than Discord."
Spike's eyes widened before he looked intrigued and elbow nudged Fluttershy again. "Now that would be something!"
Discord couldn't help but take into account Fluttershy's comment before sulking.
Calamity blinked a bit as she raised a brow at the older draconequus. "What's wrong Uncle Discord?" She was still currently atop of his head, leaning over and looking at him from an upside down angle. "You look sad? Do you want me to go slower for you?"
Discord glared angrily at the child draconequus before whispering. "Just what are you trying to accomplish here?"
Calamity's confusion only became more apparent. "What do you mean?"
Discord's arm disappeared before reappearing behind Calamity and picking her up by the scruff at the back of her neck and then holding her in front of him as he pointed his free paw at her, pressing it against her tiny furry nose. "What I mean is, what are your intentions? If you're like me then I know you're up to something! You're trying to steal the spotlight from me aren't you? You devious little draconequus!"
Calamity blinked a bit before looking amused. "Um, I just want more friends Uncle Discord!"
Discord arched his head back a little in surprise. "Friends? That's it !?"
Calamity nodded continuously. "Mhm! I want to be friends with everypony! And you're fun to play with!"
Discord's eyes suddenly widened before he scratched the scruff of his chin with a raised brow before dropping the draconequus on her feet and restoring his lost arm and tapping both his claw and paw together absently. "Oh! Is thaaaat so? Friends with everypony hm?"
Calamity lowered her pony legs to sit before peering up at Discord. "Mhm mhm!"
Discord leaned in closer to the draconequus. "And what exactly do you know about friendship so far?"
Calamity placed a sharp finger upon her lower lip in question. "Um, a lot!" She looked confident. "I think!"
"Might there be a problem Discord?" Princess Celestia approached the two casually, keeping her eyes on Discord however.
Discord grumbled before closing his eyes and raising his head. "None whatsoever Celestia!" He went up into the air before spreading his arms in the form of a casual bow. "I was just leaving actually! I believe it's safe to say you have things under control here?"
Princess Celestia raised a brow at Discord before stating confidently. "I do."
Discord just nodded to her with a bored look before disappearing in a poof of pink smoke, reappearing beside Fluttershy.
Fluttershy looked up at Discord. "Did you have fun Discord?"
Discord's expression brightened sarcastically. "Oh LOADS of fun! It was the most fun I had in years actually!"
Fluttershy giggled as she curled her hooves in with delight. "Oh, I'm so glad to hear that Discord!"
Discord groaned heavily as he just crossed his arms grumpily and Fluttershy suddenly looked confused.
Celestia still had her eyes on Discord in suspicion as she appeared troubled by him, but then widened as she felt a sudden tug on her coat, before peering towards the ground catching sight of a nervous Calamity beneath her. She smiled affectionately in delight. "Oh?"
Twilight stood not far off, and looked upon the scene with a churning in her stomach as her brow twitched slightly again.
Calamity continued. "U-Um, Princess Celestia?"
Princess Celestia pulled the draconequus a little closer before speaking. "Yes child?"
Calamity looked up at her with wide eyes. "W-Will, will you really be happy with me?"
Princess Celestia closed her eyes and chuckled softly. "Why of course. Why wouldn't I? You are everything I could ask for in a child."
Calamity's eyes widened before she immediately looked to the ground, happy with the words, but embarrassed.
Twilight leaned forward a bit. "Um, Princess Celestia, can I speak to you for a moment please?"
Princess Celestia raised a brow at Twilight in curiosity. "Of course Twilight." She began making her way over to her.
Calamity chuckled as she merrily trailed after Princess Celestia to join her and Twilight.
Twilight raised a hoof at Calamity. "Calamity, you stay over there please."
Calamity nodded "Yes Mo-" before cutting herself off hurriedly and then looking towards the ground with saddened eyes. "Ah, r-right.."
Twilight's eyes saddened as well as she just looked at Calamity worriedly, then focused back on Princess Celestia. "Are you planning to take Calamity back to Canterlot right away? M-Maybe she could stay with me a little longer? There's a lot of room in the castle and I know you've got to make preparations. She will be announced as your daughter after all." Twilight smiled brightly up at Princess Celestia.
Princess Celestia nodded to Twilight with relief. "Oh thank you Twilight! You are actually spot on." She glanced back at Calamity for another second before focusing on Twilight again. "I was actually meaning to ask if you could gather the rest of your friends and show Calamity a good time. Find out more about what she did before she arrived here in Ponyville, I would like to make note of such things when I spend more quality time with her." Princess Celestia leaned in and whispered in Twilight's ear. "And watch Discord, I feel that he's planning something unfortunately." She pulled back, "But thank you again Twilight. I also believe a party is in order, so if you can please send Pinkie Pie my way after she has been introduced to-" Princess Celestia paused before closing her eyes with a chuckle, "My daughter."
Twilight nudged Princess Celestia playfully, chuckling herself. "A liiiiittle hasty there again, don't you think Princess Celestia?"
Princess Celestia flushed a little red. "Ah yes, but I must grow used to the idea of calling her such things. Don't you believe so?"
Twilight began rotating her hoof in the grass as she smiled a bit questioningly. "Aaaaah I don't know. Things do tend to change abruptly from time to time Princess Celestia. Maybe we should hold off on titles until everything is-" she smiled, "A little more official!"
Princess Celestia smiled again before looking up with an anxious sigh. "Ah you're right Twilight. It must be my nervousness getting to me." She paused before turning around and glancing back at Twilight. "I will go let her know of the situation Twilight, I can't thank you enough."
Twilight nodded firmly to Princess Celestia. "Yes Princess Celestia."
Princess Celestia smiled brightly at her before making her way back over to Calamity.
Calamity peered up at Princess Celestia worriedly with her claws curled in. "Y-You're leaving!? You can't leave!"
Princess Celestia glared down at the draconequus. "Don't raise your voice at me Calamity. I'll be going, but only for a little while."
Calamity flinched before looking down towards the ground. "B-But...But, but...."
Princess Celestia didn't hesitate to lower her head as she nudged the draconequus softly. "Don't worry, you'll be alright."
Calamity nodded hesitantly before muttering. "O-Okay..."
Princess Celestia looked down at her with suspicion. It was obvious that Calamity had anxiety issues when she attached herself, this would need to be watched carefully. It seems that she attaches herself to others too easily. This might pose to be a problem . Princess Celestia glanced back at Twilight again before giving her a firm nod, then looking towards the skies and spreading her wings, taking off.
Calamity looked at Princess Celestia depart with extremely worried eyes, even after she disappeared into the clouds.
"Calamity?"
Calamity's eyes widened as she turned around to see Twilight again, and a look of immediate relief overcame her. She went to all fours before hurriedly making her way over to the princess and then embracing her in a hug and then happily looking up at her.
Twilight returned the hug as she looked down at the draconequus affectionately. "Princess Celestia will be gone for a little while so you'll be spending more time with me. I'd like you to meet the rest of my friends if that's alright. You know who they are, don't you?"
Calamity nodded hurriedly. "Mhm mhm! Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack!"
Twilight chuckled as she nodded to her. "That's right! You're so smart."
Calamity's expression brightened. "Thanks M-" before cutting herself off again and looking nervous before peering up at Twilight again this time with a raised claw. "I-I mean, thank you Twilight Sparkle ! You're so nice!" She closed her eyes and nuzzled into the princess.
Twilight's expression worsened as her hold on the draconequus tightened a bit and she looked deeply troubled.
Spike, Fluttershy and Discord still stood from afar.
Spike however had his eyes shaded from the sun as he looked up in the direction where Princess Celestia took off. "Huh, guess Princess Celestia had some business to take care of." He shrugged and looked back over at Twilight and Calamity. "Well I guess it's good that Twilight and uh, Calamity are getting along suddenly now. Maybe all it took was a visit from Princess Celestia to fix everything."
Fluttershy had her hoof raised to her muzzle. "Aw, it's so sweet. It's really amazing that Princess Celestia will have her as a daughter."
Discord continued to rub the scruff on his chin as he paid close attention to Twilight's expression, before smirking.
Chapter 5: The Games We Play
Chapter 5: The Games We Play
Twilight was some distance behind Discord, Fluttershy and Spike as they all trekked towards Ponyville.
"Princess Twilight! Princess Twilight!" Calamity was currently teleporting around Twilight constantly, atop her head, clinging to her belly, hanging onto her tail, standing on her rump, and then atop her head again as she leaned over and looked at her from an upside down angle much like with Discord. "Where are we going!? Huh huh huh!? You still haven't beaten me in a game you know! Oh I know-" She disappeared again before reappearing with her legs crossed laying on Twilight's back. "Maybe we can do a trivia! I know you like those!"
Twilight glanced back at Calamity in amusement. "You sure know a lot about me huh? You're also excellent at teleportation magic."
Calamity rolled over as she laid on her bare belly atop Twilight's back, kicking her legs absently. "Of course Princess Twilight! When I remember all the stuff you did, I remember how good you were at teleporting and I wanted to be to! So it's my favorite sort of magic!"
Twilight's eyes widened, before they saddened. "I, I see. I'm sorry that I never noticed how much I meant to you."
Calamity was amused before she reappeared on top of Twilight's head. "Meant? Why past tense Princess Twilight!? You still mean a whole lot to me!" She sat up and rolled her eyes with a shrug. "I mean sure! You're not my Momma but still-"
Twilight came to an abrupt and sudden halt, causing Calamity to jolt forward a bit.
Calamity blinked before leaning down again and looking at Twilight. "Hey, why'd we stop!?" But what she saw in Twilight's eyes caused her to become quite concerned, as Twilight wore a look of sudden distress and sadness as she had her gaze on the ground.
Twilight spoke absently. "Calamity, can I ask you something?"
Calamity spoke softly, with obvious concern and worry. "Um, y-yeah, of course Princess Twilight."
Twilight questioned hesitantly. "Do you want Princess Celestia as your mom?"
