A New Dawnby Crimson TwilightChaptersChapter 1, A New Face in Town, Part 1 (revisited as of 2016/03/09)Chapter 2, A New Face in Town, Part 2 (revisited as of 2015/11/11)Chapter 3, Second day in town (revisited as of 2015/11/13)Chapter 4, A Turn of Events (revisited as of 2015/11/15)Chapter 5, It's a Date Part 1 (edited 15/10/21)Chapter 6, It's a Date Part 2Chapter 7, It's a Date Part 3Chapter 9, A Ruined DateChapter 10, Past Events, Part 1 (mini chapter)Chapter 11, Past Events, Part 2Chapter 8, The Void (mini chapter)Chapter 8.5, Old Memories (mini chapter)Chapter 1, A New Face in Town, Part 1 (revisited as of 2016/03/09)It had been a long day for Twilight. Thinking about the recent Dream Incident, she was wandering around town, though too deep in thought to really be observant. Luna's nightmare creation had almost broken free into the real world, proving that the dreamscape was more than something in your head, though Twilight had suspected it to be so anyway, and instead perhaps a different plane of existence? The nightmare creation, or as Luna had referred to it, the Tantibus. Thankfully she and her friends, no, everypony in Ponyville had been able to beat it, though Twilight wasn't completely sure about the exact details of it. Dreams get fuzzy over time and it didn't help that Luna was being so vague about it, always trying to avoid talking about it. I wonder what that thing was? Luna only said that she created it to punish herself for Nightmare Moon's actions and that it would bring an eternal nightmare if it broke free, she never mentioned its origin or the like. How did she create it, if she even did create it? she could have summoned it for all I know. But why give it that power? Did she exclude the fact that it could grow stronger, or never even realized it at all until it actually succeeded to do so? Maybe thought that it was worth the risk?... Because Twilight was so into her thoughts, she didn't notice the grey stallion in front of her until she crashed into him. The grey stallion was quite large, a bit larger than Big Macintosh, maybe as tall as Luna; yet he was rather thin. Being dazed from the unexpected crash, she had no time to apologize to said stallion before he had disappeared. Strange–How could one so large disappear so quickly? And without raising any attention? He must have been as large as Luna and still manages to vanish into thin air! Because Twilight hadn't gotten a good look on him before he had disappeared she couldn't remember any specific details. Though she was certain that he had wings so she could definitely say that it was a Pegasus. Having been on route towards Fluttershy when she had crashed into the larger pony, she resumed her trotting, forgetting her previous thoughts. She hadn't recognized what she had presumed was a stallion as the height was a dead giveaway. The more she thought about it though, the more uncertain she became at what gender the pony had had as the details seemed to slip her mind. Pulling out of her thought process as she neared Fluttershy's cottage, she quickly headed towards the front door. As Twilight was going to knock, she was stormed by a bunch of Fluttershy's critters as they burst out, lead by none other than Angel, Fluttershy's pet bunny. "Angel, please come back," Fluttershy cried out with an ever so slight hint of stress, "I'll give you an extra bowl of salad!" Noticing Twilight overrun by her critters she quickly said, "I'm so sorry, Twilight," shaking her head, "I hope you're okay..." she said hiding behind her mane. A groan escaped Twilight as she rose up to all four. "Urg, this is the second time today..." Rubbing her temple with a hoof, she only now realized that it had been the critters crashing into her, "I hope I didn't come in at a bad time. Maybe I should come back later?" "Oh no, it's okay, unless you really want to..." she tumbled at the last words and Twilight knew exactly where this was going, so she quickly replied, offering her assistance to help gather the wild critters that had knocked her down. "Thanks, Twilight. I just don't know why they got so scared–" she paused for a second, only to continue, "–They were so calm earlier and I just don't know what happened...–" "You mean the rampaging?" Twilight said rather bluntly, knowing that it wasn't the first time and that this couldn't continue. "I wouldn't put it that way,–" she responded mildly, "–but yes." She quickly started to try to gather her critters, though she had a bit of trouble doing so. Twilight, having nothing else to do since she was meant to have a tea party with her friend, she quickly gathered the animals in her telekinesis. Fluttershy gave Twilight a worried look when seeing her animals in her friend's telekinesis. "Twilight, could you, um..." She always overreacted when Twilight did so, oblivious to the fact that Twilight was more than capable of doing so without hurting her friends. The critters had previously even shown that they had liked it, but Fluttershy had been oblivious every single time. Twilight rolled her eyes at the comment but quickly found herself thinking the large Unicorn from before when she saw him passing by, only to realize that something didn't add up. I could have sworn that that is the same pony from before, but there is just some detail that seems wrong to me... Having more time to inspect the newcomer she notices that he wore a dark grey coat with an azure mane. Yet the more she thought about it, the more she forgot about her suspicions, but still remained curious. I'll have to ask Pinkie who he is, she knows everypony, she had even known about Minuette, and she's from Canterlot. When they were done calming Fluttershy's critters, Twilight took farewell to her and headed for Suger Cube Corner where she hoped to find Pinkie. Twilight wasn't normally the kind of pony to get very interested in newcomers, but something wasn't right, she didn't remember what race he had been, which was very intriguing as she had gotten a good look this time. On the other hoof, she hadn't really remembered much from the first time and he had dispersed as quick as Pinkie Pie could do sometimes. She wondered if it could have been an Alicorn. While not impossible, the Alicorns stood only for zero point eleven ppm of Equestria's population! He could also be a Pegacorn like Hailstorm, which she had met in Cloudsdale. While still extremely rare, they probably were five times as common. Twilight had been so deep in her thoughts that when she looked up again she was already at Sugarcube Corner. She entered and found Ms. Cake at the counter smiling warmly. "What could I get you, Princess Twilight?" Ms. Cake said with a hint of nervousness. From time to time ponies still would call her 'Princess' even if she had told them that it was unnecessary. "Just 'Twilight' is fine, and I'm looking for Pinkie, is she here?" Before Ms. Cake could answer Pinkie yelled, "Hi, Twilight!" She waved her right hoof before she bounced over to Twilight. Twilight shook her head on the sight of her ridiculous friend bouncing instead of walking. "Ooh, ooh, you have something really important to tell me, don't you?" "Well, I was going to ask you if you know this stallion..." Twilight gave Pinkie what little information she had. To her surprise, Pinkie didn't know him or even recognize him. "You mean you don't know him!?" Twilight said confused, "but you know everypony!" "Sorry, Twilight, I don't know this guy..." She replied while shaking her head, "So where did you meet him anyway?" "Well, I meet him here in Ponyville, just outside town squa—" "What!?" Pinkie yelled, interrupting Twilight, "You mean there's a new guy in town and nopony told me!?" Before Twilight could say something Pinkie started running around getting different party things like confetti, balloons, and cake. "Hey, Twi, is it okay if I use your castle to hold my 'Welcome to Town' party for– what's his name –if you don't mind?" Pinkie asked while still gathering her party stuff, "just don't tell him, I want it to be a surprise!" "Sure, Pinkie, I just hope I defused all of your confetti bombs– Spike still get jump-scared by those..." Chapter 2, A New Face in Town, Part 2 (revisited as of 2015/11/11)Pinkie was quick to gather everything she needed and was in full motion. She had asked Twilight to gather as much information about the newcomer so that Pinkie knew exactly what to do. Of curse, this was much harder than Twilight had initially thought, as she would soon realize. Twilight went around town to try to find him, yet every time she thought she had found him, she was only greeted by some random pony from town. Urg, why is it that every single time I see him something just has to get in the way and then, poof, and he's gone... Maybe asking around might yield something as opposed to going around town looking for him. It's always worth a try. With a new plan, she started asking ponies that she passed. Hours passed yet almost nopony had seen him, or at least didn't remember anything particular about it, nor when or where it was. It wasn't until Twilight stumbled upon Rainbow Dash that things brightened as she promised to help out. "Soo, eh, Twi, why is it so important to find this guy for you to need me to do it, not that I couldn't, but still?" Rainbow landed in front of the purple Alicorn, "Couldn't you just ask Pinkie? She knows everything about everypony around town." "Well that's the problem, even she doesn't know him..." Rainbow started laughing at what Twilight had said but stopped when she was still giving her a serious look. "You're kidding, right? Pinkie knows everypony, she even remembers every single one's birthday on the exact date." She gave Twilight a cheap grin. "I'm afraid to say, but it was Pinkie who had me do it. Mostly..." Twilight looked a little nervous as she continued, "I may or may not have made a promise to get him to come over to a surprise party this evening..." "But it's already late! Well wouldn't be the element of Loyalty, now, if I didn't help, would I?" The grin that Rainbow wore did little to comfort Twilight, but at least she knew that once Rainbow had her mind on something, she wouldn't stop until she had finished. "Thanks, Rainbow, I really appreciate the help." And with that, both the Pegasus and Alicorn took to the air. Rainbow had after a short while located the stallion Twilight had mentioned and dove down right in front of him. He flung backward at the sudden move, only to find the Alicorn Princess behind him. Quite startled by the suddenness of their arrival, he quickly fell to the ground. "Eep! Please don't hurt me!" He said while shaking, terror filling his eyes. "I'll give thou everything I have, just please don't hurt me..." Both mares looked at each other until Twilight spoke, "Why would we hurt you? We just want to talk to you, that's all..." She gave him a reassuring smile while stretching out her right hoof. He shortly grabbed it to pull up on his own hoofs. "May I have your name?" "I'm Comet Trail" It just hit him that the purple Alicorn was none other than Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship. How he had not noticed was beyond him so embarrassed by what he had done he blushed and quickly said, "I-I'm so sorry about me freakin' out l-like that, thou just came out of nowhere, a-and I'm not good with jump scares..." He looked at the blue, well sky-blue, Pegasus, "It didn't help t-that thou cornered me..." Rainbow gave him a cheap grin, "No worries, name's Rainbow Dash, didn't quite get yours?" It took him a second before he answered, "Rainbow Dash, –" But before he could continue Twilight spoke up, "You do realize that she's Rainbow Dash, right?" He rolled his eyes seemingly oblivious to what happened only moments earlier and continued, "No, I'm Comet Trail, but"– he turned to Rainbow who now had moved next to Twilight, –"thou art Rainbow Dash, the element of Loyalty, aren't thou?" "Sure am!" She tried making an as radical pose as possible, "Took you long enough to figure out..." "Hi, guys!" Everyone jumped at the sudden voice from the pink Earth Pony that came out of seemingly nowhere. "Pinkie..." Rainbow growled, she tried hiding the fact that she too had been startled. "Oh, did I interrupt you?" But before someone could answer she continued, "I just wondered why you took so long..." "Well, I guess I'll be going now, need to find somewhere to stay for the night," Comet said. Before Comet could leave Pinkie suggested, "Why don't you come with us? We're going home to Twilight." she grabbed both Rainbow and Twilight and pulled them close. "We are?" Rainbow said while taking a step back and giving Pinkie a confused look. "Of course, you silly filly!" Pinkie said it like it was common knowledge. "You can stay at the castle after– err... –we're done, my castle has too much room anyway. It could be nice having some company more than Spike." "Art thou sure? I don't want to be in the way for thou and thy friends." He was a bit unsure about it, but Twilight gave him a reassuring smile. "You yourself said that you needed somewhere to stay and as I mentioned earlier, my castle can get pretty lonely." "Wow, thanks," he proceeded to give Twilight a cheap grin, "are thee certain that thou art not the element of kindness and not magic?" Twilight shook her head and giggled, "You wish..." As they walked through town to get to Twilight's castle he noticed that the whole town was completely empty even if it wasn't completely dark yet. Huh, strange, shouldn't there be at least a couple of ponies around? He couldn't think about it too much before they were just outside the crystal castle. Inside he hung up the dark-grey cloak that he had worn. It wasn't until then the others noticed that he didn't have a cutie mark, but to be fair, they hadn't really noticed that he had worn a cloak at all. They were quite intrigued by this revelation as he was roughly the same age group as them. "Oh, you don't got a cutie mark?" Rainbow spat out. Twilight gave her an irritated glance, but she didn't notice. What had Twilight puzzled was the fact that nopony had noticed the cloak, but she waited to address it later. "Well, I never found out that my destiny is, though I'm not going to complain, just means I can become anything." They continued down the corridor to the throne room, but Comet didn't notice that Pinkie had disappeared. When they open the door to find the room in complete darkness. Suddenly the lights turned on revealing the whole town's ponies gathered. There was a banner where it was written 'Welcome to Ponyville'. "SURPRISE!" they yelled. Comet almost got a heart attack by the surprise – almost. It didn't take long for him to realize that it was a welcome party and one for him, his first real party. Chapter 3, Second day in town (revisited as of 2015/11/13)Comet Trail woke up in a large bed. He still didn't remember what had happened the day before, so he got startled when he noticed a purple Unicorn mare next to him in the bed. What in the name of Celesta did I do last night!? He froze when the mare rolled around. Oh, no... This can't be happening. The mare he had thought to be a Unicorn was actually no other than Princess Twilight Sparkle herself. She woke up at the sound of the stallion's movement. "I see that you slept well," she let out a yawn as she stretched her front legs and her wings, "I certainly did!" He just kept staring at the mare, until he finally spoke. "What happened last night? And why art we in the same bed?" It took Twilight a moment for her to process the questions in her half-asleep form. A tiny blush appearing as soon as she realized what had happened. "Oh, no no no no, it's not what it looks like! The only reason we sheared bed was because I only have one, not counting Spike's bed of course–" a sigh of relief escaped Comet, but said feeling didn't last long, "–Wait, don't you think I'm hot?" "Of course I do, it's just that...!" He then noticed the smug grin on Twilight's face, "Oh, haha. T'was very funny. Thou actually sound more like my sister than how I think a Princess would." She had only tricked him, though it had been a good joke, maybe. "Sorry, I don't really like all the formalities– Wait, did you say sister?" She took a look at the clock before turning back to Comet, "Anyways, I think breakfast will be ready soon, we should get ready. You got to tell me more about her, later that is." "What sister? I don't have a sister, heh heh." Comet's eyes darted side to side trying to find something to focus on instead of Twilight. This didn't go unnoticed though. "I guess she's quite embarrassing then? We should still get going though, Spike's probably waiting by now." Comet had almost forgotten about the fact that he had been here only for one night and yet felt like he'd always been living there. Of course, that would be impossible since it was only a couple of weeks old. Twilight had only been living in Ponyville for little more than a year! But Comet didn't know that, how could he? He went in into the bathroom to get ready for the day and was just fixing his rather long, azure and air force blue striped and aquamarine spotted tail when he saw Twilight coming out from the shower in the mirror. Huh, she does look kinda cute with her mane like that. He blushed when she looked back at him, forcing him to look away. She wondered why he had blushed only to remember that she was still in her towel and still damp from the shower, so she too blushed. The rest went smoothly otherwise, both trying not to look at the other. Of course, when both gazes meet, they quickly averted them both's cheeks heating up. Once they were done getting ready Twilight led them to the dining room, since Comet was new. They were welcomed by the scent of freshly made pancakes. Twilight, being Twilight quickly lost herself to her thoughts, thinking back to last night and this morning. She giggled at the thought of how silly she had been this morning, which of course caught Comets' attention. "Is everything alright?" "Yes." She said, trying to let go of her thought stream and the doors to the largest dining room Comet had ever seen. Though what caught his eye was the different decorating style. Twilight mentioned earlier that some of her friends had made a few personal adjustments to a few rooms, but this was more than he'd expected. The voice of the 'baby' dragon broke his thoughts. "Good morning, Twi. Good morning, – err–" "–Comet." the grey stallion filled in, "And good morning thou too, Spike, I believe it was." He ended his reply with a short yawn, wondering exactly how much sleep he had actually gotten. Twilight sat down next to the table, motioning Comet to sit next to her. It took a while before anyone spoke, it was Spike. "So, Comet, wh-mm-at are you planning to-mm- do today?" He got a quick stare from Twilight, probably because he had talked with his mouth full of pancakes, though he never noticed it. "Well, I got to do something to repay thou guys for being so–" He let out a more stretched out yawn this time, earning a bemused smile from Twilight. "–nice and giving me a roof over my head, and not just any, but a castle!" "You don't have to, it was nice having you here..." Twilight blushed as she realized what it could be misunderstood. Thankfully he was oblivious to that fact. "I won't take no for an answer!" Comet said loudly. "Well, you could..." "Um, hello? Hello? You awake?" Comet's ear twitched as something was whispered. "Wha–, I'm Pancake. I mean awake!" He replied, still not fully awake. "Clearly..." Twilight said while giggling. Comet could feel his face heating up in embarrassment. Once again had he embraced himself in front of the purple– light-purple or was the correct term magenta? –Alicorn, this time all by himself. Oh cruel world, when things go good there always has to be something, doesn't it? I can't have a day without anything going wrong, noo... Of course not! What's the point in that! He noticed the others giving him looks. "Did thou say something?" Comet trying to hide his embarrassment. "I asked what you planned to do today." "Oh, well, I was going to try to repay thee for thy kindness and generosity, in some way or another, and before thou say it, I will not accept 'no' for an answer." He gave Twilight a friendly, but firm, look. "You really don't have to do it... But if you really must maybe you could, err... Maybe you could, help any of my friends? I'm sure they would appreciate it..." She was unsure of how to answer his question really. She didn't want to use his kindness to her advantage, yet he seemed like he wouldn't go without repaying for what she had given him, even if it wasn't much for her, "Applejack always have work to do, maybe you could ask her?" "Sure! Err, just one problem, I don't know where she works." This time it was Spike who took initiative, "Well, if you want, I'll gladly show you the way." After breakfast, Spike led Comet to 'Sweet Apple Acres' where Applejack both lived and worked. It was just outside town and everywhere Comet looked was apple trees. In the middle were a few barns, one for living and one where they store most of their work-related items. Once we got close I spotted Applejack and her brother, Big Mushingtosh, or something like that. Applejack saw us she stopped bucking the trees and instead made way towards us. "Howdy, Comet, Spike, what could I help ya with," she said once in talking distance. "Hi, AJ, Comet here needs somewhere to work so we thought you would be the best choice." Comet nodded in agreement. She studied him before she spoke, "Well, ya look like a strong stallion. Ya can help me and Big Mac buck these trees and in return, I'll pay ya for ya help." Comet gulped. Truth be told, he looked stronger than he really was. Normally this was an advantage, but in this case, it wasn't. He wasn't really that well trained so this would be a challenge. Technically he could use his magic to pick probably ten or so trees in one swipe, but if Applejack and Big Mac could do it without so should he. He soon regretted his decision to not use magic. Less than an hour had passed and he was already tired. Damn it. I really need to train more..., they aren't tired and they have worked since the sun rose already. Comet frowned at the thought that he was untrained, something Applejack noticed. "Hey, somethin' bothering ya?" Comet shook his head, but Applejack wasn't convinced. "Ya could take a little break if ya want, come to think of it, we all should get a lil' break, maybe get some cider as refreshment." Before he had any saying at the matter she'd already run off to get the others. It wasn't long before the Apples had gathered around a table where there stood plenty of cider for everypony. Applejack motioned for Comet to join them. He reluctantly moved towards the table and put on a forced smile, mostly to be polite. "So..." Applejack started as he got closer, "would ya care to tell us 'bout ya self? Maybe you can tell us where ya from." "Sorry, but I don't feel like talking about my past, I'd love to hear a bit more about thy though if thou don't mind..." The Apples were set a bit back with the use of 'thou' instead of 'you', but quickly assumed that it was more normal where he was from. "Did I say something wrong?" Comet asked when he had noticed their reactions to what he'd previously said. "It's nothin', we were simply shocked by the use of 'thou', ya know, it's not that normal 'round here." Big Mac agreed with Applejack with a simple 'eeyup'. Later when Comet had to leave Applejack had paid him for the help around the farm. He wasn't happy to receive it though, but could hardly argue against the orange and might I add, stubborn, Earth Pony. Now he only felt like he owed them too, as they been too kind to him paying him for a day's work when he had actually only worked for an hour or two. There was one positive thing though, and that was that he could maybe have a surprise with the money he got, which made him feel a bit better at the situation. Author's Note "Sometimes the end is just the beginning of something else." - Crimson Twilight Chapter 4, A Turn of Events (revisited as of 2015/11/15)Comet walked through town after he had worked on Sweet Apple Acres for a couple of hours. He was still annoyed by the fact that they had paid him when he had wanted to do some charity work. But, if he couldn't do that then he just has to make do. I can still work a Sweet Apple Acres to get some bits, it wouldn't hurt to have some money. But if I can't do that I'll have to find another way to repay them. I'll see if someone else needs my help if nothing else they might pay me, even though getting money isn't my end goal. Walking back through town, Comet found three mares on the ground, pink, a darker shade of pink and cream white and lime, yellow and rose red mane and tail respectively, outside a flower shop. "The horror, the horror!" They wailed. In front of them was a flower with some of its petals laying around it. He dashed to them to see what had happened as nopony else did it. "Art thou alright, I heard thine cry and it sounded as thou were in trouble, care to tell what happened?" The mares looked at the stallion in wonder at the strange accent but quickly forgot about it. "It's terrible, everything's ruined!" one of the mares said pointing at the damaged flower. Wait, wait, wait, all this trouble over a damaged flower? Well, I guess I'm not the one to judge. "Let me help thou repair thine flower." And as he said it he ignited his horn. Instead of an aura around it, swirls of black, dark grey and lime summoned around both the flower and his horn, as the flower mended back together. The mares looked in shock and awe as their flower was as good as new. "The flower has also been enchanted now to be a bit more resilient to physical force." He added as they noticed the small glow it gave out. "As well as to shimmer." "Thank you, thank you!" They said in unison "How can we ever repay you? How were you even able to do that?" Shaking his head as he spoke, "Thou don't have to repay me as I only mended and enchanted the flower." But the mares had other plans, they brought him a bouquet of flowers with the enchanted flower in the middle, causing the others to look shiny. "We don't know of any better way to repay you, we hope that they taste well." The cream-white Earth Pony said as she handed them over to the surprised stallion. "Taste well!? Why eat so beautiful flowers? They are too beautiful to be wasted like that!" Comet said with a slightly raised voice. "They are too beautiful for me to just be given like that." "They're yours. If you don't want to eat them then you don't have to. I'm Roseluck by the way, and that's Lily and Daisy." She said as she pointed towards the two other mares. And with that, they left to continue their work as Comet mumbled a 'Thank thou'. Wow, nopony has ever been so kind to me, well nopony except Twilight and her friends, but I didn't even use a spell on them. Hmm, come to think of it, maybe Twilight will like the flowers, I could give them as a show of appreciation for everything she has done. I should also do something for Roseluck and her friend sometimes. He continued towards the castle again, this time with flowers in his magical grip. On his way, he meets Rarity outside Carousel Boutique, and that does not bode well when you're covered in dirt and dust. "Darling!" Comets' attention turned to Rarity at the calling. Somehow, he had a bad feeling. "Darling, just look at you, covered in dirt and all! Fear not, I shall help you! After I'm done I'll make you look fabulous!" He shook his head at the comment, but it didn't help that he had the bouquet with him as Rarity exclaimed, "You can't look like that if you're going to ask somepony out!" Just as he was going to respond she brought him inside the boutique where she started to take measurements on him after getting him sparkling clean. Everything happened so quickly that he wasn't sure what was going on until she broke away. "What's going on? What art thee doing to us?" Rarity quickly answered his question, "It's not proper to be covered in dirt when you're going to ask somepony out. And that's why I'll make you look like the gentlecolt you are!" "Ask somepony out? I wasn't planning to do that! I was just going to give them to as thanks." She shook her head in response, "You don't have to hide it from me. So tell me, who's the lucky mare?" "Humph, thou just sound like my brothers and sisters−" He shook his head at the thought of his past, "Classical cha− err..." He stopped mid-word almost revealing too much of his secrets. "Forget that I said that..." Rarity gave him a strange look, wondering what he had been talking about, but not giving it too much thought as she had more pressing matters. "Well, you can still look fabulous!" "Wow, thank thee, Rarity. I feel like I also owe thou now." She had dusted him off, so far as you might think that his fur was shining, so clean was it. She had also found the time to fix his tail and mane, it actually shining, similar to Princess Lunas. It even had the same ethereal look, the only difference being the colors. Ok, it didn't actually look ethereal like Luna's, but everypony can dream, right? Though, it was shinier than usual. After the encounter with Rarity, Comet was heading back to the castle. The crystal castle truly was a sight to behold, made almost purely of crystal, almost. But what was even more special about it was that it was the tree of harmony that had given it to Twilight, the tree of freaking harmony! Now that was special. As Comet entered the castle he found it empty. This was quite nerve-wracking to him. That was until he remembered that Twilight had said earlier that morning. Gosh, I almost forgot that she was mean to stay at− Rarity's. His eyes went wide at the realization. Oh no, Rarity's probably going to tell her, and if she does, it won't be a surprise! Maybe she doesn't tell her. He hadn't noticed that he had walked into the throne room with its seven thrones, and the map, until he heard the front doors opened. He heard two ponies enter, one of them speaking. "So tell me Rarity, why is it so important that we headed back to the castle? And why did you have me getting my mane fixed, I just don't get it?" "Darling, if I said what it was it wouldn't be a surprise." As if on cue the two ponies entered the throne room, the first one being Rarity, the second one Twilight. Comet just stood in front of Twilight, with the flower bouquet in front of him, uncertain of what to do. Twilight too mirrored the reaction, until she spoke up. "Yes, I'd love to." Comet was uncertain of what was going on here. What is she saying yes to? "Pick me up at 7 pm outside the castle. And thanks for the flowers." Comet was just processing what had just happened. Once he was done he noticed a smile on Rarity's face, one that said 'I ship that'. He also noticed that Twilight had taken the flowers that he had, but to be fair they were meant to her. "Did that just happen?" was all that he could say. Chapter 5, It's a Date Part 1 (edited 15/10/21)This wasn't what he had planned, not that he minded, but still. He had planned to give the flowers a sign of gratitude, instead, it had backfired and now he's on a date with one of the most beautiful mares of Equestria. It wasn't bad, no not at all, but he was extremely nervous, his whole body shaking in anxiety. Five more minutes until the set time, just five more minutes. These five minutes felt like years, no lifetimes! He had never talked about these kinds of things as he never would have the courage to ask somepony out. He was uncertain if he should feel lucky or unlucky, on one hoof, he was going on a date with the most beautiful mare in existence and that was probably an understatement. On the other hoof, he was terrible at these kinds of things, this was a living Tartarus for him, always being uncertain, never knowing what to say or do. His siblings had tried to teach him, but all to avail. Four more minutes until she would come. His body had started to shake a bit quicker. What had he been thinking, giving her flowers? Of course, this had been the best day in his life or rather would be, if he could pull himself together. That was much easier said than done. I could run away. No, how would Twilight feel if I didn't meet her here tonight and just disappeared? No, that would break her heart, and I could never live with that having broken the heart of someone so kind. What kind of pony would I be if I did that? I wish my brothers and sisters were here to give me advice. They always knew how to work emotions. Two more minutes. "Just. Two. More. Minutes." He'd started to shake violently. He was also hyperventilating now. What if she doesn't show up. Oh gosh, maybe she won't come. He slapped himself at the last thought. Of course she'll come, why would she lie? I'm just overreacting, right? His right eye had started to twitch, too. Just when he thought he couldn't take it anymore a flash of bight white. This took him by surprise which normally would startle him. Not this time, no, he was already on edge before and now he instead fainted, his legs twitching from time to time. As soon as Twilight materialized she noticed Comet where he was laying on the ground. She quickly dashed over to him, unsure if he was okay. "Are you okay!?" Her voice woke him up from his trance "I beg thou, please don't do that again." He said as he slowly opened his eyes. "I thought I told thou that I don't like jump-scares." He said with a shaky voice. This was the first time he'd seen Twilight since he'd given her the flower bouquet. She wore a cerulean blue dress with white and different shades of blue stars. In her mane was the enchanted flower that he had given her. She also wore celeste colored hoof-clads, the front ones bearing stars. "Wow, thou are truly beautiful..." "Thank you, I had this dress at the first grand galloping gala I attended to. Though Rarity had to make some alterations since I didn't have wings then." She also blushed slightly at Comets compliment. "Your suit is also quite fancy, if I may ask, where did you get it?" "If thou truly want to know, I made it." His face wasn't gray, but rather crimson, and it only boosted in color when Twilight was looking at him. After a few seconds, he was able to keep the worst of the blushing at bay. "I actually have a gift for thou, if thou don't mind." His horn lit up with his signature 'aura'. Twilight was taken aback when the shirls of magic enveloped her, but it didn't last too long. "I hope thou like what I did to thy mane and tail. It will only last this night and will return to normal tomorrow morning." Twilight cast worrying glances at her tail and mane until she noticed what Comet had done. He had made them look ethereal, similar to how they had looked when the princesses had borrowed their magic so she could beat 'Lord Tirek', minus the electrical bolts and the floating part. She had first thought to yell at him for doing it against her will, but the longer she looked at it the more started to like it. As if on cue he said, "If thou wish I could make it last longer." But she only shook her head at it. "No thanks, but I will keep it in mind." She had almost forgotten about the strange aura until she got reminded as he had asked if she wanted the effects longer. "Actually, there is a question I have, more than where you learned that spell, why is magic aura so− different?" Comet shook his head in response, "I am sorry, but that is a story for another time. As for the spell, I'll tell thou after it wears off. Now I believe we have a date to attend to." He had to fight the urge to blush, but managed, almost. Twilight was a little irritated at his answer, but quickly found that he was right, they did have a date to attend to. "So where did you plan on for us to eat?" He was taken aback by this, he had no idea where they should go as he had thought that Twilight would know that. Darn, what were I thinking, I have no idea where we should go, I− Urg..., come on