Calamity's eyes widened before she disappeared again, and reappeared sitting in front of Twilight with a skeptical smile and raised brow. "W-Well, yeah, sure I do! I mean, I don't want to be alone and Princess Celestia said she'd be happy with me! So, I'm very happy to."
Twilight's expression worsened dramatically as she frowned, muttering softly, "That doesn't mean I -"
But Calamity cut in with a sudden glance to her right. "But, it just feels weird I guess ."
Twilight's eyes widened in surprise before she stared blankly at the draconequus. "Weird, why?"
Calamity continued with a soft nostalgic smile, as her lifeless gaze drifted towards the ground and depicted one of deep recalling. "When I tried to make sense of all the pictures in my head Princess Twilight, I saw you. I always saw you . Everything lead me to you. You were nice, and I always felt that you were my momma even though we'd never met! I felt like I knew you already!" She closed her eyes before tilting her head to the right with an almost pained smile, giggling. "I'm sorry I assumed so much! I'm glad I can still be close to you."
Twilight shuddered as her guilt ridden expression only became more apparent.
Calamity appeared lost for a time as she peered towards the dirt path, wearing a hollow look as if she were in a deep haze.
Twilight opened her muzzle slightly. Why are you suddenly hesitating !? Tell her, tell her what you want to say Twilight !
Calamity turned around then before chuckling again and looking ahead vibrantly. "W-Well, let's go then Princess Twilight!" She began stomping playfully, marching casually with actual full arm swings. She closed her eyes as she pressed on merrily.
Twilight sighed and lowered her head then as she muttered. "What's wrong with you Twilight? Why are you suddenly acting like this?" She appeared conflicted, lost in her thoughts. Am I jealous ? That's unlike me . Princess Celestia has more experience, confidence and qualities that make her a much better fit. S-She did this for me ! Twilight's expression worsened. So why doesn't it feel right ?
Twilight and the others eventually arrived at the Ponyville Schoolhouse, where they stopped by a nearby bench.
Calamity stared blankly at the ponies playing in the school yard with curiosity.
Twilight trotted up to the draconequus before lowering her head to look Calamity in the eyes with a soft smile. "Calamity, I'm going to leave you here for the time being okay? I know you like to play so I'll let you play with the other ponies for now, since I'm sure you don't want to trot around with me as I gather the others. It'll be their first time meeting you, so, I want them all present at the same time as well. Can I trust you not to cause any trouble while I'm gone?" She chuckled a bit nervously, wondering what the heck she was thinking leaving Calamity alone to play with other ponies before rethinking her strategy. "Actually I'll leave Spike her to, juuuuust for safe measure."
Spike placed a curled claw upon his chest in confidence. "You can count on me Twilight!"
Twilight smiled at Spike, reassured.
Calamity nodded hurriedly with excitement. "Uhuh! Y-You can trust me to!"
Twilight stood up straight before winking at the little draconequus. "Good! Now make sure you play nice okay?"
Calamity's smile brightened as she turned around and went to all fours, hurrying off towards the park.
As Twilight watched her run off, she still couldn't shake that deep welling sense of regret for not speaking up earlier. But she shrugged it off, closing her eyes and accepting things as they were. She turned around towards another path through Ponyville. "Please watch over her Spike, I'll be back before you know it." She tossed him a crooked smile, before lowering her head and making her way further into town.
Spike scratched at the back of his head, a little confused by Twilight's demeanor. "U-Uh, sure Twilight."
Fluttershy and Discord weren't too far behind as they followed Twilight, and Spike situated himself onto the bench.
Fluttershy tossed a wave at the baby dragon. "Goodluck Spike! Have fun with Calamity."
Spike kicked back before smirking to himself. "Bah! How hard can it be watching over a playful kid playing in the park?"
Calamity approached a group of fillies and colts merrily as she stood up to greet them on her hind legs. "Hello!"
The fillies and colts all immediately stopped before looking at Calamity in surprise as one of them greeted her back. "Oh! HELLO!"
One of the colts rushed up to the little draconequus hurriedly, as most trailed after him. "Whoooooa! You look so cool!"
Another colt tilted his head to the right in curiosity. "Yeah! What are you? Some sort of griffon or somethin!?"
One of the fillies slapped that colt upside the head. "Griffons have beaks you dummy!"
The colt rubbed the back of his head before whimpering in complaint. "How was I supposed to know that!?"
The filly snapped back at him in annoyance. "By paying attention in class!"
All eyes were suddenly on her, wide with curiosity and excitement about who she was and where she was from.
Calamity glanced around at all of them as well, smiling happily before stating confidently. "I'm a draconequus!"
One of the fillies blinked a bit, raising a brow. "Dracony what?"
Calamity continued. "U-Um, it's, it's hard to explain but, um, it's a, uh-" Calamity's expression gradually worsened the more she thought about it. "We're a-" she recalled Princess Celestia's words. The mass collection of raw magical power, the living form of cataclysmic energy .
Another one of the fillies cut in with excitement. "Hey were you with Princess Twilight earlier!?"
That same colt added on. "Yeah do you know her!? Are you two related or something!?"
One of the fillies nudged the colt. "Stop being a dummy! She's not a pony! How could they be related!?"
The little colt scratched at the back of his mane again. "Hey, I was just askin!"
They all started to converse more and more about the new creature that just stopped by, all discussing their theories about where she came from and what she might be. Meanwhile Calamity stood there, drowning in the thoughts of what exactly she was.
Another of the fillies took in a deep breath before raising a brow with a chuckle. "So what exactly is a draconysomething!?"
They all silently peered at her, actually fairly curious for a detailed explanation.
Calamity raised a claw before huffing and smiling. "OKAY! We'll decide with tag! If you can catch me then I'll tell you everything!"
They all looked at each other blankly for a moment before one spoke for the rest of the group. "Tag? Okay! That sounds fair!"
Another of the fillies confidently smirked at her friend. "Yeah and fun to!" She looked at Calamity. "So who's chasing you!?"
Calamity giggled a little before her smile widened. "ALL OF YOU!"
The group of fillies and colts looked at each other again in confusion before raising a brow at her. "Huh?"
Majority of them burst into laughter as one pegasus filly flew up, placing both hooves upon her hips. "Ya sure about that!?"
One of the colts shook his head. "Yeah, that's not fair. That'd be too easy for us."
Calamity began tapping at her chin with amusement. "Weeeeeell, I don't know about that everypony."
One of the fillies shrugged. "Hey! Stop complaining you guys! I want to know how she knows Princess Twilight!"
A colt added in. "Yeah, and where she's from! And what she is! I can tell my parents all about it later!"
They nodded in agreement before looking at the draconequus in determination. "Okay! Ready whenever you are!"
Calamity's smile widened from cheek to cheek in absolute excitement before she grinned fiercely, playfully . "Eheh...."
Spike leaned forward a bit as he squinted at the group of children gathered around Calamity. "Huh?"
Pinkie Pie poked her head outside Sugarcube Corner with wide eyes and a bright wide smile. Twilight, Fluttershy and Discord all stood outside as well, as if waiting for Pinkie to respond, which she did almost instantaneously. "A new friend!? Why sure Twilight!!"
Twilight chuckled a bit before smiling softly at Pinkie Pie. "Thanks Pinkie, I'm sure she'll love you a lot." Twilight's eyes widened a bit before she raised a hoof to her muzzle and peered at the ground in question. "Actually, I'm really surprised she didn't mention you..."
Pinkie Pie bounced outside of Sugarcube Corner ecstatically. "Well if she's as nice as you say she is! Then I'm sure we'll get along just fine! Yep yep!" Pinkie Pie suddenly began bouncing around Twilight in question as well. "So, what is she? Huh huh huh!?"
Twilight leaned her head back with an amused smirk. "That's a secret, I told you I'm sure you'll be surprised."
Pinkie Pie continued to bounce. "Goody! I like surprises!"
Discord crossed his arms with a groan. "Bah! Surely it's not THAT big of a surprise?"
Twilight gave Discord a blank stare before sighing and smiling to herself, closing her eyes. "Maybe you're right Discord."
Fluttershy added on with a chuckle and delighted smile. "Oh but she's a sweetheart Pinkie Pie. I just know you'll like her."
Pinkie Pie groaned heavily as she tore at her mane in the form of a pout. "Then let me meet her already! Gosh!"
Twilight nudged her head in a particular direction. "All in due time Pinkie, let's go get the others first though." And with that Twilight continued trotting on towards the other's houses as Pinkie Pie bounced close behind, with both Discord and Fluttershy still following.
Rainbow Dash opened the door from within her cloud home, only to see Twilight fluttering there in the air. Rainbow's eyes widened in surprise before she smiled, making her way out and shutting the door behind her. "Oh hey Twilight! Didn't expect you today! I thought you were taking the day off and readin your books or whatever." She raised a brow in curiosity. "Ya need somethin?"
Twilight nodded slightly. "Actually Rainbow Dash, yes. It looks like plans have changed, um, quite a bit." She nudged her head in the direction towards the ground as Rainbow's stare followed that direction, only to see Fluttershy, Discord, and Pinkie Pie down below.
Rainbow Dash raised a brow at Twilight again. "Huh? What're they doing here? Did something happen?"
Twilight glanced up momentarily. "Weeeeell, you could say that." She looked back at Rainbow. "I was actually hoping you could come with us to meet a brand new friend Rainbow." Twilight paused, "It's a little important that you all get to meet her before later."
Rainbow Dash stared at Twilight silently for a second before pointing her hoof slightly at her. "Wait wait wait, so let me get this straight, we're gathering everypony and you gave up a day of relaxation just to meet a new friend? Whooo is she exactly?"
Twilight blinked a bit before closing her eyes and chuckling in amusement. "Well, I think we should save that for later."
Rainbow Dash leaned her head back a bit, still silent as she had a brow raised at Twilight.
Twilight chuckled again as she sighed. "Everything will be easier to explain when we go and actually see her, I promise Rainbow."
Rainbow fluttered out of her home further as Twilight remained at her side. "Well okay Twilight, if you say so."
Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Discord all reached Rarity's boutique for the next destination.
Rarity was currently working on sewing a big project while her mane was disheveled. She sighed heavily before shaking her head at Twilight with a heavy sigh. "O-Oh I'm quite sorry darling! I just can't make it today! I've got a big order I must finish as quickly as possible!" Rarity's expression saddened as she peered up at the lot of them in front of her. "I'm sorry, I wish there was some other way."
Twilight raised a brow at Rarity. "I-It's fine Rarity, there will always be another time. But, you sure you don't want our help?"
Rarity's eyes snapped wide almost as if her psyche had broke. Her brow twitched. "No no no! There cannot be one mistake, ONE!"
Rainbow Dash crossed her hooves and leaned in closer towards Rarity. "Just what're you working on anyway!? Sheesh!?"
Rarity went back to focusing on sewing. "I cannot say Rainbow Dash! It is a huge project! But it must be kept a surprise!"
Rainbow Dash blinked a bit before shrugging.
They all turned towards the door, making their way out before Twilight glanced back at Rarity. "W-Well goodluck Rarity!"
Rarity said nothing as she kept her eyes focused on sewing everything perfectly.
Twilight still looked fairly concerned, but realized this was something Rarity wanted to handle alone, so she didn't push her any further.
The group of six made their way to their final destination, Sweet Apple Acres.
Twilight smiled as she caught sight of Applejack, before calling out to her. "Hey Applejack!"
But they all paused as it looked like Applejack was currently stuck in the middle of another issue.
Applejack was currently in front of the barn while complaining to her was Apple Bloom, accompanied by Scootaloo on her scooter.
Apple Bloom was quite adamant about her issue. "PLEASE Applejack, they need us! We need ta go!"
Applejack sighed heavily before tilting her hat down a bit. "Apple Bloom, I thought we agreed that you'd-"
Apple Bloom's eyes began to water as she whined. "PLEASE! I promise I'll make it up to ya tomorrow! I swear it!"
Applejack rolled her eyes before glaring down at the little filly. "Alright fine! Well, ya better return by sundown, ya hear!?"
Apple Bloom's expression suddenly brightened, as did Scootaloo's. "YEAH YEAH I PROMISE!" She looked back at Scootaloo before grabbing onto a small rope lasso and giggling with excitement, hopping onto the scooter with Scootaloo. "Let's go Scootaloo!"
Scootaloo smirked at Apple Bloom, "I'm on it!" before riding on, straight past Twilight and the others. "Hi Rainbow Dash!"
Rainbow Dash glanced back at them in curiosity. "Huh, wonder where they're off to in such a hurry."
Applejack approached the group absently. "Ta some game with the other fillies and colts. Scootaloo came by talkin about some big thing they were playin and wanted Apple Bloom ta go along." Applejack groaned, "Despite the fact she promised ta help me today with the barn." Applejack sighed before tipping her hat again, then smiling. "But hey! What the hay. I guess kids will be kids."
Twilight smiled in amusement. "Well, that was sweet of you Applejack. Your decision actually helps me a little to."
Applejack's eyes widened curiously at Twilight. "Hm? And how's that Twi?"
Pinkie Pie bounced in Applejack's face. "Because Twilight wants us to meet her new friend! Isn't it exciting!?"
Applejack raised a brow, looking a little skeptical. "New friend?"
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes with a groan. "That's what I'm sayin! Can we just meet this friend of yours already!?"
Discord cut in with both of his arms crossed. "Oh trust me. It can wait ."
Rainbow Dash squinted at Discord in question with a raised brow silently.
Fluttershy shook her head. "D-Don't worry everypony. It'll be a nice surprise."
Twilight chuckled a bit before nodding once. "Yes everypony, she's a little much but I'm sure you'll all enjoy her company over-"
"TWILIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!!!!! "
Twilight's eyes widened before they all glanced back and saw a familiar little purple dragon racing towards them. "Spike?"
Spike made his way hurriedly up to the group of them before stopping to catch his breath. "F-Finally! Here you guys are!"
Twilight raised a brow at Spike with a concerned look. "S-Spike!? What're you doing here!? Where's-......"
Spike scratched the back of his head with a soft chuckle. "Haha, yea, uuuum, about that ...."
A look of pure dread overcame Twilight as she shook her head in dismay, before she looked as if she'd come to a sudden realization, recalling Applejack's words just a few seconds ago. Ta some game with the other fillies and colts. Scootaloo came by talkin about some big thing they were playin and wanted Apple Bloom ta go along . A shiver ran down her spine as she shook her head. "No...."
And suddenly, echoing from across the skies would be a loud voracious boom.
Twilight and all the others turned around suddenly, only to see in the skies near Ponyville, become a violet vortex hung overhead.
In the fields near Ponyville, one single draconequus trekked towards a large group of fillies and colts casually. The surrounding scenery comprised of makeshift tiny castles, giant graham crackers, piles of pudding, carrot towers and many other diverse objects.
The large group of fillies and colts breathed heavily watching the draconequus approach from afar before one of the fillies exclaimed in an extremely annoyed manner. "She's just one! How come none of us can tag her!? This is just ridiculous!"
One of the colts rose to his hind legs cheerfully. "Who cares! THIS IS THE BEST GAME OF TAG EVER!"
Another of the pegasus rose to the skies gleefully in delight, as she did constant masterful loops in the air. "Yeah! Look at what her magic can do! I can fly faster than I ever did before! I feel as light as a feather! Hahahaha!" She continued with the motions.
One of the colts lowered his gaze, still focused on the draconequus. "Everypony, pay attention, she's coming!"
Another of the fillies trembled as she raised her marshmallow sword. "W-Why is she coming towards us ?"
The colt continued with a hint of dread. "Because she's insulting us. She thinks we're too slow!"
A random filly growled beneath her breath as her nose wrinkled in annoyance. "She's taunting us ...."
The group of fillies and colts suddenly appeared fairly determined, each of them with intense glares.
The colt raised his carrot sword with magic. "Even with all the magic she's given us! She still thinks we're too slow to beat her in a game of tag! Let's show her the fillies and colts of Ponyville aren't that easily beaten!" He roared! "LET'S CATCH US A DRACONYSOMETHING! CHAAAAAAAAAAAAARGE!!!" As they all joined him, roaring in unison as they all began the charge towards the draconequus.
Sitting atop one of the nearby houses were some of the parents of the fillies and colts.
One of them was obviously concerned as she looked to her fellows. "Y-You think it's safe to just let them play like that?"
Another one of the adults shooed away that particular pony. "Oh come now! My kid's having a greeeeat time."
But the mare who'd just commented continued with concern. "B-But, this looks like some very powerful magic at work here."
Another one of the adults raised a brow also quite concerned. "Yeah, and what exactly is that creature playing with them?"
The mare lacking concern shrugged. "Beats me! But hey, if my kid's happy and not hurt, then that's all that matters."
Another one of the parents hurriedly hopped onto the roof. "Did I miss it did I miss it!?" Before pulling out some popcorn. He stared with determination. "Watch my kid you guys! I bet she'll be the one to catch it! They're so close I can feel it, this is it!"
One of the other mares raised a brow skeptically at the stallion. "Or maybe you should go join em, sheesh...."
Calamity's eyes widened with excitement as she grinned playfully from cheek to cheek. "Here they come!" Before dropping to all fours and sprinting towards the large group of fillies and colts, hurrying over to meet them, before simply leaping into the crowd of them.
One of the colts yelled. "There she is! Drop your weapons!" And almost simultaneously all of the fillies and colts dispatched their fake makeshift weapons and then immediately went in for the grab. "All we've gotta do is touch her once and it's over!"
Calamity frowned with both claws behind her back and a puckered lip. "Aw and here I thought they'd fall for it." She sighed as she absently dodged all of the fillies and colts who came to grab her with her eyes closed. She ducked once, causing two pegasi to crash into each other before continuing with a sigh. "Maybe all the toys were a bit much? I thought it'd spice things up." She then leaped back as a multitude of earth ponies charged her all at once from the front, while she surged backwards gliding on air. She manifested a cup of gelato before sucking on a tiny spoon of it and glancing up as she continued to avoid the earth ponies. "Well I guess they're kind of fast. But not nearly as fast as Momma." Her eyes widened as she came to a sudden abrupt halt, suddenly distracted by something she said.
The earth ponies all surrounded her before leaping in. "Now's our chance! Tag her now!"
Calamity dropped to her back slightly above the grass, levitating, before propelling herself back with one mighty instantaneous push of air, escaping beneath one of the earth fillies before rising back up again and sucking on her spoon of gelato. "Close!"
One of the earth fillies glared back at the draconequus in irritation. Why !? Why can't we catch her !? Before the lot of them all tumbled atop one another and laid there, groaning in irritation. One of the earth colts called out in his rage, "UNICORNS!"
And suddenly, teleporting all around the draconequus in various locations attempting to confuse her was the unicorns. Calamity glanced around at all of them before taking another bite of her gelato. "Gosh this is so fun! You're all so into it! Hooray!"
One of the unicorns dashed forward with a sudden teleportation spell reaching for Calamity.
The draconequus flicked the unicorn's head with a spoon causing her to stumble back and fall, then spinning to the side dodging another who attempted to grab her from her right, before leaping back and causing one from above to hit her face in the grass. Calamity closed her eyes and smiled, before tossing her cup back as the gelato slammed into the face of another unicorn behind her, causing that unicorn to stumble back onto the grass as well. The draconequus smiled at the lot of them as surrounding her was a mass group of irritated fillies and colts, still trying to figure out their best course of action. She raised a claw. "Okay! How about I make you all a little bit faster! Then we'll be able to-" Calamity's ear twitched slightly then before her eyes snapped wide and she leaped back while suddenly dropping down in front of her path, was a rope lasso ? She stared at it in that split second. H-Huh ?
The draconequus slid back from sudden surprise, before another colt took advantage of this opportunity attempting to grab her. Calamity glanced back at the colt before panicking and instantly creating a wall of thin ice between him and herself, blocking him off.