Comet, improvise. "Actually, I thought, since I'm new to this town and don't know any good places, I'll let thou decide where we should go." Phew, good one there. He also let out a small sigh of relief at Twilights agreement. "Well, in that case, follow me." And with that, she started to head towards town. Everything became a blur after that. Author's Note This is what i referred to with "He had made them look ethereal, similar to hew they had looked when the princesses had borrowed their magic so she could beat 'Lord Tirek', minus the electrical bolts." Remember I said tail and mane, not the eyes. Chapter 6, It's a Date Part 2Twilight woke up when something stirred in her bed. She was first unsure what was going on until she remembered that she'd let Comet sleep in it too after Pinkies welcoming party last night. "I see that you slept well," she let out a yawn as she stretched her front legs and her wings, "I certainly did!" Comet just seared at her for a while until he spoke up. "We didn't, did we?" Twilight was first confused by his rambling but quickly got his meaning. "Oh, no, no-no-no. The only reason we sheared bed was because I only have one, not counting Spike's bed of course–" a sigh of relief escaped Comet, but it didn't last long, "–wait, don't you think I'm hot?" She got exactly the response she thought she'd get. "Of course I do, it's just that..." He then noticed the smug grin on Twilight's face, "Oh, haha. Very funny." Huh, pranking is actually pretty funny. "Sorry, I may have had a bet with Rainbow. She thought that I don't have the guts to do it." That should sound pretty convincing. She took a look at the clock before turning back to Comet, "Anyway, I think breakfast will be ready soon, we should get ready." And with that, she went into the bathroom and took a quick shower. He was fixing his rather long, azure, air force blue and aquamarine tail when Twilight saw him when she came out from the shower. He started to blush in the mirror and quickly looked away, she wondered why he had blushed only to remember that she was still in her towel, still wet from the shower, so she too blushed. Once they were done she lead them into the dining room, Twilight thought back to the time when she had fallen asleep on her pancakes and when she was woken up she had said 'I'm pancake' instead of 'I'm awake'. It hadn't been long after she'd gotten her castle and she hadn't been comfortable being there at that time, but her friends had helped her making more home-y. She giggled at the memory which caught Comets' attention. "Is everything alright?" "Yes." She said, trying to let go of the memory while opening the doors to the dining room. There Spikes voice greeted them. "Good morning, Twi. Good morning, – err..." The gray stallion had to finish the sentence as Spike hadn't remembered his name, "–Comet. And good morning thou too, Spike, I believe it was." Twilight sat down next to the table, motioning Comet to sit next to her. It took a while before anyone speaker, it was Spike. "So, Comet, what are you planning to do today?" He got a quick stare from Twilight because he had talked with his mouth full of pancakes, tho he didn't notice it. Comet had started daydreaming and didn't really hear what they had said, "Um, hello? Hello? You awake?" And with that, he was broken from his daydream and fell into his pancakes. He was quick to reply, but it came out a bit wrong. "Wha–, I'm Pancake. I mean awake!" "Clearly..." Twilight said while giggling. What's the chance that he would do the exact, well almost exact, same thing I did a couple of weeks ago. He was starting to blush but quickly zoned out. He was mumbling something that was more like something you'd hear from a bug, similar to vespid. At hearing this both Twilight and Spike shot him a few glances. He finally noticed it and was again quick to speak up again. "Did thou say something?" Comet trying to hide his embarrassment, but failing so. "I asked what you planned to do today." "Oh, well, I was going to try to repay thou for thy kindness and generosity, in some way or another, and before thou say it, I will not accept no for an answer." He gave her a friendly, but firm, look. "You really don't have to do it..., but if you really must maybe you could, err..., maybe you could help any of my friends, I'm sure they would appreciate it..." She was unsure how to else answer his question. She didn't want to use his kindness to her advantage, yet he seemed like he wouldn't go without repaying for what she had given him, even if it wasn't much for her, "Applejack always have work to do, maybe you could ask her?" Phew, good I came up with something, I just don't think that it's necessary for him to do me any favors since it was nothing really. But I guess that if it makes him happy then I should let him do it. "Sure! Err, just one problem, I don't know where she works." This time it was Spike who took initiative, "Well, if you want, I'll gladly show you the way." "Well if you need me I'll be with Rarity." And shortly after that Spike and Comet went over to 'Sweet Apple Acres' while Twilight headed for 'Carousel Boutique'. Since Spike had left to guide Comet to Applejack's farm she got to do all the dishes, not that it really mattered, but she'd not done it since, well, she became a princess. Now you might say 'Urg, dishing is soo boring', but when your day to day activity consists mostly of the exact same thing every time just a small thing like dishing can spice up life. Of course only to a certain degree as it's not the most exciting way to spend time. Now off to Rarity. Chapter 7, It's a Date Part 3"So, Twilight, what do you think of him?" the white unicorn asked. "About who, Rarity" Twilight replied. "Oh, you mean Comet?" "Why of course, Darling! You did share bed." She gave Twilight a small smirk and a wink which Twilight returned with a slight blush. "It's not what you think! I only shared a bed with him because he would have had to sleep on the floor otherwise!" Her blush only deepened the more she talked. "There's no other reason! Now can we switch subject?" "Is there something you're hiding, Darling? You know that if there's something you need I'll be there for you. " The last sentence Rarity said with a more serious tone. "Darling, can you go upstairs while I get some things? It will be quick, and you may have some time to calm down a bit from this ordeal." "I guess..." And with that, she went upstairs. Just a minute later she heard Rarity talk with somepony, probably another costumer. Rarity did have a job to attend to after all, and this seemed like a quick one. Once done, Rarity headed upstairs where Twilight was. The first thing she noticed on her friend's face. "What's so funny, Rarity?" "Oh, I think we should be heading back to your castle." She never dropped her grin, in fact, it only grew a bit more. "Now come on, we don't have all day!" "So tell me Rarity, why is it so important that we headed back to the castle? And why did you have me getting my mane fixed, I just don't get it?" Twilight was a bit confused by Rarity's outburst and she had yet to tell her. "Darling, if I said what it was it wouldn't be a surprise." Rarity said as she stepped into the throne room followed by Twilight. That was when she noticed Comet. He just stood there right in front of her with a bouquet of flowers in his magic. Wait, now I get it. This was what Rarity must have meant. And when she asked me to go upstairs it was only an excuse for me not being there when she talked with Comet. Wait, isn't he supposed to say something? He's just standing there... Maybe he's too afraid to ask. "Yes, I'd love to. Pick me up at 7 pm outside the castle. And thanks for the flowers." And with that, she picked up the flowers in her own magic and went up to her room. Once in her room, she started going through her things. What to do, what to do! I've never been to a date before! I know, I should read a book about dates! And with that, she just remembered what her friends and Princess Celestia had said before when she had just become a Princess herself. Scratch that, maybe Rarity will know what I should do. "Darling, you need to look fabulous if you're going out on a date! We'll need a nice dress for you, too!" "Rarity, I know you want to help, but I'm fine. I don't need to get this tedious about it, right? Right?" Twilight was getting a bit nervous the longer she waited and it didn't help with Rarity constantly saying that the first impression is everything. "So what kind of dress were you thinking about? I could make anything for your special night." This got Twilight thinking. It is a good point, I do need a dress. Oh, I know! "How about my gala dress, you know the one I wore to the first gala I went to? The only problem is that I didn't have wings then and it wouldn't fit." "Darling, that's a splendid idea, and I could make a few alterations to make it fit. You just have to give it to me and I'll get it done in no time!" And with a flash Twilight was gone, only to reappear a few seconds later with the gala dress. "Well, why don't you go over to the spa and let them help you look the best while I get the dress done!" "Okay, sure! I'll be back in an hour, see you." Twilight was just about to leave, but she was a bit nervous, as to be expected as she'd never been on a date before. This was because when she was younger she would never really spend time with friends, let alone try to find a colt- or marefriend. She had her books and that was enough for her and if she really wanted to spend time with someone there was either her brother, Shining Armor, or her then foalsitter, now sister-in-law, Cadence. When she moved to Ponyville she almost never had much time with the weekly friendship report and disaster. It didn't help that the mare to stallion ratio was well over three to one, where most were already in a relationship. Secondly, she never did find anyone that she really liked. Actually, scratch that, She did meet with a nice stallion named Flash Sentry. There were a few problems though, first, he was a guard in the Crystal Empire and couldn't really move away from less not if he wanted to lose his job there. Twilight could probably ask Cadence for his transfer, but she didn't really think of that. Twilight couldn't either move to him as she had her "kingdom" to take care of, or that was at least what she told herself. In reality she didn't want and probably couldn't even move away even if she wanted to, all her friends lived in Ponyville with the exception of Rainbow Dash as she was unsure if she did or not since..., actually, scratch that too, she said that she lived in Ponyville as they had celebrated her anniversary since she had moved here roughly half a year ago. She also had the Castle that the Tree of Harmony had given her there too. "Don't you worry, I'm only making a few minor changes, not a complete dress, so go and get 'em, darling!" That was Twilight's cue to leave so she waved to her friend and left. It wasn't the first time that Twilight went to the spa. She and her friends had been there a few times, well most times she was with Rarity and or Fluttershy, but never did she go there alone. She didn't know really what to get done there as it was pretty much always Rarity who knew what to get. Thankfully that was a problem she knew how to fix, all she had to do is ask Aloe or Lotus as they should know what would be best for a date. To say that they were excited about the news of a date was an understatement, thankfully they could still do their work professionally, hopefully, there wouldn't be too many rumors, but maybe that was just wishful thinking. They got her mane done, her horn, hooves, and fur, actually pretty much everything, in an hour. While she normally looks good saying that she looked good now would be an understatement, and she didn't even have her dress yet! After her visit to the spa, it was time for her to get her dress from Rarity as she should have finished by now. Twilight trotted up to the fashionistas boutique and knocked at the door and it sn opened up. "Twilight! Darling, I was just done with the last adjustments, what a perfect time for you to come!" "Thanks again, Rarity. I don't know what I would have done without you." As Twilight stepped in she noticed the dress still on the, err... whatever the wooden pony looking thing Rarity uses as a template, Twilight never remembered all the fashion expressions. One thing caught her eyes though, did she add more gems to it? Wait, Did it even have gems before? "Rarity, did you add gems to the design?" "Why yes, Darling. I thought a princess like you should have them. And I do think they match as I kept the original color scheme, mostly." As Twilight looked over the different gems she noticed both sapphire and tanzanite, but also some amethyst and moonstone. It made for a nice contrast between blue, a more blue-green, violet and white. What was even more amazing was that on the dress where an almost perfect copy of her cutie mark in the amethyst and moonstones. "Wow... Rarity you really didn't have to do so much. It's just beautiful... and how were you able to recreate my cutie mark? It's almost identical to my actual." As she spoke she turned to her friend, "How can I ever thank you for this! It's–it's beautiful!" "Darling, it was nothing. I just did what I'm good at, nothing more..." Rarity was quite modest about it and tried to dismiss it with a hoof, but Twilight would have none of that. "Don't be so modest Rarity. This is the most beautiful I've ever seen. How were you even able to create the replica of my cutie mark, I've never seen something as spectacular as it!" "Thank you, but I can not tell you how I made it, sorry it's a business secret, though I may have asked Spike for help with it though... Now, where is my Spikey-Wikey?" At the call, Spike came downstairs from the second floor. "Did you want something Rarity? Oh, hi, Twilight." Spike said as he came downstairs. "Spike? I thought that you were with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, what are you doing here?" Twilight was a bit surprised to see her number one assistant at Rarity's but quickly reminded herself of his crush on Rarity. She also got her question answered when Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle came downstairs soon after Spike. "Aww, still no cutie mark." Scootaloo started. "Guess we're not supposed to be jewelers..." Apple Bloom continued. Seeing how the mood of the Crusaders was getting sour Twilight tried to lighten up the mood by complimenting n their work, while it didn't bring it back to full force it did help. "Thanks, Twilight, it's only that we're just having problems coming up with things to try." This time it was Sweetie Belle who spoke up. "But next time we'll get them, I'm sure of it!" "Yeah!" Both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo yelled in agreement. It was soon time. Any moment now. Twilight wanted to always be exactly on time, never late. The time was 17:59, less than a minute and she would teleport in front of the castle where she had agreed to meet up. It was time, she teleported. When everything began to slow down as Comet slowly fell to the ground. She ran up to him as fast as she could but was too slow as he hit the ground hard. "Please, stay with me..." She got no answer. Author's Note What! This can't be! Comet went to that restaurant with Twilight! This isn't what happened! Or is it? Thanks for staying, I'm sorry that this chapter took longer than planned, but I like the end. hopefully I won't have so many things to constantly do IRL for the next chapter, but at least next week I'll be having a break from school. Also, I almost hit 2k words on a single chapter! Chapter 9, A Ruined Date"What happened?" "I don't know! We were going on a date and–and when I came to pick him up he just collapsed! He hit his head pretty hard, and... and... A–Is he–is he going to be okay?" The nurse scribbled down what little information she could get out of Twilight, before addressing her again. "He seems like he lost consciousness, but I can't know the full extent of the damage until we get a proper check. Until then you should wait outside." Nurse Redheart gave Twilight a reassuring smile before moving him towards the room dedicated to new patients. "Are you sure tha–that I can't do some–something to help? Please, I feel so-so useless like this..." Her facial expression darkened as Redheart gave a slight shake of her head. "I'm sorry Princess, but it's better if you let us do our work." To just sit and wait was equally as painful for Twilight as to walk on a bad hoof. To not be of any use when a friend needed her was even more painful, she now knows how Rainbow Dash must have felt when she had to let Tank go. Okay, maybe not that much, but you get the idea. Not to know if he was okay, or even what had happened, really paid its toll on Twilight. She tried to fight sleep, but it was fruitless. She was fast asleep when her friends came, having cried to sleep. It wasn't the first time, it had happened once or twice when she was younger and had lost her grandparents in a similar way. It was too much alike, not knowing what will happen nor even see them until it was too late that was. She would not sleep well by any means, thinking back at what little time she had spent with Comet, them times she might never be able to spend with him. She didn't notice her friends quietly approach and sitting next to her, as she had entered the Dreamscope. "I hope he's going to be okay..." Fluttershy was the first to speak after hearing what Redheart had told them. "We all do, Sugarcube, but for now Twi might need our support, Y'all." Applejack was uncertain if she was trying to comfort the others or herself. "It's truly a shame that it had to happen on such a special day, of all days. Just that it happened is bad, but this was going to be a special night for her, for both of them." Her facial expression flickered at the thought of the earlier events but was quickly sour again. "I should have been there for them! I hate it when I can't do anything!" "Don't be so sad, Dashie. You couldn't have known. We all know that you would have helped if you could." "Pinkie's right, we can't beat 'round the bushes 'bout things we can't change and start doing what we can!" "But what can we do!? We barely know what happened, more than what Nurse Redheart told us, and that was really vague! He's in a coma! If he ever wakes up he probably won't remember a thing!" Nopony knew how to answer her. She did have a point, even if they didn't want it to be true. Why did this have to happen? Everything was going so good, we were going to go out and what happens, he's knocked unconscious! What if it doesn't make it? What if I never get to know him? He said that he had a sister, what about her? Their parents? I don't know them or who they are! I barley know Comet! Really, what do I know! Nothing! And I might never do... I really hope he's going to be okay... Twilight did by no means sleep well, she couldn't stop thinking about everything that could have been and how everything had turned out. She woke up in the hospital with her friends sleeping next to her. Everypony had come to be there for her. She thought back to the previous day and everything Comet had said and done. He was kind of cute when he didn't know what to say like when I teased him and during breakfast. What was it he was mumbling about, I couldn't understand it, but I'm sure I've heard it before... Heh, probably just something unintelligent. Oh, and when he was going to ask me out, he wasn't even able to say a single word, and still he had gone through with it and gotten some flowers that had looked really expensive when he bearly had any money. I actually feel kind of bad for him now that I think about it. He got one of the most expensive flowers, even went through and enchanted one to not wither, even as far as to put a temporary enchantment on my mane, even if it's gone now... And all that just for me, somepony he barely knew! And what did I do? Nothing! "Hey, Twilight, you awake?" It was Rainbow Dash who broke the silence. "Wha–Oh, yeah. How long have you guys been awake?" During the time Twilight had been thinking for herself the others had woken up. "Pretty much fifteen minutes." It took a while for Twilight to proses what Rainbow had said have I really been thinking so long... "Rainbow Dash! You don't have to be so rude about it!" "What? She asked. What should I have done, lied?" Twilight could just roll her eyes at Rainbow and Raritys fight. "Gals, Comet's 'n a coma and all ya can do is fight?" "Wait, he's in a coma!?" They sheared uneasy looks before Fluttershy spoke up. "Oh my, didn't the doctors tell you?" "Darling, what do you know?" Twilight lowered her head before answering. "Nothing..." Chapter 10, Past Events, Part 1 (mini chapter)Darkness. Darkness is all that I've known. At Least since I remember. Well, not anymore. I've seen the light, though weak. It has given me hope, hope that there is more than this void. More to life, whatever life is. I feel remarkably energetic after finding something more than emptiness in this impossible land. 'Twas, however, starting to deflate, having yet to find anything in a undefined amount of time. Time, 'tis a funny thing. 'Tis such an important thing, or at least I believe it to be, and yet we know so little about it. Wait, we... Why did I use plural? No, it does not matter, as my primary goal should be finding more of these sparks of light. Like that one – wait, what? There! Yes, I can see it! This might be the end of the line, an end to this seemingly endless nightma– "I th–k he's wa–ng u–!" "Go –et t– do–or!" What art these sounds I'm hearing? It has always been quiet before and now suddenly there are sounds, nay, they're voices. But why? Why now and not earlier? Everything has always been a void, nothing material nor sounds, just an ethereal world of darkness. Like–like something out of a nightmare... Why does it feel like I'm missing something? And where did those voices come from? It feels like the questions art only piling up without any answers. Hast I even found a single answer during all this time? No, I do not believe I have. "Wha– –o y– th–k, d–tor?" "H–m, h– –n't –lly con–ous y–t, but – bel–ve he– o–t of –e coma. H– mi–t re–ct t– cert–n stim–i, bu– wha– e–ac–ly my s–an cou– no– –y." "So, he–l –e okay? Oh–y–osh! That– g–eat! tha–y–uthan–ou–ank you s–oo –uch!" "Don– –ank me –et. We –ill –on't kno– –f he ha– suff–ed any bra–n dama–, th– –it wa– pow–ful enou– to –ut –im in – mino– com–. Thou–, –e were–t able –o dete–t any mayo– dam–e, ther– ca– –till –e some–ng we mis–d." 'Tis nothing but gibberish... if only– if only I could understand what it was saying and maybe where it comes from, then maybe it will tell me something about where I am or maybe anything about this world I've come to know? If it could only answer one question that would be more than anything yet. Wait! T–the l–light! I–it's t–too s–strong! I can't see a thing! Author's Note I'd love some feedback on the chapter. I have had a hard time figuring out how I wanted the chapter to proceed and therefor this is probably the third or fourth re-write. So, yeah, any and all feedback is welcome! Also, I do hope that thou liked the chapter as there is much yet to come. We have only barely begun. Chapter 11, Past Events, Part 2It was a sunny day in Ponyville. The Pegasi were keeping the sky clear, not leaving a cloud left behind. Ponies were walking down the streets doing everyday stuff, from walking down the street with a friend, gossiping, browsing through the market, buying groceries and other miscellaneous things. But not Twilight and her friends. No, they were at the hospital. The lobby was a simple room, the walls were wooden, painted cyan with the bottom part lime green and ornaments in swamp green. The floor was a checkered pattern consisted of sandy brown and sepia. There were a few couches, all lime green colored, although the cheap material, they were in pristine condition. Five ponies and a dragon walked in, finding an unkempt, purple Alicorn with a nerve breaking smile, twitching within random intervals. The two Pegasi, Earth Ponies, the Unicorn, and the Dragon shared worried looks before Applejack spoke up. "Twi, can ya tell us why ya had us come to the hospital again, ya know I have a lot to do on the farm? Ah can't be here all the time, ya know. None of us can, and that includes you too, Sugarcube. Don't ya have things of yer own?" Applejack said with concern seeping through her irritation. "Yeah, Twi. You've been really distant lately. I know, you're worried about Comet, we all are, but you've been here, like, all the time! Seriously, we're worried 'bout ya, Twi!" Rainbow wasn't even trying to mask her concern for her purple friend. She might not be as awesome as herself, but she was still one of her best friends. She was the one that had introduced her to the awesomeness that is Daring Do. She might be an egghead that Rainbow only understood half the time, but she was her egghead. "Come on, egghead, you seriously need to relax a bit and think 'bout other things then what happened to Comet. It's really getting into your head!" "I must say that I agree with Rainbow. Darling, I know you're worried about him, so are we, but you're taking it too far. We're all terribly sorry about what happened, but you're completely unreachable and we're getting worried about your health. Maybe you should get yourself checked up, darling?" Rarity put a hoof on Twilight's shoulder, but she quickly brushed it off. "I called you here because I have good news! –" Twilight's green eyes sparkled in a crazed manner unnerving the others, but before she could continue, Pinkie Pie, being oblivious or simply not noticing, interrupted her, bouncing in joy. "Oh, oh, you got a new book on magic! Or, or maybe, a cool, new magical gadget! Or maybe, maybe a–" "Pinkie!" Twilight stomped a hoof at the white tiled floor receiving surprised looks from her friends before she continued, "No, none of those. No, the reason I called is because Comet's waking up!" The patient room was simple and had the same ornaments, colors and whatnot's, with the additions of the patients' beds being the only major difference. This specific room was in the area where they treated more serious injuries, head injuries for example. "So doest thee know what happened to us?" Comet asked the nurse, who had previously as Nurse Redheart. "I'm sorry, I don't know the details of what happened, all I know is that you hit your head which caused minor head damage, and amnesia. You seem to have been in a lot of stress, too, at the time you hit your head. We believe that the stress could be one factor as to why you lost your memories, but alone it shouldn't have caused that kind of damage, though, to be fair, we have only ever known about three, well, four since Twilight became a princess, Alicorns so we don't know much about their physiology. You're also the first known male Alicorn. The magical scans show that you are, indeed, an Alicorn, and not a Pegacorn. Amnesia is relatively short-lasting, so you should get them back sooner rather than later. In extremely rare cases, the amnesia is permanent, but as I said, that is extremely rare. Things from the past should help to recover your lost memories. Friends, loved ones, things you considered important and sometimes recent events, that kind of stuff." Redheart replied in a stoic voice before breaking a kind smile. "Uhh, I think I got that... By the way, what's the difference between an Alicorn and a Pegacorn, since you mentioned that thou wast uncertain which I was?" Comet said, still trying to work out all the things that the nurse had told him. "Well, just by look at a Pegacorn and an Alicorn, you wouldn't see the difference, but usually an Alicorn is stronger than a Pegacorn. Alicorns are also extremely rare, you being the fifth known one, some doctors think that if ever a Pegacorn and an Earth Pony were to have a foal, the foal might become an Alicorn, but this has never happened because, one, it would have to be more or less an Earth Pony with little to no genes that come from both Pegasi and Unicorns, two, hybrids only seem to be created during some very special magical conditions, what these conditions are, nopony really knows, three, remember when I said that hybrids on are created during specific conditions, well, that goes for Pegacorns, too. In Equestria, there are only one hundred or so Pegacorns. The chances that a foal is born as an Alicorn are so small that it is a miracle that there exist even five! Though, both Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight were not born as Alicorns, but underwent metamorphosis, and we can't know about your case as we've yet to be able to determine which have undergone metamorphosis and who hasn't, though that can be because, first, there isn't really a need for it, and secondly, there were only four known Alicorns previously, so noticing genetic differences are about as impossible as to understand Pinkie." Redheart continued to ramble on about genetics until the door opened, revealing Twilight and her friends. "Well, it was very interesting to talk to thee, but doest thee not have other patients to take care of?" Comet said, trying to get Redheart to stop talking about genetics and how foals were made. It wasn't a subject that he was very comfortable talking about or listening to for that matter. He was also trying, in vain, to hide his embarrassment from the others in the room. "Oh! Yeah, you're probably right! I'll leave you eight alone." She said before exiting the room, leaving him with his 'friends', to which he had no memory of. "So–" He started, "Since I barely remember anything, how about we all introduce ourselves if you wouldn't mind? I remember some things about myself like name and such." "Well, I think that's a great idea, Comet." Fluttershy said, the others nodding in agreement and giving a murmur of approval, "I could start, that is, if you don't mind." With no objections, she continued."Um, my name's Fluttershy and I take care of the animals that live here." Puffing her chest in pride, Rainbow went ahead and continued. "Name's Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in Equestria! I'm also part of the Wonderbolts, well, the reserves, but still!" And also the most modest, too. He thought, while Applejack simply rolled her eyes. "Uh-huh, uh, by the way, what is a 'Wonderbolt'?" Comet said, not fully believing the 'fastest flier in Equestria thing'. "How do you NOT know that a Wonderb– Oh, right. Sorry. They are THE best fliers in Equestria, they do the coolest of tricks and they're also one of Equestria's air forces, the elite of the elite!" She puffed her chest to make a point, which did not go unnoticed by Comet. Still being skeptical to the 'fastest flier' thing, he replied. "So, you're the fastest flier in 'Equestria', and yet you're just in the reserves... Why, if you don't mind me asking, is that so? Shouldn't the fastest flier be something more akin a major or captain?" Rainbow froze the grin on her face all but dissipating. She landed on the floor and shuffled a bit before she came up with a reply, this one not as confident as the previous ones. "Well, uh, you don't just become a captain when you enter, it takes more than just, uh, flying skills... like- strategy! Yeah, and time. I'm still pretty new." Satisfied with the answer, Comet replied. "Well, seems reasonable enough, though I would like to see you prove the 'fastest flier' thing when I get out that is. Rainbow took to the sky again, all the while replying. "Oh yeah, I'll show you! I once cleared the sky in ten seconds flat! Right, Twilight?" Everypony turned to Twilight for confirmation. Shuffling her hooves at being center of attention, she answered. "Well, she did, in fact, do it. I didn't believe her when she said it, so she proved it right in front of me." An hour or so later, they had all Introduced themselves and talked about their lives, and so on. A nurse had come and told that visiting hours were over. she had also told that, if nothing else came up, Comet would be able to leave soon. The mares and Dragon said their goodbye's and left, leaving Comet to himself. "Ugh, I should have asked the nurse for some reading material, something!" Comet tossed around, as he had done the last fifty minutes. He continued tossing in the bed, but soon he heard a knock on the door. "Yes?" he asked simply, perhaps a bit too excited. After some murmuring behind the door, somepony asked back. "Are you 'Gary'?" The voice was somewhat raspy but definitely male A Tad confused at the question, he still answered. "...Yes?" The door opened, revealing a brown stallion. His eyes were bluish, perhaps cerulean. Everything about him screamed ordinary. That is, if you didn't focus on him. "Captain Trail, lieutenant Shadow Strike, at your service!" Green fire traced the stallion's body, leaving behind black chitin, translucent wings, a fang-filled mouth and solid cerulean orbs for eyes with almost no apparent iris. Something about him was familiar to Comet, like something you see every day. "The Queen wishes to see you." Chapter 8, The Void (mini chapter)Darkness, darkness everywhere. I wander in this void, alone. Who I am I do not know, only that I had a life before I was swallowed by the void I now must walk. I don't remember anything from before I entered this darkness. Nothing. Time. Time has no meaning to me. Maybe centuries has passed, or maybe less than a second. It doesn't matter though. Something was different. A tiny fraction of light far, far away. I don't remember seeing anything else than darkness before. I'd remember something so different like this, but I don't. I have had enough of this void. Heading towards the light may be the answer to leaving this living Tartarus. Something deep down inside me tells that this is the end. And the beginning of something else... Author's Note "From the void we come, void we shall return." - Crimson Twilight Chapter 8.5, Old Memories (mini chapter)Darkness. Darkness in this void is all I remember. This light is different though. Trying to get out of here I head towards it, whatever here is. But, how much I try to move towards it the further it gets. Either that, or it's shrinking. Both are terrifying. On one hoof, the possible way out of here is moving away from me, or it's growing smaller until it will probably cease to exist. Better to pick up speed, if there's a chance for me to get out I'll take it, no matter how small. For once I was optimistic and my faith was not misplaced. I seem to be getting closer. It has given me new vigor and hope. Hope, something I have never experienced since I entered the void. But a strange whisper tells me that I have felt this feeling before, how it knows that, I do not know. I have no clue who or what that whisper even was. It is strange, this feeling of hope, the stronger it gets the stronger I become. I feel like I can do anything. I find one thing ominous though, I feel like I should get tired by all this running, but I don't. Strange. I won't complain though, as long as this doesn't come back to bite me. The light, I can see it. I'm close. It's growing. Strange. It doesn't matter though, this will soon end, and I'll finally be free. "Hey Grey, you there?" "Moon Dust? Is that thou?" "Yeah. Say, Shadow wanted to meet us in the cocoon room, you coming with me? Please...?" "Stop giving me that look, Dust. Urg, I don't get how thou can look so intimidating one second and adorable the next..." "You think I look adorable?" 'Gray' noticed a small fanged smile grow from the silhouette until it became a smirk. "That's not what I meant! Thou art our sister!" A small giggle escaped 'Moon Dust'. "You're soo easy to tease. You ponies are too funny!" I remember that now. I think it was a memory. A memory from when I was young. It feels incomplete though, like something's missing or wrong...