"And seeing that you resorted to cheating! I think that's game !"
Calamity's gaze drifted from the colt to two new fillies who'd appeared on the scene as a sweat drop coursed down her head.
Apple Bloom and Scootaloo remained on the scooter as Apple Bloom smiled confidently with a rope in her mouth. "Ain't that right?"
Chapter 6: Pieces of the Puzzle
Chapter 6: Pieces of the Puzzle
Princess Luna and Princess Celestia touched down upon the outskirts of Ponyville, more towards a mountainous region. Surrounding them were piles of shattered rock and debris as the very air was contaminated with magical energy, sparking multi-colored bolts of magic around the nearby area. They each took a second to glance around at this unfamiliar devastation, before continuing on with their mission.
Princess Luna looked at Celestia in frustration however, as they each trotted forward. "What're we doing here Sister?"
Princess Celestia spoke casually as she continued to inspect the area. "Ensuring we get rid of the source point Luna."
Princess Luna casually trailed after Celestia before trotting beside her, still annoyed. "And this couldn't wait for what reason?"
Princess Celestia sighed before glancing over at her sister as they trotted. "Luna listen, I know that you're upset and this is a lot to take in. But I've already informed you of my decision. Calamity will be announced as my daughter, and that means you'll be her aunt."
Princess Luna stopped then as she shook her head in disagreement. "But how can you say such a thing!? You only just met her!"
Princess Celestia glanced back at Luna absently, before lifting a boulder out of the way as she spoke. "Which is exactly why I must do whatever is necessary to give her a normal happy life. Draconequus without guidance will just end up like Discord, I assume ."
Princess Luna continued adamantly. "T-That doesn't mean you need to become her mother Celestia!"
Princess Celestia's eyes widened before peering at Luna, honestly curious. "Why're you so pushy about all this?"
Princess Luna appeared concerned, sighing briefly and looking at Celestia with worried eyes. "I'm concerned because I know you're just doing what you feel you have to sister. That is not how this works and you know it. The pressure you'll give her as your daughter and the deep connection you wish to provide for her, y-you cannot force such feelings. They cannot be improvised, I know you understand that."
Princess Celestia sighed again as she now looked grumpy herself, moving another boulder out of the way. "And what else would you have me do Luna? I already told you she was adamant on finding herself a family. It was the only way to shelter her from the devastating blow of finding out Twilight may not be her mother, a blow which I caused." Princess Celestia huffed. "And I cannot force Twilight to take on that role." She frowned heavily before lowering her head. "This is something I must do for both Calamity and Twilight."
Princess Luna made her way over to Celestia before placing a hoof gently against her side. "Do not make so many assumptions sister. If this Calamity is as sweet as you say she is, then I am almost certain that she will understand if you just explain, as will Twilight Sparkle."
Princess Celestia closed her eyes with another deep heavy sigh. "I guess it is simply because I am not used to these types of scenarios, and that this is such a rare occasion. The issue runs far deeper than some obvious threat to Equestria's well-being." She raised her head with a smile. "But I also want you to know that I do not mind adopting Calamity Luna. She is a sweet child, I hope you understand that."
Princess Luna peered at Celestia, skeptically. "Only if you do not force anything sister. That child's happiness, as well as yours is what's most important. Neither of you will be happy if you aren't honest with your feelings. This is quite a prominent role to take on."
Princess Celestia nodded at Luna once before the two continued on ahead together. "I understand Luna and I thank you for your concern." Princess Celestia suddenly began chuckling as she looked amused. "I am just glad that Calamity came to us first as well. She is comprised of such powerful magical energy that it is a wonder what could've happened if she'd been lost out in the open world."
Princess Luna scoffed as she assisted with moving some of the boulders. "Truly! I cannot even begin to imagine the amount of chaos that could ensue. But she is made-up of Twilight Sparkle yes? So it makes sense that she is so easy to work with! It is truly fortunate."
Princess Celestia nodded with a giggle. "Yes, and smart as well. A little on the wild side but, that must be her other half kicking in." Celestia peered ahead once again before her eyes widened as she saw in the distance, a shimmering sphere . It sparked with bolts of magical energy as the very land around it was chipping away while the ground trembled. Princess Celestia's expression became quite serious as she nudged her head in Luna's direction. "There it is sister, that's the anomaly. This must be where Calamity first appeared."
Princess Luna gulped before standing beside Celestia with wide eyes. "So, **this * is it? It looks quite, *strange ."
Princess Celestia glanced down at Luna momentarily. "It is of no surprise to me that Starswirl gave warning of the mysteries of magic. He was by far the most educated unicorn I knew. And there were many things even he couldn't explain." She paused looking ahead once more. "And even with all of my experience over the countless generations, not even I could find all the answers he sought." She frowned bitterly. "Discord's kind, being's capable of manipulating reality itself, I can only wonder how complex their existence truly is."
Princess Luna looked over and up at Celestia worriedly. "S-Sister, I understand your need to theorize, but perhaps we should hurry up and rid Equestria of this magical anomaly before something else emerges from it?" She spoke with a hint of sarcasm and worry.
Princess Celestia nodded to her firmly. "Right."
The two proceeded on at a hurried pace, each standing on opposing sides of the anomaly as they readied themselves.
Princess Celestia stumbled once as the ground around her trembled, so she held herself in place with telekinetic magic. She shouted to Luna in warning. "Luna! Be careful not to touch it! There's no telling what could happen if we do! We will seal it together!"
Princess Luna nodded as she mimicked Celestia's actions and held herself in place with magic. "But where!?"
Princess Celestia continued, being forced to use her Canterlot voice. "To a distant star! It is our only option!"
Princess Luna raised a brow at Celestia in worry. "Is it truly impossible to just destroy it here and now!?"
Princess Celestia shook her head. "We cannot Luna! We know nothing of it, nor a reliable method! We seal it for now!"
Princess Luna appeared worried only for a moment longer before that expression disappeared and one of fair seriousness came. She nodded once again, remaining silent and just glaring at the anomaly as her horn started to glow.
Celestia joined her as her horn started to glow as well, before their magic combined and wrapped around the anomaly while it slowly began to morph and twist, becoming entrapped. They continued to focus, as soon the anomaly was bathed in a beautiful yellow light as radiant as the sun itself. Princess Celestia nodded again before Luna returned it, and the sphere was consumed by the radiant light completely, then shooting for the very stars and disappearing with a mighty shock-wave, leaving only whistling winds in its wake.
Princess Celestia and Luna stood there for a moment longer as they looked towards the skies together. They soon smiled at one another and just began laughing, a little shocked that nothing went wrong in the process. Princess Celestia spoke, "Excellent job sister! With this all we have to worry about now is getting Calamity settled into her new way of life. And I am sure the party will go swell."
Luna smiled and continued herself. "Of course Sister, and I'm sorry again about earlier. I was just worried about you and this child is all. Seeing as the main problem has been taken care of, now we can focus on that party of hers. I'm sure it'll be quite-"
Ruuuuuuuumble
Both their eyes widened as they turned around, only to see another boulder topple over in the distance due to the shock-wave, revealing a second sphere which crackled with energy, but instead shimmered with a violently convulsive orange light.
There was a long, drawn on silence as the two sisters looked upon this sphere in particular.
Princess Celestia stood there, before she just suddenly started shaking her head absently. "No, no no no no...."
Princess Luna looked to Celestia worriedly. "C-Celestia!?"
Princess Celestia only continued to repeat herself as she made her way over to the sphere, looking around its perimeter in paranoia, eyeing the ground closely before suddenly coming to an abrupt halt, gasping as she did so. "No, no no no no no !"
Princess Luna hurriedly made her way over to Celestia before reappearing in front of her. "CELESTIA! WHAT , IS WRONG!?"
Princess Celestia immediately sulked, lowering her head and sighing hopelessly. "It seems, my greatest fear has been confirmed." She pointed a sluggish hoof down at the dirt beneath Luna's hooves some ways away from the sphere. "We were too late...."
Princess Luna's pupils dilated as she peered down, then behind, as tiny tracks lead straight into the mountains.
Rarity sat in her Boutique, still sewing what looked like a long hooded cloak. She sighed heavily as she wiped sweat from the top of her forehead in irritation, before groaning. "Ugh! This is so troublesome! How will I know how big to make it if I can't fit you properly?" She then tiredly eyed a shadowed corner at the opposing side of the room. "Or are you just planning to hide there forever darling?"
And suddenly emerging from the shadows was a tiny figure which trembled constantly. Small and slender in shape, it had black fur and one unicorn horn protruding from its forehead. The whites of its eyes were blackened out while the iris was yellow. Her mane was long, ruffled, and multi-colored as it consisted of two shades of purple, and a pink streak coursing down the middle. "U-Um, I, um; p-please hurry up."
Rarity gritted her teeth as she eyed the creature's claw, which was pointed straight at her. Rarity peered back down at the hooded cloak she was sewing before she eyed the creature's claw again, and then back down to the cloak, speaking absently. "Do you really plan to threaten me darling? Is that what you do? Threaten ponies and force them to do things for you like this?" She gave the creature a cold stare. I have to somehow convince her to let me go ! I-I've been cooped up in here for days because of her ! What is she ?
The creature's eyes widened as it backed away with a frightened look, just shaking its head at Rarity. "No! No, I, I...I don't hurt ponies. I don't hurt anypony! I'm nice!" She looked down towards the ground, as if haunted by the thought. "I, I am nice aren't I? R-Right?"
Rarity gulped as she paused in her sewing. N-Now's my chance ! She rose hesitantly. "If you're nice, you won't do anything right?"
The creature's pupil's dilated as she peered at Rarity in paranoia as her trembling only became more apparent. She stepped back again before pointing her claw at her as magic surrounded it. "W-Wait! Please don't move! Please! I need you to sit down!"