Chapter 1, A New Face in Town, Part 1 (revisited as of 2016/03/09)It had been a long day for Twilight. Thinking about the recent Dream Incident, she was wandering around town, though too deep in thought to really be observant. Luna's nightmare creation had almost broken free into the real world, proving that the dreamscape was more than something in your head, though Twilight had suspected it to be so anyway, and instead perhaps a different plane of existence? The nightmare creation, or as Luna had referred to it, the Tantibus. Thankfully she and her friends, no, everypony in Ponyville had been able to beat it, though Twilight wasn't completely sure about the exact details of it. Dreams get fuzzy over time and it didn't help that Luna was being so vague about it, always trying to avoid talking about it. I wonder what that thing was? Luna only said that she created it to punish herself for Nightmare Moon's actions and that it would bring an eternal nightmare if it broke free, she never mentioned its origin or the like. How did she create it, if she even did create it? she could have summoned it for all I know. But why give it that power? Did she exclude the fact that it could grow stronger, or never even realized it at all until it actually succeeded to do so? Maybe thought that it was worth the risk?... Because Twilight was so into her thoughts, she didn't notice the grey stallion in front of her until she crashed into him. The grey stallion was quite large, a bit larger than Big Macintosh, maybe as tall as Luna; yet he was rather thin. Being dazed from the unexpected crash, she had no time to apologize to said stallion before he had disappeared. Strange–How could one so large disappear so quickly? And without raising any attention? He must have been as large as Luna and still manages to vanish into thin air! Because Twilight hadn't gotten a good look on him before he had disappeared she couldn't remember any specific details. Though she was certain that he had wings so she could definitely say that it was a Pegasus. Having been on route towards Fluttershy when she had crashed into the larger pony, she resumed her trotting, forgetting her previous thoughts. She hadn't recognized what she had presumed was a stallion as the height was a dead giveaway. The more she thought about it though, the more uncertain she became at what gender the pony had had as the details seemed to slip her mind. Pulling out of her thought process as she neared Fluttershy's cottage, she quickly headed towards the front door. As Twilight was going to knock, she was stormed by a bunch of Fluttershy's critters as they burst out, lead by none other than Angel, Fluttershy's pet bunny. "Angel, please come back," Fluttershy cried out with an ever so slight hint of stress, "I'll give you an extra bowl of salad!" Noticing Twilight overrun by her critters she quickly said, "I'm so sorry, Twilight," shaking her head, "I hope you're okay..." she said hiding behind her mane. A groan escaped Twilight as she rose up to all four. "Urg, this is the second time today..." Rubbing her temple with a hoof, she only now realized that it had been the critters crashing into her, "I hope I didn't come in at a bad time. Maybe I should come back later?" "Oh no, it's okay, unless you really want to..." she tumbled at the last words and Twilight knew exactly where this was going, so she quickly replied, offering her assistance to help gather the wild critters that had knocked her down. "Thanks, Twilight. I just don't know why they got so scared–" she paused for a second, only to continue, "–They were so calm earlier and I just don't know what happened...–" "You mean the rampaging?" Twilight said rather bluntly, knowing that it wasn't the first time and that this couldn't continue. "I wouldn't put it that way,–" she responded mildly, "–but yes." She quickly started to try to gather her critters, though she had a bit of trouble doing so. Twilight, having nothing else to do since she was meant to have a tea party with her friend, she quickly gathered the animals in her telekinesis. Fluttershy gave Twilight a worried look when seeing her animals in her friend's telekinesis. "Twilight, could you, um..." She always overreacted when Twilight did so, oblivious to the fact that Twilight was more than capable of doing so without hurting her friends. The critters had previously even shown that they had liked it, but Fluttershy had been oblivious every single time. Twilight rolled her eyes at the comment but quickly found herself thinking the large Unicorn from before when she saw him passing by, only to realize that something didn't add up. I could have sworn that that is the same pony from before, but there is just some detail that seems wrong to me... Having more time to inspect the newcomer she notices that he wore a dark grey coat with an azure mane. Yet the more she thought about it, the more she forgot about her suspicions, but still remained curious. I'll have to ask Pinkie who he is, she knows everypony, she had even known about Minuette, and she's from Canterlot. When they were done calming Fluttershy's critters, Twilight took farewell to her and headed for Suger Cube Corner where she hoped to find Pinkie. Twilight wasn't normally the kind of pony to get very interested in newcomers, but something wasn't right, she didn't remember what race he had been, which was very intriguing as she had gotten a good look this time. On the other hoof, she hadn't really remembered much from the first time and he had dispersed as quick as Pinkie Pie could do sometimes. She wondered if it could have been an Alicorn. While not impossible, the Alicorns stood only for zero point eleven ppm of Equestria's population! He could also be a Pegacorn like Hailstorm, which she had met in Cloudsdale. While still extremely rare, they probably were five times as common. Twilight had been so deep in her thoughts that when she looked up again she was already at Sugarcube Corner. She entered and found Ms. Cake at the counter smiling warmly. "What could I get you, Princess Twilight?" Ms. Cake said with a hint of nervousness. From time to time ponies still would call her 'Princess' even if she had told them that it was unnecessary. "Just 'Twilight' is fine, and I'm looking for Pinkie, is she here?" Before Ms. Cake could answer Pinkie yelled, "Hi, Twilight!" She waved her right hoof before she bounced over to Twilight. Twilight shook her head on the sight of her ridiculous friend bouncing instead of walking. "Ooh, ooh, you have something really important to tell me, don't you?" "Well, I was going to ask you if you know this stallion..." Twilight gave Pinkie what little information she had. To her surprise, Pinkie didn't know him or even recognize him. "You mean you don't know him!?" Twilight said confused, "but you know everypony!" "Sorry, Twilight, I don't know this guy..." She replied while shaking her head, "So where did you meet him anyway?" "Well, I meet him here in Ponyville, just outside town squa—" "What!?" Pinkie yelled, interrupting Twilight, "You mean there's a new guy in town and nopony told me!?" Before Twilight could say something Pinkie started running around getting different party things like confetti, balloons, and cake. "Hey, Twi, is it okay if I use your castle to hold my 'Welcome to Town' party for– what's his name –if you don't mind?" Pinkie asked while still gathering her party stuff, "just don't tell him, I want it to be a surprise!" "Sure, Pinkie, I just hope I defused all of your confetti bombs– Spike still get jump-scared by those..."
Chapter 2, A New Face in Town, Part 2 (revisited as of 2015/11/11)Pinkie was quick to gather everything she needed and was in full motion. She had asked Twilight to gather as much information about the newcomer so that Pinkie knew exactly what to do. Of curse, this was much harder than Twilight had initially thought, as she would soon realize. Twilight went around town to try to find him, yet every time she thought she had found him, she was only greeted by some random pony from town. Urg, why is it that every single time I see him something just has to get in the way and then, poof, and he's gone... Maybe asking around might yield something as opposed to going around town looking for him. It's always worth a try. With a new plan, she started asking ponies that she passed. Hours passed yet almost nopony had seen him, or at least didn't remember anything particular about it, nor when or where it was. It wasn't until Twilight stumbled upon Rainbow Dash that things brightened as she promised to help out. "Soo, eh, Twi, why is it so important to find this guy for you to need me to do it, not that I couldn't, but still?" Rainbow landed in front of the purple Alicorn, "Couldn't you just ask Pinkie? She knows everything about everypony around town." "Well that's the problem, even she doesn't know him..." Rainbow started laughing at what Twilight had said but stopped when she was still giving her a serious look. "You're kidding, right? Pinkie knows everypony, she even remembers every single one's birthday on the exact date." She gave Twilight a cheap grin. "I'm afraid to say, but it was Pinkie who had me do it. Mostly..." Twilight looked a little nervous as she continued, "I may or may not have made a promise to get him to come over to a surprise party this evening..." "But it's already late! Well wouldn't be the element of Loyalty, now, if I didn't help, would I?" The grin that Rainbow wore did little to comfort Twilight, but at least she knew that once Rainbow had her mind on something, she wouldn't stop until she had finished. "Thanks, Rainbow, I really appreciate the help." And with that, both the Pegasus and Alicorn took to the air. Rainbow had after a short while located the stallion Twilight had mentioned and dove down right in front of him. He flung backward at the sudden move, only to find the Alicorn Princess behind him. Quite startled by the suddenness of their arrival, he quickly fell to the ground. "Eep! Please don't hurt me!" He said while shaking, terror filling his eyes. "I'll give thou everything I have, just please don't hurt me..." Both mares looked at each other until Twilight spoke, "Why would we hurt you? We just want to talk to you, that's all..." She gave him a reassuring smile while stretching out her right hoof. He shortly grabbed it to pull up on his own hoofs. "May I have your name?" "I'm Comet Trail" It just hit him that the purple Alicorn was none other than Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship. How he had not noticed was beyond him so embarrassed by what he had done he blushed and quickly said, "I-I'm so sorry about me freakin' out l-like that, thou just came out of nowhere, a-and I'm not good with jump scares..." He looked at the blue, well sky-blue, Pegasus, "It didn't help t-that thou cornered me..." Rainbow gave him a cheap grin, "No worries, name's Rainbow Dash, didn't quite get yours?" It took him a second before he answered, "Rainbow Dash, –" But before he could continue Twilight spoke up, "You do realize that she's Rainbow Dash, right?" He rolled his eyes seemingly oblivious to what happened only moments earlier and continued, "No, I'm Comet Trail, but"– he turned to Rainbow who now had moved next to Twilight, –"thou art Rainbow Dash, the element of Loyalty, aren't thou?" "Sure am!" She tried making an as radical pose as possible, "Took you long enough to figure out..." "Hi, guys!" Everyone jumped at the sudden voice from the pink Earth Pony that came out of seemingly nowhere. "Pinkie..." Rainbow growled, she tried hiding the fact that she too had been startled. "Oh, did I interrupt you?" But before someone could answer she continued, "I just wondered why you took so long..." "Well, I guess I'll be going now, need to find somewhere to stay for the night," Comet said. Before Comet could leave Pinkie suggested, "Why don't you come with us? We're going home to Twilight." she grabbed both Rainbow and Twilight and pulled them close. "We are?" Rainbow said while taking a step back and giving Pinkie a confused look. "Of course, you silly filly!" Pinkie said it like it was common knowledge. "You can stay at the castle after– err... –we're done, my castle has too much room anyway. It could be nice having some company more than Spike." "Art thou sure? I don't want to be in the way for thou and thy friends." He was a bit unsure about it, but Twilight gave him a reassuring smile. "You yourself said that you needed somewhere to stay and as I mentioned earlier, my castle can get pretty lonely." "Wow, thanks," he proceeded to give Twilight a cheap grin, "are thee certain that thou art not the element of kindness and not magic?" Twilight shook her head and giggled, "You wish..." As they walked through town to get to Twilight's castle he noticed that the whole town was completely empty even if it wasn't completely dark yet. Huh, strange, shouldn't there be at least a couple of ponies around? He couldn't think about it too much before they were just outside the crystal castle. Inside he hung up the dark-grey cloak that he had worn. It wasn't until then the others noticed that he didn't have a cutie mark, but to be fair, they hadn't really noticed that he had worn a cloak at all. They were quite intrigued by this revelation as he was roughly the same age group as them. "Oh, you don't got a cutie mark?" Rainbow spat out. Twilight gave her an irritated glance, but she didn't notice. What had Twilight puzzled was the fact that nopony had noticed the cloak, but she waited to address it later. "Well, I never found out that my destiny is, though I'm not going to complain, just means I can become anything." They continued down the corridor to the throne room, but Comet didn't notice that Pinkie had disappeared. When they open the door to find the room in complete darkness. Suddenly the lights turned on revealing the whole town's ponies gathered. There was a banner where it was written 'Welcome to Ponyville'. "SURPRISE!" they yelled. Comet almost got a heart attack by the surprise – almost. It didn't take long for him to realize that it was a welcome party and one for him, his first real party.
Chapter 3, Second day in town (revisited as of 2015/11/13)Comet Trail woke up in a large bed. He still didn't remember what had happened the day before, so he got startled when he noticed a purple Unicorn mare next to him in the bed. What in the name of Celesta did I do last night!? He froze when the mare rolled around. Oh, no... This can't be happening. The mare he had thought to be a Unicorn was actually no other than Princess Twilight Sparkle herself. She woke up at the sound of the stallion's movement. "I see that you slept well," she let out a yawn as she stretched her front legs and her wings, "I certainly did!" He just kept staring at the mare, until he finally spoke. "What happened last night? And why art we in the same bed?" It took Twilight a moment for her to process the questions in her half-asleep form. A tiny blush appearing as soon as she realized what had happened. "Oh, no no no no, it's not what it looks like! The only reason we sheared bed was because I only have one, not counting Spike's bed of course–" a sigh of relief escaped Comet, but said feeling didn't last long, "–Wait, don't you think I'm hot?" "Of course I do, it's just that...!" He then noticed the smug grin on Twilight's face, "Oh, haha. T'was very funny. Thou actually sound more like my sister than how I think a Princess would." She had only tricked him, though it had been a good joke, maybe. "Sorry, I don't really like all the formalities– Wait, did you say sister?" She took a look at the clock before turning back to Comet, "Anyways, I think breakfast will be ready soon, we should get ready. You got to tell me more about her, later that is." "What sister? I don't have a sister, heh heh." Comet's eyes darted side to side trying to find something to focus on instead of Twilight. This didn't go unnoticed though. "I guess she's quite embarrassing then? We should still get going though, Spike's probably waiting by now." Comet had almost forgotten about the fact that he had been here only for one night and yet felt like he'd always been living there. Of course, that would be impossible since it was only a couple of weeks old. Twilight had only been living in Ponyville for little more than a year! But Comet didn't know that, how could he? He went in into the bathroom to get ready for the day and was just fixing his rather long, azure and air force blue striped and aquamarine spotted tail when he saw Twilight coming out from the shower in the mirror. Huh, she does look kinda cute with her mane like that. He blushed when she looked back at him, forcing him to look away. She wondered why he had blushed only to remember that she was still in her towel and still damp from the shower, so she too blushed. The rest went smoothly otherwise, both trying not to look at the other. Of course, when both gazes meet, they quickly averted them both's cheeks heating up. Once they were done getting ready Twilight led them to the dining room, since Comet was new. They were welcomed by the scent of freshly made pancakes. Twilight, being Twilight quickly lost herself to her thoughts, thinking back to last night and this morning. She giggled at the thought of how silly she had been this morning, which of course caught Comets' attention. "Is everything alright?" "Yes." She said, trying to let go of her thought stream and the doors to the largest dining room Comet had ever seen. Though what caught his eye was the different decorating style. Twilight mentioned earlier that some of her friends had made a few personal adjustments to a few rooms, but this was more than he'd expected. The voice of the 'baby' dragon broke his thoughts. "Good morning, Twi. Good morning, – err–" "–Comet." the grey stallion filled in, "And good morning thou too, Spike, I believe it was." He ended his reply with a short yawn, wondering exactly how much sleep he had actually gotten. Twilight sat down next to the table, motioning Comet to sit next to her. It took a while before anyone spoke, it was Spike. "So, Comet, wh-mm-at are you planning to-mm- do today?" He got a quick stare from Twilight, probably because he had talked with his mouth full of pancakes, though he never noticed it. "Well, I got to do something to repay thou guys for being so–" He let out a more stretched out yawn this time, earning a bemused smile from Twilight. "–nice and giving me a roof over my head, and not just any, but a castle!" "You don't have to, it was nice having you here..." Twilight blushed as she realized what it could be misunderstood. Thankfully he was oblivious to that fact. "I won't take no for an answer!" Comet said loudly. "Well, you could..." "Um, hello? Hello? You awake?" Comet's ear twitched as something was whispered. "Wha–, I'm Pancake. I mean awake!" He replied, still not fully awake. "Clearly..." Twilight said while giggling. Comet could feel his face heating up in embarrassment. Once again had he embraced himself in front of the purple– light-purple or was the correct term magenta? –Alicorn, this time all by himself. Oh cruel world, when things go good there always has to be something, doesn't it? I can't have a day without anything going wrong, noo... Of course not! What's the point in that! He noticed the others giving him looks. "Did thou say something?" Comet trying to hide his embarrassment. "I asked what you planned to do today." "Oh, well, I was going to try to repay thee for thy kindness and generosity, in some way or another, and before thou say it, I will not accept 'no' for an answer." He gave Twilight a friendly, but firm, look. "You really don't have to do it... But if you really must maybe you could, err... Maybe you could, help any of my friends? I'm sure they would appreciate it..." She was unsure of how to answer his question really. She didn't want to use his kindness to her advantage, yet he seemed like he wouldn't go without repaying for what she had given him, even if it wasn't much for her, "Applejack always have work to do, maybe you could ask her?" "Sure! Err, just one problem, I don't know where she works." This time it was Spike who took initiative, "Well, if you want, I'll gladly show you the way." After breakfast, Spike led Comet to 'Sweet Apple Acres' where Applejack both lived and worked. It was just outside town and everywhere Comet looked was apple trees. In the middle were a few barns, one for living and one where they store most of their work-related items. Once we got close I spotted Applejack and her brother, Big Mushingtosh, or something like that. Applejack saw us she stopped bucking the trees and instead made way towards us. "Howdy, Comet, Spike, what could I help ya with," she said once in talking distance. "Hi, AJ, Comet here needs somewhere to work so we thought you would be the best choice." Comet nodded in agreement. She studied him before she spoke, "Well, ya look like a strong stallion. Ya can help me and Big Mac buck these trees and in return, I'll pay ya for ya help." Comet gulped. Truth be told, he looked stronger than he really was. Normally this was an advantage, but in this case, it wasn't. He wasn't really that well trained so this would be a challenge. Technically he could use his magic to pick probably ten or so trees in one swipe, but if Applejack and Big Mac could do it without so should he. He soon regretted his decision to not use magic. Less than an hour had passed and he was already tired. Damn it. I really need to train more..., they aren't tired and they have worked since the sun rose already. Comet frowned at the thought that he was untrained, something Applejack noticed. "Hey, somethin' bothering ya?" Comet shook his head, but Applejack wasn't convinced. "Ya could take a little break if ya want, come to think of it, we all should get a lil' break, maybe get some cider as refreshment." Before he had any saying at the matter she'd already run off to get the others. It wasn't long before the Apples had gathered around a table where there stood plenty of cider for everypony. Applejack motioned for Comet to join them. He reluctantly moved towards the table and put on a forced smile, mostly to be polite. "So..." Applejack started as he got closer, "would ya care to tell us 'bout ya self? Maybe you can tell us where ya from." "Sorry, but I don't feel like talking about my past, I'd love to hear a bit more about thy though if thou don't mind..." The Apples were set a bit back with the use of 'thou' instead of 'you', but quickly assumed that it was more normal where he was from. "Did I say something wrong?" Comet asked when he had noticed their reactions to what he'd previously said. "It's nothin', we were simply shocked by the use of 'thou', ya know, it's not that normal 'round here." Big Mac agreed with Applejack with a simple 'eeyup'. Later when Comet had to leave Applejack had paid him for the help around the farm. He wasn't happy to receive it though, but could hardly argue against the orange and might I add, stubborn, Earth Pony. Now he only felt like he owed them too, as they been too kind to him paying him for a day's work when he had actually only worked for an hour or two. There was one positive thing though, and that was that he could maybe have a surprise with the money he got, which made him feel a bit better at the situation. Author's Note "Sometimes the end is just the beginning of something else." - Crimson Twilight
Chapter 4, A Turn of Events (revisited as of 2015/11/15)Comet walked through town after he had worked on Sweet Apple Acres for a couple of hours. He was still annoyed by the fact that they had paid him when he had wanted to do some charity work. But, if he couldn't do that then he just has to make do. I can still work a Sweet Apple Acres to get some bits, it wouldn't hurt to have some money. But if I can't do that I'll have to find another way to repay them. I'll see if someone else needs my help if nothing else they might pay me, even though getting money isn't my end goal. Walking back through town, Comet found three mares on the ground, pink, a darker shade of pink and cream white and lime, yellow and rose red mane and tail respectively, outside a flower shop. "The horror, the horror!" They wailed. In front of them was a flower with some of its petals laying around it. He dashed to them to see what had happened as nopony else did it. "Art thou alright, I heard thine cry and it sounded as thou were in trouble, care to tell what happened?" The mares looked at the stallion in wonder at the strange accent but quickly forgot about it. "It's terrible, everything's ruined!" one of the mares said pointing at the damaged flower. Wait, wait, wait, all this trouble over a damaged flower? Well, I guess I'm not the one to judge. "Let me help thou repair thine flower." And as he said it he ignited his horn. Instead of an aura around it, swirls of black, dark grey and lime summoned around both the flower and his horn, as the flower mended back together. The mares looked in shock and awe as their flower was as good as new. "The flower has also been enchanted now to be a bit more resilient to physical force." He added as they noticed the small glow it gave out. "As well as to shimmer." "Thank you, thank you!" They said in unison "How can we ever repay you? How were you even able to do that?" Shaking his head as he spoke, "Thou don't have to repay me as I only mended and enchanted the flower." But the mares had other plans, they brought him a bouquet of flowers with the enchanted flower in the middle, causing the others to look shiny. "We don't know of any better way to repay you, we hope that they taste well." The cream-white Earth Pony said as she handed them over to the surprised stallion. "Taste well!? Why eat so beautiful flowers? They are too beautiful to be wasted like that!" Comet said with a slightly raised voice. "They are too beautiful for me to just be given like that." "They're yours. If you don't want to eat them then you don't have to. I'm Roseluck by the way, and that's Lily and Daisy." She said as she pointed towards the two other mares. And with that, they left to continue their work as Comet mumbled a 'Thank thou'. Wow, nopony has ever been so kind to me, well nopony except Twilight and her friends, but I didn't even use a spell on them. Hmm, come to think of it, maybe Twilight will like the flowers, I could give them as a show of appreciation for everything she has done. I should also do something for Roseluck and her friend sometimes. He continued towards the castle again, this time with flowers in his magical grip. On his way, he meets Rarity outside Carousel Boutique, and that does not bode well when you're covered in dirt and dust. "Darling!" Comets' attention turned to Rarity at the calling. Somehow, he had a bad feeling. "Darling, just look at you, covered in dirt and all! Fear not, I shall help you! After I'm done I'll make you look fabulous!" He shook his head at the comment, but it didn't help that he had the bouquet with him as Rarity exclaimed, "You can't look like that if you're going to ask somepony out!" Just as he was going to respond she brought him inside the boutique where she started to take measurements on him after getting him sparkling clean. Everything happened so quickly that he wasn't sure what was going on until she broke away. "What's going on? What art thee doing to us?" Rarity quickly answered his question, "It's not proper to be covered in dirt when you're going to ask somepony out. And that's why I'll make you look like the gentlecolt you are!" "Ask somepony out? I wasn't planning to do that! I was just going to give them to as thanks." She shook her head in response, "You don't have to hide it from me. So tell me, who's the lucky mare?" "Humph, thou just sound like my brothers and sisters−" He shook his head at the thought of his past, "Classical cha− err..." He stopped mid-word almost revealing too much of his secrets. "Forget that I said that..." Rarity gave him a strange look, wondering what he had been talking about, but not giving it too much thought as she had more pressing matters. "Well, you can still look fabulous!" "Wow, thank thee, Rarity. I feel like I also owe thou now." She had dusted him off, so far as you might think that his fur was shining, so clean was it. She had also found the time to fix his tail and mane, it actually shining, similar to Princess Lunas. It even had the same ethereal look, the only difference being the colors. Ok, it didn't actually look ethereal like Luna's, but everypony can dream, right? Though, it was shinier than usual. After the encounter with Rarity, Comet was heading back to the castle. The crystal castle truly was a sight to behold, made almost purely of crystal, almost. But what was even more special about it was that it was the tree of harmony that had given it to Twilight, the tree of freaking harmony! Now that was special. As Comet entered the castle he found it empty. This was quite nerve-wracking to him. That was until he remembered that Twilight had said earlier that morning. Gosh, I almost forgot that she was mean to stay at− Rarity's. His eyes went wide at the realization. Oh no, Rarity's probably going to tell her, and if she does, it won't be a surprise! Maybe she doesn't tell her. He hadn't noticed that he had walked into the throne room with its seven thrones, and the map, until he heard the front doors opened. He heard two ponies enter, one of them speaking. "So tell me Rarity, why is it so important that we headed back to the castle? And why did you have me getting my mane fixed, I just don't get it?" "Darling, if I said what it was it wouldn't be a surprise." As if on cue the two ponies entered the throne room, the first one being Rarity, the second one Twilight. Comet just stood in front of Twilight, with the flower bouquet in front of him, uncertain of what to do. Twilight too mirrored the reaction, until she spoke up. "Yes, I'd love to." Comet was uncertain of what was going on here. What is she saying yes to? "Pick me up at 7 pm outside the castle. And thanks for the flowers." Comet was just processing what had just happened. Once he was done he noticed a smile on Rarity's face, one that said 'I ship that'. He also noticed that Twilight had taken the flowers that he had, but to be fair they were meant to her. "Did that just happen?" was all that he could say.