Rarity steadily began making her way out to the side from the table she was sewing at. "I won't darling ." I, I have to get out of here. I have to let Twilight and the others know about this . And I need to make sure whatever this is, she doesn't harm anypony .
Tears swelled in the creature's eyes as its trembling only worsened, before it crumbled to its knees as if panicking. Suddenly a large journal appeared in front of it as it began flipping through the pages. "What do I do? What do I do? She won't sit down, w-why? Why won't she listen to me? She needs to listen to me!" She rummaged through the pages constantly, as all that was upon them was poorly drawn pictures much like with Calamity's journal. Tears swelled in her eyes with worry as she began biting her nails. "W-What do I do, what do I do?"
Rarity gulped as she took another trot forward. "What's your name darling?"
The creature peered up at Rarity with a frightened expression, still trembling. "W-Why?"
Rarity bore a nervous but caring smile, before shiftily eyeing the door then back to the creature. "B-Because, I'm curious of course!"
The creature gulped as she buried her cheek in her shoulder in embarrassment. "M-My name, m-m-my name is, Lunacy..."
Rarity chuckled nervously before raising a brow at the creature. "Well, Lunacy? Might I know where you came from?"
Lunacy began biting her long sharp claw nails as she focused on the ground, speaking quickly with a hint of paranoia. "The pictures. I see the pictures. They tell me. I drew a lot of them. I-I, I'm from nowhere. Maybe? I-I see the bad things. Stuck in stone? They locked Papa away in a cage. A cage. I don't want to be in the cage. But I have to free Papa, I must find Papa, he will save me."
Rarity gulped again as a shiver ran down her spine. There is obviously something wrong up there . "So you are searching for your papa?"
Lunacy began flipping through pages again. "I have to find him! Find him, find him. But, how do I find him? I-I started with the white pony. White pony will hide me. B-But what next? Large white pony? S-She's scary. Yes, very scary. She'll put me in rock."
Rarity cringed as she looked extremely uncomfortable, as she eyed the door again, before gulping.
Lunacy rose as she hugged her journal and trembled. "Will you finish it? For me?"
There was a silence between them as Rarity glanced back at the cloak. "And what do you need it for?"
Lunacy continued with wide paranoid eyes. "So the ponies will not see me."
Rarity just peered silently at the creature for another second.
Lunacy smiled hesitantly at Rarity as she still trembled. "You'll do it won't you white pony? Won't you hide me?"
A shiver ran down Rarity's spine again, before she shook her head and in an instant disappeared, reappearing at her front door.
Lunacy's eyes snapped wide as she turned around in a panic. "H-Huh!?" She reached out to the mare. "WAIT!"
Rarity burst out of her home as she dashed for the streets, rolling and tumbling through the dirt in the process.
Lunacy had a panicked look before trailing after her in the next second, halting right before the door and falling to her rear as she scurried back and curled up against the leg of a table, as if frightened by the light of the sun. She immediately raised both large claws to her mane before gripping at it as she trembled. "S-She, she ran away from me! She tricked me! Now I'm gonna get caught! Put in a cage! A cage a cage a cage!" She began wheezing. "A cage!" She paused for a moment before grabbing onto the unfinished cloak and wrapping it around herself, raising the hood hurriedly as she trembled. She then swiftly made her way towards the door, pausing yet again as she saw the light of the sun before racing out on impulse, stumbling as well as she did so, shaking her head and pulling down her hood further.
Rarity steadily rose to all fours before shaking her head, some distance away before both her and the creature made eye contact with one another. Rarity just stared at her blankly, before the creature darted off in an opposing direction, more towards the exit of town.
"RARITY!"
Rarity's eyes widened as she glanced back wearily. "H-Huh?" Before she got snatched up by a group of six. Discord, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Spike and Applejack whom all made way for another destination, as Rarity was too tired to even make sense of it.
Rarity blankly stared while sitting on Rainbow Dash's back. "W-What? What is the meaning of this?"
Rainbow glanced back with a smirk. "Glad you could join us! We could conveniently use your help actually!"
Twilight looked towards the skies as they raced as she shook her head at the sight of discoloration. "Oh this can't get any worse!"
Fluttershy chuckled as she fluttered alongside Twilight. "Oh come now Twilight, it's just a game of tag. You're too paranoid."
Twilight gripped at her mane as she eyed the giant carrots and piles of sweets around town. "P-PARANOID!?"
Rarity just rubbed her forehead as she once again peered in the direction the creature ran, as it was now out of sight.
Chapter 7: Our World Contrast
CHAPTER 7: OUR WORLD CONTRAST
The skies of Ponyville cleared, once again revealing the beautiful yellow sun hanging overhead.
Meanwhile, Calamity sat with her legs crossed with an obvious pout as she sighed heavily, accepting her defeat. "Fine fine fine! You guys won, b-but I still don't think it's fair. You surprised me! I totally would've reacted normally if I knew you were coming! HMPH!"
Scootaloo sat nearby beside her scooter, just smirking. "I think that's the point!"
Apple Bloom chuckled as she leaned closer towards Calamity, smiling. "Yeah! They couldn't catch ya otherwise!"
Calamity just grumbled again with half closed eyes and crossed arms as she peered at Apple Bloom, then glanced over the rest of the group tiredly with a heavy sigh. She snapped her claw, creating a sudden campfire. "So what is it you all want to know? Sheesh!"
One of the fillies gasped, raising a hoof to her muzzle in amusement. "Aw, somepony's still bitter over losing."
Calamity flushed red as she started to sizzle with embarrassment before snapping. "W-Will you just hurry it up!?" Her nose wrinkled a bit in irritation as she looked away and started mumbling to herself in her bitterness. "Gosh, who knew ponies could be so annoying?"
One of the colts began patting her head with a snicker. "Aaaaw! Don't worry! Can't win every time right!?"
Scootaloo interrupted before leaning on her scooter. "But back on topic!" She paused briefly, "Um, I'd like to know, what are you exactly?"
The group's eyes widened as they all moved in closer as well, looking at Calamity observantly.
Calamity glanced around at all of them hesitantly, wearing a look of slight annoyance and sadness as she lowered her head a little. "A-According to Princess Celestia, I-I guess, I guess I'm just some form of living magic or something. I-It's really weird."
Apple Bloom raised a brow. "Living magic? What the hay?" She suddenly peered over at Scootaloo. "What's that even mean?"
Another one of the fillies, also just as confused, chimed in. "How does somepony make living magic?"
Calamity shrugged before tilting her head to the right. "I guess it's just a really powerful spell or something."
One of the colts shook his head before leaning in himself. "A-Alright! Next question! W-Where did you come from?"
Calamity blinked before looking up towards the sky and tapping her claw upon her lower lip. "Uuum, well, let me think."
"It was a very pretty place, surrounded by lots of stars" .
A small white orb floated in a mass of black space as stars shone all around, sparkling magnificently.
"There was a sudden light, and then emerging from that light was a stream of pictures. I don't know why, but a lot of those pictures I already understood. I saw Princess Twilight in some, and many other ponies and creatures in others. There was always something happening, almost like I was reading a story. But the story was mixed up, I wanted to understand it but there was so much stuff happening."
The orb forcibly surged forward, almost as if it were gliding down an endless tunnel of images.
"I kept moving forward, through all the pictures towards the bright white light. But when I got close enough, everything turned black."
Soon a little draconequus batted her eyelids open as the world of pictures disappeared, replaced only with a desolate battlefield. She'd emerged into a scene of absolute devastation and destruction, and steadily rose to her hooves before shaking her head. "H-Huh?"
"I made my way up the rubble from where I was born, and looked on only to see much broken world, unlike the one I saw before" .
Calamity raised her claw with a giggle while smirking with closed eyes. "So I guess I came from the stars! Maybe?"
The fillies and colts all looked on in awe and silence before one commented with a simple dragged out, "Whooooa."
One filly raised her brow skeptically. "But stars don't have magic! That's just silly!"
A colt glanced over at that filly just as intrigued. "But who's to say? Maybe there is magic out there somewhere!"
The filly glanced back at the colt. "So what? Are you saying she actually came from the stars or somethin!?"
One particular filly pushed her glasses up and commented. "M-Maybe, she came through a rift?"
Calamity's eyes widened in deep thought and surprise at the filly's comment.
Another one of the colts leaned towards that filly with a raised brow. "What do you mean?"
The filly continued as she pushed up her glasses again. "M-Ms.Cheerilee said that Princess Luna controls the moon. M-Maybe Calamity was something up there, something magical that came through a rift here? S-She doesn't look like she's from here."
Scootaloo chuckled with amusement and a look of skepticism. "Now come on! This is just starting to sound like a filly tale now!"
Calamity cut in suddenly as she rubbed her lower muzzle in deep thought. "Maybe not."
All eyes widened before focusing on the draconequus again.
Calamity looked highly focused. But that still doesn't explain how I would know everything I do either . She sighed as her eyes saddened and she appeared quite troubled again. In the end, what Princess Celestia said makes the most sense I guess ....
One filly rose to her hind legs as she swiped both her forehooves. "Okay okay! Enough of this confusing stuff! It's about time we asked the most important question of all!" The filly smirked at Calamity intently with interest as all others eyed her.
One colt jumped in. "If she can teach us her magic!?"
The filly shook her head and crossed her hooves, cocking her head back. "No but, how does she know Princess Twilight ?"
All eyes widened again before the group went back to focusing on Calamity.
Calamity flushed red for a second as she looked away, scratching her cheek. "U-Uh, well that's-"
"CALAMITY!"
Calamity's eyes widened.
The group of fillies and colts all mimicked Calamity's expression before turning around themselves.
Approaching hastily was Princess Twilight, speed trotting over to her with an angered look. "What is all this!?"
Calamity hurriedly rose as she stood up straight and had trouble gathering her thoughts. "U-Um, it's, it's-"
Twilight made her way right between the fillies and colts before glaring down at the little draconequus. "Do you know how much you worried me!? What's with all this magic!? You were even using it on the fillies and colts!? C-Calamity! You know that's dangerous!"