Chapter 5, It's a Date Part 1 (edited 15/10/21)This wasn't what he had planned, not that he minded, but still. He had planned to give the flowers a sign of gratitude, instead, it had backfired and now he's on a date with one of the most beautiful mares of Equestria. It wasn't bad, no not at all, but he was extremely nervous, his whole body shaking in anxiety. Five more minutes until the set time, just five more minutes. These five minutes felt like years, no lifetimes! He had never talked about these kinds of things as he never would have the courage to ask somepony out. He was uncertain if he should feel lucky or unlucky, on one hoof, he was going on a date with the most beautiful mare in existence and that was probably an understatement. On the other hoof, he was terrible at these kinds of things, this was a living Tartarus for him, always being uncertain, never knowing what to say or do. His siblings had tried to teach him, but all to avail. Four more minutes until she would come. His body had started to shake a bit quicker. What had he been thinking, giving her flowers? Of course, this had been the best day in his life or rather would be, if he could pull himself together. That was much easier said than done. I could run away. No, how would Twilight feel if I didn't meet her here tonight and just disappeared? No, that would break her heart, and I could never live with that having broken the heart of someone so kind. What kind of pony would I be if I did that? I wish my brothers and sisters were here to give me advice. They always knew how to work emotions. Two more minutes. "Just. Two. More. Minutes." He'd started to shake violently. He was also hyperventilating now. What if she doesn't show up. Oh gosh, maybe she won't come. He slapped himself at the last thought. Of course she'll come, why would she lie? I'm just overreacting, right? His right eye had started to twitch, too. Just when he thought he couldn't take it anymore a flash of bight white. This took him by surprise which normally would startle him. Not this time, no, he was already on edge before and now he instead fainted, his legs twitching from time to time. As soon as Twilight materialized she noticed Comet where he was laying on the ground. She quickly dashed over to him, unsure if he was okay. "Are you okay!?" Her voice woke him up from his trance "I beg thou, please don't do that again." He said as he slowly opened his eyes. "I thought I told thou that I don't like jump-scares." He said with a shaky voice. This was the first time he'd seen Twilight since he'd given her the flower bouquet. She wore a cerulean blue dress with white and different shades of blue stars. In her mane was the enchanted flower that he had given her. She also wore celeste colored hoof-clads, the front ones bearing stars. "Wow, thou are truly beautiful..." "Thank you, I had this dress at the first grand galloping gala I attended to. Though Rarity had to make some alterations since I didn't have wings then." She also blushed slightly at Comets compliment. "Your suit is also quite fancy, if I may ask, where did you get it?" "If thou truly want to know, I made it." His face wasn't gray, but rather crimson, and it only boosted in color when Twilight was looking at him. After a few seconds, he was able to keep the worst of the blushing at bay. "I actually have a gift for thou, if thou don't mind." His horn lit up with his signature 'aura'. Twilight was taken aback when the shirls of magic enveloped her, but it didn't last too long. "I hope thou like what I did to thy mane and tail. It will only last this night and will return to normal tomorrow morning." Twilight cast worrying glances at her tail and mane until she noticed what Comet had done. He had made them look ethereal, similar to how they had looked when the princesses had borrowed their magic so she could beat 'Lord Tirek', minus the electrical bolts and the floating part. She had first thought to yell at him for doing it against her will, but the longer she looked at it the more started to like it. As if on cue he said, "If thou wish I could make it last longer." But she only shook her head at it. "No thanks, but I will keep it in mind." She had almost forgotten about the strange aura until she got reminded as he had asked if she wanted the effects longer. "Actually, there is a question I have, more than where you learned that spell, why is magic aura so− different?" Comet shook his head in response, "I am sorry, but that is a story for another time. As for the spell, I'll tell thou after it wears off. Now I believe we have a date to attend to." He had to fight the urge to blush, but managed, almost. Twilight was a little irritated at his answer, but quickly found that he was right, they did have a date to attend to. "So where did you plan on for us to eat?" He was taken aback by this, he had no idea where they should go as he had thought that Twilight would know that. Darn, what were I thinking, I have no idea where we should go, I− Urg..., come on Comet, improvise. "Actually, I thought, since I'm new to this town and don't know any good places, I'll let thou decide where we should go." Phew, good one there. He also let out a small sigh of relief at Twilights agreement. "Well, in that case, follow me." And with that, she started to head towards town. Everything became a blur after that. Author's Note This is what i referred to with "He had made them look ethereal, similar to hew they had looked when the princesses had borrowed their magic so she could beat 'Lord Tirek', minus the electrical bolts." Remember I said tail and mane, not the eyes.
Chapter 6, It's a Date Part 2Twilight woke up when something stirred in her bed. She was first unsure what was going on until she remembered that she'd let Comet sleep in it too after Pinkies welcoming party last night. "I see that you slept well," she let out a yawn as she stretched her front legs and her wings, "I certainly did!" Comet just seared at her for a while until he spoke up. "We didn't, did we?" Twilight was first confused by his rambling but quickly got his meaning. "Oh, no, no-no-no. The only reason we sheared bed was because I only have one, not counting Spike's bed of course–" a sigh of relief escaped Comet, but it didn't last long, "–wait, don't you think I'm hot?" She got exactly the response she thought she'd get. "Of course I do, it's just that..." He then noticed the smug grin on Twilight's face, "Oh, haha. Very funny." Huh, pranking is actually pretty funny. "Sorry, I may have had a bet with Rainbow. She thought that I don't have the guts to do it." That should sound pretty convincing. She took a look at the clock before turning back to Comet, "Anyway, I think breakfast will be ready soon, we should get ready." And with that, she went into the bathroom and took a quick shower. He was fixing his rather long, azure, air force blue and aquamarine tail when Twilight saw him when she came out from the shower. He started to blush in the mirror and quickly looked away, she wondered why he had blushed only to remember that she was still in her towel, still wet from the shower, so she too blushed. Once they were done she lead them into the dining room, Twilight thought back to the time when she had fallen asleep on her pancakes and when she was woken up she had said 'I'm pancake' instead of 'I'm awake'. It hadn't been long after she'd gotten her castle and she hadn't been comfortable being there at that time, but her friends had helped her making more home-y. She giggled at the memory which caught Comets' attention. "Is everything alright?" "Yes." She said, trying to let go of the memory while opening the doors to the dining room. There Spikes voice greeted them. "Good morning, Twi. Good morning, – err..." The gray stallion had to finish the sentence as Spike hadn't remembered his name, "–Comet. And good morning thou too, Spike, I believe it was." Twilight sat down next to the table, motioning Comet to sit next to her. It took a while before anyone speaker, it was Spike. "So, Comet, what are you planning to do today?" He got a quick stare from Twilight because he had talked with his mouth full of pancakes, tho he didn't notice it. Comet had started daydreaming and didn't really hear what they had said, "Um, hello? Hello? You awake?" And with that, he was broken from his daydream and fell into his pancakes. He was quick to reply, but it came out a bit wrong. "Wha–, I'm Pancake. I mean awake!" "Clearly..." Twilight said while giggling. What's the chance that he would do the exact, well almost exact, same thing I did a couple of weeks ago. He was starting to blush but quickly zoned out. He was mumbling something that was more like something you'd hear from a bug, similar to vespid. At hearing this both Twilight and Spike shot him a few glances. He finally noticed it and was again quick to speak up again. "Did thou say something?" Comet trying to hide his embarrassment, but failing so. "I asked what you planned to do today." "Oh, well, I was going to try to repay thou for thy kindness and generosity, in some way or another, and before thou say it, I will not accept no for an answer." He gave her a friendly, but firm, look. "You really don't have to do it..., but if you really must maybe you could, err..., maybe you could help any of my friends, I'm sure they would appreciate it..." She was unsure how to else answer his question. She didn't want to use his kindness to her advantage, yet he seemed like he wouldn't go without repaying for what she had given him, even if it wasn't much for her, "Applejack always have work to do, maybe you could ask her?" Phew, good I came up with something, I just don't think that it's necessary for him to do me any favors since it was nothing really. But I guess that if it makes him happy then I should let him do it. "Sure! Err, just one problem, I don't know where she works." This time it was Spike who took initiative, "Well, if you want, I'll gladly show you the way." "Well if you need me I'll be with Rarity." And shortly after that Spike and Comet went over to 'Sweet Apple Acres' while Twilight headed for 'Carousel Boutique'. Since Spike had left to guide Comet to Applejack's farm she got to do all the dishes, not that it really mattered, but she'd not done it since, well, she became a princess. Now you might say 'Urg, dishing is soo boring', but when your day to day activity consists mostly of the exact same thing every time just a small thing like dishing can spice up life. Of course only to a certain degree as it's not the most exciting way to spend time. Now off to Rarity.
Chapter 7, It's a Date Part 3"So, Twilight, what do you think of him?" the white unicorn asked. "About who, Rarity" Twilight replied. "Oh, you mean Comet?" "Why of course, Darling! You did share bed." She gave Twilight a small smirk and a wink which Twilight returned with a slight blush. "It's not what you think! I only shared a bed with him because he would have had to sleep on the floor otherwise!" Her blush only deepened the more she talked. "There's no other reason! Now can we switch subject?" "Is there something you're hiding, Darling? You know that if there's something you need I'll be there for you. " The last sentence Rarity said with a more serious tone. "Darling, can you go upstairs while I get some things? It will be quick, and you may have some time to calm down a bit from this ordeal." "I guess..." And with that, she went upstairs. Just a minute later she heard Rarity talk with somepony, probably another costumer. Rarity did have a job to attend to after all, and this seemed like a quick one. Once done, Rarity headed upstairs where Twilight was. The first thing she noticed on her friend's face. "What's so funny, Rarity?" "Oh, I think we should be heading back to your castle." She never dropped her grin, in fact, it only grew a bit more. "Now come on, we don't have all day!" "So tell me Rarity, why is it so important that we headed back to the castle? And why did you have me getting my mane fixed, I just don't get it?" Twilight was a bit confused by Rarity's outburst and she had yet to tell her. "Darling, if I said what it was it wouldn't be a surprise." Rarity said as she stepped into the throne room followed by Twilight. That was when she noticed Comet. He just stood there right in front of her with a bouquet of flowers in his magic. Wait, now I get it. This was what Rarity must have meant. And when she asked me to go upstairs it was only an excuse for me not being there when she talked with Comet. Wait, isn't he supposed to say something? He's just standing there... Maybe he's too afraid to ask. "Yes, I'd love to. Pick me up at 7 pm outside the castle. And thanks for the flowers." And with that, she picked up the flowers in her own magic and went up to her room. Once in her room, she started going through her things. What to do, what to do! I've never been to a date before! I know, I should read a book about dates! And with that, she just remembered what her friends and Princess Celestia had said before when she had just become a Princess herself. Scratch that, maybe Rarity will know what I should do. "Darling, you need to look fabulous if you're going out on a date! We'll need a nice dress for you, too!" "Rarity, I know you want to help, but I'm fine. I don't need to get this tedious about it, right? Right?" Twilight was getting a bit nervous the longer she waited and it didn't help with Rarity constantly saying that the first impression is everything. "So what kind of dress were you thinking about? I could make anything for your special night." This got Twilight thinking. It is a good point, I do need a dress. Oh, I know! "How about my gala dress, you know the one I wore to the first gala I went to? The only problem is that I didn't have wings then and it wouldn't fit." "Darling, that's a splendid idea, and I could make a few alterations to make it fit. You just have to give it to me and I'll get it done in no time!" And with a flash Twilight was gone, only to reappear a few seconds later with the gala dress. "Well, why don't you go over to the spa and let them help you look the best while I get the dress done!" "Okay, sure! I'll be back in an hour, see you." Twilight was just about to leave, but she was a bit nervous, as to be expected as she'd never been on a date before. This was because when she was younger she would never really spend time with friends, let alone try to find a colt- or marefriend. She had her books and that was enough for her and if she really wanted to spend time with someone there was either her brother, Shining Armor, or her then foalsitter, now sister-in-law, Cadence. When she moved to Ponyville she almost never had much time with the weekly friendship report and disaster. It didn't help that the mare to stallion ratio was well over three to one, where most were already in a relationship. Secondly, she never did find anyone that she really liked. Actually, scratch that, She did meet with a nice stallion named Flash Sentry. There were a few problems though, first, he was a guard in the Crystal Empire and couldn't really move away from less not if he wanted to lose his job there. Twilight could probably ask Cadence for his transfer, but she didn't really think of that. Twilight couldn't either move to him as she had her "kingdom" to take care of, or that was at least what she told herself. In reality she didn't want and probably couldn't even move away even if she wanted to, all her friends lived in Ponyville with the exception of Rainbow Dash as she was unsure if she did or not since..., actually, scratch that too, she said that she lived in Ponyville as they had celebrated her anniversary since she had moved here roughly half a year ago. She also had the Castle that the Tree of Harmony had given her there too. "Don't you worry, I'm only making a few minor changes, not a complete dress, so go and get 'em, darling!" That was Twilight's cue to leave so she waved to her friend and left. It wasn't the first time that Twilight went to the spa. She and her friends had been there a few times, well most times she was with Rarity and or Fluttershy, but never did she go there alone. She didn't know really what to get done there as it was pretty much always Rarity who knew what to get. Thankfully that was a problem she knew how to fix, all she had to do is ask Aloe or Lotus as they should know what would be best for a date. To say that they were excited about the news of a date was an understatement, thankfully they could still do their work professionally, hopefully, there wouldn't be too many rumors, but maybe that was just wishful thinking. They got her mane done, her horn, hooves, and fur, actually pretty much everything, in an hour. While she normally looks good saying that she looked good now would be an understatement, and she didn't even have her dress yet! After her visit to the spa, it was time for her to get her dress from Rarity as she should have finished by now. Twilight trotted up to the fashionistas boutique and knocked at the door and it sn opened up. "Twilight! Darling, I was just done with the last adjustments, what a perfect time for you to come!" "Thanks again, Rarity. I don't know what I would have done without you." As Twilight stepped in she noticed the dress still on the, err... whatever the wooden pony looking thing Rarity uses as a template, Twilight never remembered all the fashion expressions. One thing caught her eyes though, did she add more gems to it? Wait, Did it even have gems before? "Rarity, did you add gems to the design?" "Why yes, Darling. I thought a princess like you should have them. And I do think they match as I kept the original color scheme, mostly." As Twilight looked over the different gems she noticed both sapphire and tanzanite, but also some amethyst and moonstone. It made for a nice contrast between blue, a more blue-green, violet and white. What was even more amazing was that on the dress where an almost perfect copy of her cutie mark in the amethyst and moonstones. "Wow... Rarity you really didn't have to do so much. It's just beautiful... and how were you able to recreate my cutie mark? It's almost identical to my actual." As she spoke she turned to her friend, "How can I ever thank you for this! It's–it's beautiful!" "Darling, it was nothing. I just did what I'm good at, nothing more..." Rarity was quite modest about it and tried to dismiss it with a hoof, but Twilight would have none of that. "Don't be so modest Rarity. This is the most beautiful I've ever seen. How were you even able to create the replica of my cutie mark, I've never seen something as spectacular as it!" "Thank you, but I can not tell you how I made it, sorry it's a business secret, though I may have asked Spike for help with it though... Now, where is my Spikey-Wikey?" At the call, Spike came downstairs from the second floor. "Did you want something Rarity? Oh, hi, Twilight." Spike said as he came downstairs. "Spike? I thought that you were with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, what are you doing here?" Twilight was a bit surprised to see her number one assistant at Rarity's but quickly reminded herself of his crush on Rarity. She also got her question answered when Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle came downstairs soon after Spike. "Aww, still no cutie mark." Scootaloo started. "Guess we're not supposed to be jewelers..." Apple Bloom continued. Seeing how the mood of the Crusaders was getting sour Twilight tried to lighten up the mood by complimenting n their work, while it didn't bring it back to full force it did help. "Thanks, Twilight, it's only that we're just having problems coming up with things to try." This time it was Sweetie Belle who spoke up. "But next time we'll get them, I'm sure of it!" "Yeah!" Both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo yelled in agreement. It was soon time. Any moment now. Twilight wanted to always be exactly on time, never late. The time was 17:59, less than a minute and she would teleport in front of the castle where she had agreed to meet up. It was time, she teleported. When everything began to slow down as Comet slowly fell to the ground. She ran up to him as fast as she could but was too slow as he hit the ground hard. "Please, stay with me..." She got no answer. Author's Note What! This can't be! Comet went to that restaurant with Twilight! This isn't what happened! Or is it? Thanks for staying, I'm sorry that this chapter took longer than planned, but I like the end. hopefully I won't have so many things to constantly do IRL for the next chapter, but at least next week I'll be having a break from school. Also, I almost hit 2k words on a single chapter!