Calamity opened her mouth as if about to say something before lowering her head with saddened eyes.
There was a brief pause as Twilight just continued to glare at the child.
Apple Bloom pressed forward as she shook her head at Twilight. "P-Princess Twilight! She was just playin with us! Hone-"
When soon enough, Twilight's look eased into one of pure relief as she suddenly pulled the draconequus into a tight hug and nuzzled into the top of her head. "Princess Celestia wants me to watch over you. What am I supposed to do if you get yourself into trouble?"
Calamity's eyes were wide with surprise as her cheek rested against Twilight. Soon enough she closed her eyes, obviously content with her current position as she closed her eyes and bore a grateful satisfied smile. "I'm sorry Princess Twilight..."
"PRINCESS TWILIGHT!" One of the colts jumped eagerly.
A filly spread her hooves. "IT REALLY IS HER!! SO THEY DO KNOW EACH OTHER!"
Twilight blinked a bit, surprised as she glanced down at the group of children before they all rushed her, surrounding her.
Rainbow Dash flew forward as she immediately interrupted the moment as well. "Wait wait wait wait! Will SOMEPONY fill me in here? W-What, what the heck? T-Twilight, who is that!?" Rainbow was fluttering as she had one hoof on her hip and another pointed at Calamity.
Discord suddenly poofed right beside Rainbow Dash before bowing slightly. "Oh do not act so surprised. Surely a double me would've appeared eventually!" He spoke with a hint of obvious sarcasm and amusement at Rainbow's shock. "Isn't it just wonderful!?"
Rainbow raised a brow at Discord skeptically. "D-Double you?"
Many of the fillies and colts blinked a bit as they tilted their head at Calamity, before one commented. "A-A draconequus?"
Scootaloo peered at Apple Bloom with wide eyes. "Ms.Cheerilee taught us about those once!"
Twilight looked to the group of children as well as her friends as she still stood by an embarrassed Calamity. "Yes everypony. I'm sure you all have a lot of questions." She focused on her friends in particular, "Especially you guys. C-Calamity," Twilight appeared hesitant and a little unsure of what she wanted to say at first. "Calamity is, well, she's a part of me . She has my magic and my influence as well."
Applejack shook her head, still utterly confused. "T-Twi, what? What in the hay? How did this even happen?"
Twilight sighed as she spoke. "The battle with Tirek, during our fight we managed to trade magical casts strong enough to create rips in the time stream and reality that resulted in magical anomalies. Calamity emerged from one of these not long afterwords."
Applejack and Rainbow just stood there in silence, utterly speechless.
Spike nudged them as he, much like Discord, looking fairly amused. "Hah! Pretty cool huh? And I lasted a bunch of games with her!"
Rainbow's expression sunk as she became a bit paranoid while trembing a bit. "A-Another Discord?"
Calamity looked particularly at Rainbow before closing her eyes and grinning merrily.
Rainbow cringed heavily in response.
Fluttershy chuckled softly as she enjoyed simply watching everypony's reactions, before her eyes widened a bit in reaction to Rarity.
Rarity just stood there, focused on Calamity with a blank look, as if she were in her own world entirely.
Fluttershy looked at Rarity with concern, raising a brow at her. "R-Rarity? Are you okay?"
Twilight glanced around again at the group as she smiled and wrapped a hoof around Calamity. "I'm sure there are still more questions?"
Pinkie Pie suddenly got in Calamity's face with an extremely excited look. "OH YOU BET THERE ARE! I'VE GOT SO MANY QUESTIONS THAT MY QUESTIONS HAVE QUESTIONS! OH MY GOSH OH MY GOSH THIS IS SO EXCITING! JUST LOOK! SHE EVEN LOOKS LIKE YOU TWILIGHT!!!" Pinkie suddenly started tugging on her horns. "HMMMM! BUT WHOSE ARE THESE!?"
Twilight shooed away Pinkie Pie with annoyance. "P-Pinkie! Don't tug on her horns like that!"
Calamity cut in, unaffected by Pinkie's sudden actions as if she expected them. Something else distracted her. "P-Princess Twilight?"
Twilight blinked a bit before hastily glancing down at Calamity. "Yes Calamity?"
Calamity spoke with a depressed tone. "So, Lord Tirek, h-he was bad?"
Twilight's eyes widened before she frowned, realizing again that to Calamity, Tirek wasn't just simply an enemy. "C-Calamity, he was-"
Pinkie Pie cut in. "THE WORST! YEAH HE WAS BAD! SUPER SUPER BAD! THE BIGGEST BAD WE'VE EVER HAD!"
Twilight snapped at Pinkie again. "PINKIE!"
But Calamity just started chuckling, then laughing as she couldn't hold it in.
Rainbow Dash, Discord, Fluttershy, Applejack, Spike, and Twilight all just looked at Calamity in surprise.
Calamity sighed before wiping a tear from her eye, just smiling. "I-It's okay, I think I knew. For the most part anyway..."
And suddenly approaching from afar was the parents of the fillies and colts, all of which who wore pleased expressions. One of the parents spoke to Princess Twilight. "Princess Twilight, thank you so much for having your friend show our children a good time."
Another one of the mare's cut in. "Yeah, thanks for taking these runts off our hooves for a good long while!"
One of the fillies ran up to that mare, shoving her. "SHUTUP MOM!"
The mare giggled as she ruffled that filly's mane. "Hey hey hey! I was kidding hahaha!"
A stallion nodded to Twilight himself. "Yes, it means a lot to us. My kid was having a blast."
Another one of the mares made sure to approach Calamity before rubbing the top of her head. "You sure are special little one."
Calamity chuckled as she smiled up at them before tilting her head to the right. "Thank you ma'am!"
The mare glanced up at Princess Twilight. "You've got a very special child there Princess Twilight, do take care of her."
Twilight's eyes widened a bit due to the comment as she just turned red in the cheeks.
Applejack glanced at Rainbow Dash, scratching the back of her mane. "Uuuhm, so I guess we really do got another Discord then?"
Rainbow Dash sighed as she crossed her hooves. "Looks like it..."
Fluttershy was still preoccupied with Rarity, poking her somewhat. "R-Rarity?"
Rarity just ignored Fluttershy, before making her way towards Twilight casually. "T-Twilight, I-, I need to speak with you."
Twilight who was currently preoccupied with talking to some of the parents glanced over at Rarity before nodding and then glancing down at Calamity. "Calamity, I'll be right back. You stay right here with Pinkie Pie alright? Looks like Rarity wants something."
Calamity nodded playfully. "Okay!" Before she made her way on over to Pinkie Pie, climbing onto the mare's back.
Rarity continued to stand there with an uncomfortable look as Twilight approached her.
Twilight steadily caught on as she gradually became more worried as well. "R-Rarity, is something the matter?"
Rarity glanced to her lower right, before looking straight at Twilight again, speaking softly. "Twilight, um, i-is she the only one?"
Twilight raised a brow, confused. "What? Only one? What do you mean?"
Rarity appeared hesitant and unsure. "I-I mean, is it possible something else was created with her? When I told you earlier that I had an urgent order I had to complete it was not entirely the truth." She looked at Twilight seriously. "S-Something invaded my home."
Twilight's eyes widened as she gasped. "Rarity what!? A-Are you okay!? What happened!? W-Why didn't you say anything!?"
Rarity lowered her head. "Because I didn't want to endanger any of you either. S-She was there the entire time. A strange creature invaded my home a few days ago, and-" she paused briefly, "This Calamity of yours really reminds me of her for some reason....."
Twilight's expression sunk as she shook her head, trembling somewhat with a skeptical expression. "R-Rarity come on now, are you actually suggesting that there could be a draconequus we don't know about? A-Are you sure it wasn't just some, chimera or something?"
Rarity just glanced up at Twilight again, still unsure. "I, I don't know. She was just, so strange , m-maybe she was."
Twilight shook her head as she frowned. "I-I'm sure we're overthinking things. And if it was a draconequus, then Calamity would've mentioned it, or at the very least it probably would've done something more publicly by now. They love attention." Twilight paused, suddenly wearing an angered expression. "But we still can't just ignore this Rarity, we still need to find whatever it was regardless."
Rarity frowned as well before she glanced away again. "R-Right, that would certainly be best." She looked back to Calamity.
Twilight smiled as she glanced back at Calamity again as well. "Besides, we've got enough on our hooves as it is."
Wandering along an endless dirt road, leading up towards the mountain of Canterlot was a lone creature. One claw clenched her cloak as it was wrapped around her entire body as she kept her head lowered, as if attempting to hide herself from the sun and prying eyes. She wore a dead look as she just swayed from left to right, stumbling for a moment before wobbling to her feet and continuing on. As she made her way uphill, she eventually came to a halt as she made her way towards the cliff's edge and sat on the side of the road, resting.
Surrounding the dirt road were gorgeous green fields with forests in the distance, as pony merchants and various other races also traveled along it going to their own particular destinations. And in inclusion, a cart of griffons which made their way to another location.
The female griffon driver of the cart raised a brow at the tiny figure who now sat along the side of the road.
The cloaked creature sat along the edge, wheezing as she snapped her claw and suddenly appearing was a pouch of water.
The cart driver came to a sudden halt as she peered down at the creature, staring at it. "Hm?"
The other griffons in the back of the cart all grumbled before one fluttered up. "Hey! What's the holdup!?"
The cart driver just raised her talon before stating, "Buzz off! I'm trying to focus here." She then raised a brow at the creature who just continued to drink her water. She called out to it, "Hey kid! Lower your hood for me will ya?" The crossed her arms with interest.
The cloaked creature flinched before trembling and pulling down her hood further, remaining silent.
The cart driver spread her wings before flapping down and standing behind the creature. "Come on? What's the matter?"
The little creature pulled down on her hood further as she muttered, "L-Leave me alone, p-please..."
The griffon's look stiffened as she became more serious, snapping her claw as the other griffons immediately joined her.
The little creature's trembling worsened as she buried her head into her shoulder.
One of the griffon's just glanced over at his fellow before raising a brow. "Why are we bothering with this brat? I don't get it."
The griffon leader then made her way forward as the creature attempted to dash away before being snatched by the arm. "Hey hey hey where do you think you're going kiddo? Come on, all we want to do is talk." She smirked before pulling her close and glancing back at her fellows with a look of annoyance. "Are you guys idiots or something? All the signals she's giving off, I'm almost beyond eager to see what sort of score we made. What's a kid like this doing traveling around all by herself? What, she's got no parents or something?"
The other griffons glanced around at one another before just refocusing on her with raised brows as one commented. "So what?"
The griffon leader covered her face with her talon before looking extremely irritated. "So what? A kid traveling alone out here all by herself? Not to mention this abnormally large cloak! I also just saw her cast some magic, and what sort of pony trots around upright?" She ran her talon atop the creature's hood as she smirked. "One that has something to hide!" Before pulling it down.
At that moment the rest of the griffons backed away in fear.
The griffon leader instinctively backed away from the child herself immediately. "W-Whoa!"
Many curious and hesitant ponies who pretended not to see what was happening all now decided to stop.
Lunacy laid upon the ground as her bangs were parted while she avoided eye contact with the griffons. She wore a look of absolute shame as she just sulked further and continued to tremble. "Please don't look at me." She turned her head away, attempting to hide herself.
One of the ponies nearby muttered in horror. "Her eyes, t-they're, they're black ."
A stallion hurried her along. "Let's go darling, t-this looks like trouble."
One of the griffons looked down at her, still in shock. "What is it? S-Some sort of chimera!?"
The griffon leader's eyes were wide with awe before she strode back up to the creature and lowered her frame, pinching its face with her talon and forcibly turning her head towards her. "Stop moving, let me get a good look at you." She grinned, "Wow, jackpot!"
Lunacy turned away again, shaking her head before attempting to rise and run, only to stumble on her cloak and fall onto the path. She turned onto her side, breathing heavily as she pointed her claw at them. "S-Stay away from me! I'm, I'm extremely strong! I-I can..."
The griffon leader just chuckled in amusement before striding up to her. "What're you going to do shrimp?" She glanced back at her fellows before signaling them to come assist her. "Come on you lot, imagine how many ponies would pay bits to see this!" She leaned her head back with a snicker as she tilted her head to the right. "Don't make this hard on yourself kid, I promise we'll take good care of you." She lowered her frame again to look at the child at eye level. "I know you can use magic, but I can also see you're as confident as a worm."
Lunacy's expression sunk as she steadily lowered her claw and remained silent.
The griffon rose again before smiling softly down at the draconequus, making her way casually over towards her before lowering her head and picking her up by the scruff of her neck with her beak. She nodded to her fellows as they started to make their way back towards the cart. The griffon glanced down at the creature as she held it, while it didn't put up any form of resistance any longer. Good girl .
When suddenly, tiny wings spread from beneath the cloak, catching the griffon off guard and causing her to drop the creature.
The other griffons all paused as they turned around, wondering what just happened.
The griffon leader shook her head, attempting to recollect her thoughts. "W-What the buck!?"
Hurriedly, Lunacy dashed for the road's edge as she stumbled yet again, tripping and rolling over the side.
The griffon leader's eyes snapped wide as she hurried over to the edge and leaned over. "N-NO!!!"
And as she rolled and tumbled down she eventually flapped her wings before gliding to another cliff's edge and climbing over. The child coughed heavily as she was now covered in dirt and grime before glancing back at the griffon's and hurrying into a cave.
The griffon leader scowled heavily as she swiped her arm. "CATCH THAT BLACK EYED RUNT!" Before she spread her wings and on her movement, the rest of the griffons mimicked this action as she took for the skies and then dived down over the road's edge.
Chapter 8: Matter of Circumstance
CHAPTER 8: MATTER OF CIRCUMSTANCE
Twilight watched from afar as Spike and her trailed behind Calamity and the others. The sun had already set and the night sky had unveiled itself already by this time. Twilight knew she would chalk this up as one of the craziest days in her life. With the arrival of Calamity, and her inner conflict regarding the adoption, she also knew whatever awaited her further down the road would only better define this scenario as the insanity it was. But as she trotted she lowered her head with a pained expression, struggling to accept just what it was that bothered her so much about the idea of being Calamity's mother. Not to mention her annoyance with the idea of Princess Celestia being it.
Spike frowned, easily taking notice of Twilight's mood. "Twilight, you've been acting like this all day. What's wrong?"
Twilight sighed as she steadily continued to trot forward. "I have no idea Spike, that's what's wrong. I should be glad, I mean, Princess Celestia agreed to take care of her, and she's obviously happy to as well. But-" Twilight rose her head again as she looked upon the scene ahead of her, pausing to admire it for a moment. She watched Calamity converse and chat with the others silently, while she herself bore a smile. "None of it feels right still. I guess it is me, who really wants to be Calamity's mother." She frowned a little, actually looking guilty. "And maybe I'm just annoyed, annoyed that I didn't get the chance to decide when the time was right for this to happen in my life."
Spike glanced up at Twilight worriedly. "But that's the point Twilight, Princess Celestia gave you that chance. You can take it."
Twilight continued to peer on at the group ahead trot further and further away. "No Spike, I can't ."
Spike's eyes widened as he looked at Twilight skeptically, surprised.
Twilight glanced down at her baby dragon before rubbing the top of his head. "As much as it's nice that Princess Celestia is willing to take on that responsibility herself, I think I have to come to terms with the fact that not everypony gets to decide when that special moment should come. I'm afraid, hesitant, unsure, but Calamity is a result of Tirek and I, so in truth she belongs to us." Twilight groaned before frowning and tilting her head to the right with an embarrassed look. "Ugh, I just can't stomach why Tirek had to be involved in all this." But she smiled again, looking upon the draconequus with affectionate eyes. "But I see what's most important now, that I should be grateful. Calamity accepts me for who I am, and I think I can come to understand her. I was afraid of the idea of it being so official, and even just a few minutes ago I wanted to run away from it, the thought of failing. The thought that maybe because of me, this child could get hurt."
Spike placed both claws on his hips before raising one claw with an amused smirk. "Well that's nice and all Twilight, no really I'm glad to see that you really want to do this but, there's just a few problems we have here." He sighed before glancing over and up at her. "You've still got to break the news to Princess Celestia that you've decided you will take responsibility for her and another thing," He suddenly stomped his foot before gripping at his head in a panic. "Have you already forgotten what we dealt with this morning!?"
Twilight flinched as she eyed Spike with a crooked expression, obviously thrown off by the sudden panic. "Huh?"
Spike began to bite his claws nervously. "C-Calamity is nice and all but, she's too much ! H-How're we going to pull this off when you don't even have experience with something like this! She just got done playing a game of tag against all the kids in town!"
Twilight blinked for a second before a smirk gradually appeared on her lips as she eyed Fluttershy. "Oh, I think I've got a plan."
Calamity chuckled as she rolled around atop the throne room table, feeling amused that she was still the center of attention.
Twilight sighed before glancing around at all of her friends as they all continued to eye the draconequus, most still in a slight state of shock, as they each sat in their respective thrones. "So guys, um, I can see that for some of you this is still a lot to take in."
Rainbow Dash just continued to peer down at the playful draconequus atop the table. "Yeah, that's one way of putting it..."
Applejack leaned forward before petting Calamity with a hoof absently. "So uh, the plan is to just keep an eye on her until Princess Celestia asks for her again ain't it? Will she be with us like this more often or somethin?" Applejack glanced back down at her again.
Calamity silently and playfully laid on her belly, closing her eyes in delight as Applejack pet her back.
Spike, who stood beside Twilight's throne rubbed his chin a bit. "Huh, speaking of Princess Celestia, where is she?"
Fluttershy blinked a bit before glancing up towards the ceiling in wonder as well. "W-Wasn't she supposed to be back by now?"
Twilight raised a hoof as if to get everypony's attention, which she did. She squinted a bit, trying to mask her concern as well and only reciting such worries to herself. She's probably still attempting to get ready for the party but, I have to let her - she then peered back down at Calamity who continued to lay there curled as she was pet by Applejack, -**and especially Calamity , know that I'm more than willing to care for her now . But it has to be right, I need them both here . She sighed. Where are you Princess Celestia ? She looked ahead again, focused on another matter entirely before glancing over at Rarity. But we've got something else we have to take care of .
Pinkie Pie raised both brows and looked at Twilight, still waiting. "Draaaaamaaatic paaaaaaaause."
Twilight nodded before glancing around at all of them. "Guys, I've also got something else I want to talk to you about." She paused briefly. "It looks like Rarity was threatened by something in her home, we're not sure what yet but I want to keep an eye out for it."
Calamity, as well as the others all rose with wide eyes.
Applejack suddenly glared at Rarity with immediate concern. "What Rarity!? Why didn't ya say nothin? When!? Why I outta-"
Rainbow leaned forward, just as annoyed. "Who was it!? Let's go show them what's what!"
Twilight raised both hooves, attempting to calm them down. "Calm down you guys! Rarity wasn't hurt! That's what matters most!"
Rarity nodded as she glanced around at all of them. "Y-Yes you all, I'm fine. And please do not be so hasty to judge who did it, yes she was quite rude with her attempt at asking a favor but, she was just scared as well. I do not want any of you to dislike her per say."
Rainbow leaned back and crossed her forehooves with a grumble. "Well then we're off to a bad start."
Calamity looked at Rarity curiously. "What did she look like? I'll beat her up for you!"
Discord suddenly appeared from the surface of the table, emerging from the very material, slithering up as he tapped Calamity's head with a smirk. "Oh, nothing to worry your pretty little head over I'm sure! You just continue sitting there being a decoration." Discord suddenly rose fully out of the table before spreading both arms. "Meanwhile, good ol'Discord can be of use to you all! Isn't that right Fluttershy?!"
Fluttershy sighed a she looked up at Discord worriedly. "Please sit down Discord, we can take care of it from here."
Discord's eyes widened as he suddenly just crossed his arms and shrunk in size to sit, before grumbling in irritation.
Calamity snickered deviously at him as she sat beside him.
Spike climbed up and onto the table angrily as well. "RARITY! WHO WAS IT!? WHY I'LL-" before he burped and green flames spewed from his mouth accompanied by a letter as he fell onto his back. He grumbled before letting off a tired and displeased moan.
Twilight's eyes widened as she gasped. "Princess Celestia!" She snatched it up with telekinetic magic, before opening it and reading it over. However, as Twilight continued to look over the letter, her expression gradually worsened before she gulped.
Applejack looked worriedly as she wasn't the only one to catch the shift in the mood. "T-Twilight? What's it say?"
Twilight slowly lowered the letter as she shook her head and then glanced over at Rarity in dread. "It, it's actually..."
"Come on squirt! What're you so afraid of!?" One of the griffon's chuckled playfully as they raced through a spacious cavern in pursuit of their target. They manuevered between rocky spires, gliding over the bumpy landscape in the darkness.
Lunacy continued to fly, stumbling mid-air as she had trouble controlling her path as she glanced back at her pursuers before she came over a body of water from within the massive cavern. She looked ahead again then, attempting to concentrate on her escape.
The griffon leader smirked as she snickered. "Hah! Out of all methods of escape, you think you stand a chance with flight!?"
Lunacy glanced back again with a look of pure dread as she focused on the leader.
The griffon leader's eyes widened as she grinned deviously. "WE'RE GRIFFONS YOU MORON!" And with a mighty flap of her wings, she surged forward and crashed right into the little draconequus, causing her shudder off balance before crashing into the surface of the water and tumbling through it, rolling onto the rocky surface before crashing into one of the spires with a gasp. The griffon smirked.
Lunacy rolled onto her side as she gasped for air, before attempting to crawl away. "Please, s-somepony, help me..."
The griffons all touched upon the ground before casually surrounding the draconequus in amusement as she attempted to crawl away.
The leader in specific cackled before standing on her hind legs, glaring down at the draconequus with a grin. "HAH! Help you? Haven't you realized it yet runt? Nopony's coming to help you. The world doesn't work that way! You have to help yourself!"
Lunacy just continued to crawl away, before the griffon stepped on her wrist, keeping her from moving forward.
The leader chuckled as she smirked at the draconequus. "Now you're coming with us whether you like it or not."
"HEY! Pick on somepo-, I mean griffon, your own size!"
All the griffon's paused before looking back at the origin of the sudden unfamiliar voice.
Lunacy continued to tremble on the ground as she laid there.
Standing upon the surface of the water was a tiny figure, adorned in a long hooded brown drape which covered her entire body and hid her face. She had two clawed feet as it was the only part of her body visible, besides her paw hands. "Or you'll be sorry!"
There was a long drawn on silence between them.
The griffons all stared at the tiny figure in silence, before bursting into hysterical laughter. "BAHAHAHAHA!!!!!"
The griffon leader wrapped her arms around herself in absolute amusement. "Who're you supposed to be!? Some dumb-" and immediately froze right afterwords as she was covered in ice, completely entrapped in the very same position.
The other griffons all stopped laughing in that moment as they saw their friend, frozen completely.
One of the griffons, trembling, just fell back and onto her side before screaming in horror.
Another of them just as frightened shook his head. "S-She, she froze her!"
The tiny figure touched upon the ground and sighed heavily. "It's not ice you dummies it's crystal. You know? Crystal magic?" She twirled her stick before pointing it at the rest of them. "Now get out of here before I turn you all into crystal statues to!"
The griffon's didn't hesitate as they all spread their wings and hurried off back from where they came.
The tiny figure sighed again before casually walking up to the encased griffon and tapping on her crystal shell. "That's why you don't bully others without knowing anything about them dummy. Anyway," she continued on to the draconequus upon the floor. "I'll let you out after I get done talking so don't panic." She strolled up, using her stick as if it were a cane despite being young and vibrant.
Lunacy continued to tremble as she was still too afraid and in shock to realize she'd been saved.
The tiny figure looked down at her curiously, before sitting down and crossing her legs. She tilted her head to the right, poking the draconequus in the cheek with her stick softly. "So, you're the last one huh? It looks like your Lord Tirek's little accident."
Lunacy glanced over hesitantly at the tiny figure, smaller than her even, as she muttered. "W-Who are you?"
The figure lowered her hood as she smiled happily. Her mane was diverse in color, consisting of various different tones while her face was more equine in a sense, much like a little filly. Her hair was completely erratic, like that of a lion's mane as she even had two antennas protruding from her forehead. She wore a cheeky expression. "Hi there! So I guess you must be really confused!"
Lunacy gasped as she backed away from the creature and shook her head in fear.
The creature continued. "You don't have to be afraid you know, I'm just like you. My name is Anarchy, I was following you!"
Lunacy raised a brow, now even more confused. "Me? W-Why? How do you even know me!?"
Anarchy scratched at the back of her mane. "Well, it's a long story. But I guess it's my memories! We are the most powerful creatures ever you know! Just look at Discord!" She closed her eyes before bashing her own forehead with a groan. "Oh right! You don't know who he is either huh!? You still haven't made sense of your memories yet!" She smiled softly before leaning forward. "Well, he's the strongest of us! Well, if he actually tries that is. Don't worry, I bet you'll meet him soon." She crossed her arms, smiling cheekily. "But I know you because I was the last one! You're the middle one ! You see there was even one before us but I don't know where exactly it went!"
Lunacy blinked a bit, speechless as she continued to listen despite being absolutely lost.
Anarchy stood to her feet before levitating her stick and walking on it like a tightrope with her arms spread. "I tried finding her but she was too long gone already! So I just decided to wait around and see if you'd come from your circle thingy and eventually you did! You came right from the circle just like I predicted!" She smirked before glancing over to her left. "But you made the mistake of going to Ponyville silly! That's where I lost track of you, because I don't like the ponies! I'm smart enough to really hide myself from all of them!"
Lunacy, now becoming somewhat more comfortable went to her knees before leaning forward desperately. "W-What are we?"
Anarchy blinked a bit again before placing her claw on her lower lip and looking up. "Uuuuuum, monsters?"
Lunacy's eyes widened before she looked down in despair, crushed by that word.
Anarchy chuckled playfully, hopping off her stick and doing a twirl. "Oh! So you know what that is? Good! But yep, that's what we are, monsters. That's why it's dumb to go visit the ponies. I bet Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are already looking for you!"
Lunacy glanced up at her. "W-Who? T-They're ponies?"
Anarchy sighed heavily again, groaning and appearing slightly annoyed with a twitch. "Yes dummy! Ponies! Two of the most important ponies there are! You better not get on their bad side either or else they'll lock you up. They can get really mean if you threaten them."
Lunacy placed a hoof upon her chest. "B-But I'm nice! I'm not mean! I'll, I'll do whatever I have to!"
Anarchy glanced over and down at her sadly. "Yea, I'm starting to realize that." She closed her eyes and tilted her head back. "And here I was hoping I'd get somepony like me! Instead I get you . And you're the last one of us so now I'm out of luck unless I find the other one."
Lunacy steadily rose to her feet. "Excuse me, but um, how do you know all these things?"
Anarchy smirked as she began twirling her stick again. "When Twilight Sparkle and Tirek fought, in the middle of their battle they managed to cause so much magical damage they made you two! I'm the youngest of you all but I came the fastest! Well, because I'm super talented. I guess I know so much because I am so much. Because of their reliance on magic, I am all I need to be and even more haha!" She gave the draconequus a wide smile. "Maybe you should go see them. I think you'd like them, you're very different from me. I like to prank ponies!"
Lunacy gulped as she glanced to the lower right. "See, s-see the ponies? But, but they wouldn't like me, I'm a monster."
Anarchy shook her head. "Nope, you're not! You're very nice! Rules would suit you just fine!" She began to make her departure as she climbed atop her stick and frowned heavily, almost in a lonesome manner. "But I want to be free, and I won't let the ponies take that away from me. Rules don't suit me at all. We're about freedom and now, even Mr.Discord is a slave ." She did a fist pump of determination before puckering her lower lip. "But not for long! I'll set him free! I just have to be smart." She sighed before turning slightly and tossing a wave at her fellow draconequus. "Well, I'm glad I met you! Enjoy your new life! And um, please don't tell anypony about me!"
Lunacy broke off into a hurried trot, calling out to the strange visitor. "W-Wait! Can you tell me how to find my Mama and Papa!?"
Anarchy's eyes widened as she glanced back at Lunacy in slight disbelief. "Seriously? It's Twilight Sparkle dummy. You really know nothing huh? Don't try to find your dad, he's um-" she glanced up for a moment before shrugging. "Complicated!" She rolled her eyes then waving again. "Well, I guess I'm off! It was nice to meet you!" And as she began to casually make her way ahead, she didn't forget to tap the crystal casing of the griffon as she looked back at Lunacy. "And you better hurry! She'll probably be out soon! Next time use your magic! You can do anything silly!" She crossed her arms and frowned again before continuing ahead. Mama and Papa ? What a dumb thing to find .
And Lunacy continued to stand there with wide eyes as she watched that mysterious tiny creature fly off into the distance.
While encased in the crystal casing, the griffon's claw twitched from within.
Bonus Chapter: (Concept Art)
Hello Reader! I'm glad to see you've stuck with my story for now. I've realized a concern I've had with this story is generally imagining what the various original characters may look like, or those who've appeared so far at least. So I've decided to add concept art for the general look of those characters to the best of my ability to give you an idea if you have trouble imagining them. These images will also be added to previous chapters where said characters were first introduced and future chapters should any new characters appear will get the same treatment. Thank you for reading again! And hope to see you soon! (May also delete chapter in few hours)
"CALAMITY" (GENERAL CONCEPT ART)
"LUNACY" (GENERAL CONCEPT ART)