Chapter 9, A Ruined Date"What happened?" "I don't know! We were going on a date and–and when I came to pick him up he just collapsed! He hit his head pretty hard, and... and... A–Is he–is he going to be okay?" The nurse scribbled down what little information she could get out of Twilight, before addressing her again. "He seems like he lost consciousness, but I can't know the full extent of the damage until we get a proper check. Until then you should wait outside." Nurse Redheart gave Twilight a reassuring smile before moving him towards the room dedicated to new patients. "Are you sure tha–that I can't do some–something to help? Please, I feel so-so useless like this..." Her facial expression darkened as Redheart gave a slight shake of her head. "I'm sorry Princess, but it's better if you let us do our work." To just sit and wait was equally as painful for Twilight as to walk on a bad hoof. To not be of any use when a friend needed her was even more painful, she now knows how Rainbow Dash must have felt when she had to let Tank go. Okay, maybe not that much, but you get the idea. Not to know if he was okay, or even what had happened, really paid its toll on Twilight. She tried to fight sleep, but it was fruitless. She was fast asleep when her friends came, having cried to sleep. It wasn't the first time, it had happened once or twice when she was younger and had lost her grandparents in a similar way. It was too much alike, not knowing what will happen nor even see them until it was too late that was. She would not sleep well by any means, thinking back at what little time she had spent with Comet, them times she might never be able to spend with him. She didn't notice her friends quietly approach and sitting next to her, as she had entered the Dreamscope. "I hope he's going to be okay..." Fluttershy was the first to speak after hearing what Redheart had told them. "We all do, Sugarcube, but for now Twi might need our support, Y'all." Applejack was uncertain if she was trying to comfort the others or herself. "It's truly a shame that it had to happen on such a special day, of all days. Just that it happened is bad, but this was going to be a special night for her, for both of them." Her facial expression flickered at the thought of the earlier events but was quickly sour again. "I should have been there for them! I hate it when I can't do anything!" "Don't be so sad, Dashie. You couldn't have known. We all know that you would have helped if you could." "Pinkie's right, we can't beat 'round the bushes 'bout things we can't change and start doing what we can!" "But what can we do!? We barely know what happened, more than what Nurse Redheart told us, and that was really vague! He's in a coma! If he ever wakes up he probably won't remember a thing!" Nopony knew how to answer her. She did have a point, even if they didn't want it to be true. Why did this have to happen? Everything was going so good, we were going to go out and what happens, he's knocked unconscious! What if it doesn't make it? What if I never get to know him? He said that he had a sister, what about her? Their parents? I don't know them or who they are! I barley know Comet! Really, what do I know! Nothing! And I might never do... I really hope he's going to be okay... Twilight did by no means sleep well, she couldn't stop thinking about everything that could have been and how everything had turned out. She woke up in the hospital with her friends sleeping next to her. Everypony had come to be there for her. She thought back to the previous day and everything Comet had said and done. He was kind of cute when he didn't know what to say like when I teased him and during breakfast. What was it he was mumbling about, I couldn't understand it, but I'm sure I've heard it before... Heh, probably just something unintelligent. Oh, and when he was going to ask me out, he wasn't even able to say a single word, and still he had gone through with it and gotten some flowers that had looked really expensive when he bearly had any money. I actually feel kind of bad for him now that I think about it. He got one of the most expensive flowers, even went through and enchanted one to not wither, even as far as to put a temporary enchantment on my mane, even if it's gone now... And all that just for me, somepony he barely knew! And what did I do? Nothing! "Hey, Twilight, you awake?" It was Rainbow Dash who broke the silence. "Wha–Oh, yeah. How long have you guys been awake?" During the time Twilight had been thinking for herself the others had woken up. "Pretty much fifteen minutes." It took a while for Twilight to proses what Rainbow had said have I really been thinking so long... "Rainbow Dash! You don't have to be so rude about it!" "What? She asked. What should I have done, lied?" Twilight could just roll her eyes at Rainbow and Raritys fight. "Gals, Comet's 'n a coma and all ya can do is fight?" "Wait, he's in a coma!?" They sheared uneasy looks before Fluttershy spoke up. "Oh my, didn't the doctors tell you?" "Darling, what do you know?" Twilight lowered her head before answering. "Nothing..."
Chapter 10, Past Events, Part 1 (mini chapter)Darkness. Darkness is all that I've known. At Least since I remember. Well, not anymore. I've seen the light, though weak. It has given me hope, hope that there is more than this void. More to life, whatever life is. I feel remarkably energetic after finding something more than emptiness in this impossible land. 'Twas, however, starting to deflate, having yet to find anything in a undefined amount of time. Time, 'tis a funny thing. 'Tis such an important thing, or at least I believe it to be, and yet we know so little about it. Wait, we... Why did I use plural? No, it does not matter, as my primary goal should be finding more of these sparks of light. Like that one – wait, what? There! Yes, I can see it! This might be the end of the line, an end to this seemingly endless nightma– "I th–k he's wa–ng u–!" "Go –et t– do–or!" What art these sounds I'm hearing? It has always been quiet before and now suddenly there are sounds, nay, they're voices. But why? Why now and not earlier? Everything has always been a void, nothing material nor sounds, just an ethereal world of darkness. Like–like something out of a nightmare... Why does it feel like I'm missing something? And where did those voices come from? It feels like the questions art only piling up without any answers. Hast I even found a single answer during all this time? No, I do not believe I have. "Wha– –o y– th–k, d–tor?" "H–m, h– –n't –lly con–ous y–t, but – bel–ve he– o–t of –e coma. H– mi–t re–ct t– cert–n stim–i, bu– wha– e–ac–ly my s–an cou– no– –y." "So, he–l –e okay? Oh–y–osh! That– g–eat! tha–y–uthan–ou–ank you s–oo –uch!" "Don– –ank me –et. We –ill –on't kno– –f he ha– suff–ed any bra–n dama–, th– –it wa– pow–ful enou– to –ut –im in – mino– com–. Thou–, –e were–t able –o dete–t any mayo– dam–e, ther– ca– –till –e some–ng we mis–d." 'Tis nothing but gibberish... if only– if only I could understand what it was saying and maybe where it comes from, then maybe it will tell me something about where I am or maybe anything about this world I've come to know? If it could only answer one question that would be more than anything yet. Wait! T–the l–light! I–it's t–too s–strong! I can't see a thing! Author's Note I'd love some feedback on the chapter. I have had a hard time figuring out how I wanted the chapter to proceed and therefor this is probably the third or fourth re-write. So, yeah, any and all feedback is welcome! Also, I do hope that thou liked the chapter as there is much yet to come. We have only barely begun.
Chapter 11, Past Events, Part 2It was a sunny day in Ponyville. The Pegasi were keeping the sky clear, not leaving a cloud left behind. Ponies were walking down the streets doing everyday stuff, from walking down the street with a friend, gossiping, browsing through the market, buying groceries and other miscellaneous things. But not Twilight and her friends. No, they were at the hospital. The lobby was a simple room, the walls were wooden, painted cyan with the bottom part lime green and ornaments in swamp green. The floor was a checkered pattern consisted of sandy brown and sepia. There were a few couches, all lime green colored, although the cheap material, they were in pristine condition. Five ponies and a dragon walked in, finding an unkempt, purple Alicorn with a nerve breaking smile, twitching within random intervals. The two Pegasi, Earth Ponies, the Unicorn, and the Dragon shared worried looks before Applejack spoke up. "Twi, can ya tell us why ya had us come to the hospital again, ya know I have a lot to do on the farm? Ah can't be here all the time, ya know. None of us can, and that includes you too, Sugarcube. Don't ya have things of yer own?" Applejack said with concern seeping through her irritation. "Yeah, Twi. You've been really distant lately. I know, you're worried about Comet, we all are, but you've been here, like, all the time! Seriously, we're worried 'bout ya, Twi!" Rainbow wasn't even trying to mask her concern for her purple friend. She might not be as awesome as herself, but she was still one of her best friends. She was the one that had introduced her to the awesomeness that is Daring Do. She might be an egghead that Rainbow only understood half the time, but she was her egghead. "Come on, egghead, you seriously need to relax a bit and think 'bout other things then what happened to Comet. It's really getting into your head!" "I must say that I agree with Rainbow. Darling, I know you're worried about him, so are we, but you're taking it too far. We're all terribly sorry about what happened, but you're completely unreachable and we're getting worried about your health. Maybe you should get yourself checked up, darling?" Rarity put a hoof on Twilight's shoulder, but she quickly brushed it off. "I called you here because I have good news! –" Twilight's green eyes sparkled in a crazed manner unnerving the others, but before she could continue, Pinkie Pie, being oblivious or simply not noticing, interrupted her, bouncing in joy. "Oh, oh, you got a new book on magic! Or, or maybe, a cool, new magical gadget! Or maybe, maybe a–" "Pinkie!" Twilight stomped a hoof at the white tiled floor receiving surprised looks from her friends before she continued, "No, none of those. No, the reason I called is because Comet's waking up!" The patient room was simple and had the same ornaments, colors and whatnot's, with the additions of the patients' beds being the only major difference. This specific room was in the area where they treated more serious injuries, head injuries for example. "So doest thee know what happened to us?" Comet asked the nurse, who had previously as Nurse Redheart. "I'm sorry, I don't know the details of what happened, all I know is that you hit your head which caused minor head damage, and amnesia. You seem to have been in a lot of stress, too, at the time you hit your head. We believe that the stress could be one factor as to why you lost your memories, but alone it shouldn't have caused that kind of damage, though, to be fair, we have only ever known about three, well, four since Twilight became a princess, Alicorns so we don't know much about their physiology. You're also the first known male Alicorn. The magical scans show that you are, indeed, an Alicorn, and not a Pegacorn. Amnesia is relatively short-lasting, so you should get them back sooner rather than later. In extremely rare cases, the amnesia is permanent, but as I said, that is extremely rare. Things from the past should help to recover your lost memories. Friends, loved ones, things you considered important and sometimes recent events, that kind of stuff." Redheart replied in a stoic voice before breaking a kind smile. "Uhh, I think I got that... By the way, what's the difference between an Alicorn and a Pegacorn, since you mentioned that thou wast uncertain which I was?" Comet said, still trying to work out all the things that the nurse had told him. "Well, just by look at a Pegacorn and an Alicorn, you wouldn't see the difference, but usually an Alicorn is stronger than a Pegacorn. Alicorns are also extremely rare, you being the fifth known one, some doctors think that if ever a Pegacorn and an Earth Pony were to have a foal, the foal might become an Alicorn, but this has never happened because, one, it would have to be more or less an Earth Pony with little to no genes that come from both Pegasi and Unicorns, two, hybrids only seem to be created during some very special magical conditions, what these conditions are, nopony really knows, three, remember when I said that hybrids on are created during specific conditions, well, that goes for Pegacorns, too. In Equestria, there are only one hundred or so Pegacorns. The chances that a foal is born as an Alicorn are so small that it is a miracle that there exist even five! Though, both Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight were not born as Alicorns, but underwent metamorphosis, and we can't know about your case as we've yet to be able to determine which have undergone metamorphosis and who hasn't, though that can be because, first, there isn't really a need for it, and secondly, there were only four known Alicorns previously, so noticing genetic differences are about as impossible as to understand Pinkie." Redheart continued to ramble on about genetics until the door opened, revealing Twilight and her friends. "Well, it was very interesting to talk to thee, but doest thee not have other patients to take care of?" Comet said, trying to get Redheart to stop talking about genetics and how foals were made. It wasn't a subject that he was very comfortable talking about or listening to for that matter. He was also trying, in vain, to hide his embarrassment from the others in the room. "Oh! Yeah, you're probably right! I'll leave you eight alone." She said before exiting the room, leaving him with his 'friends', to which he had no memory of. "So–" He started, "Since I barely remember anything, how about we all introduce ourselves if you wouldn't mind? I remember some things about myself like name and such." "Well, I think that's a great idea, Comet." Fluttershy said, the others nodding in agreement and giving a murmur of approval, "I could start, that is, if you don't mind." With no objections, she continued."Um, my name's Fluttershy and I take care of the animals that live here." Puffing her chest in pride, Rainbow went ahead and continued. "Name's Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in Equestria! I'm also part of the Wonderbolts, well, the reserves, but still!" And also the most modest, too. He thought, while Applejack simply rolled her eyes. "Uh-huh, uh, by the way, what is a 'Wonderbolt'?" Comet said, not fully believing the 'fastest flier in Equestria thing'. "How do you NOT know that a Wonderb– Oh, right. Sorry. They are THE best fliers in Equestria, they do the coolest of tricks and they're also one of Equestria's air forces, the elite of the elite!" She puffed her chest to make a point, which did not go unnoticed by Comet. Still being skeptical to the 'fastest flier' thing, he replied. "So, you're the fastest flier in 'Equestria', and yet you're just in the reserves... Why, if you don't mind me asking, is that so? Shouldn't the fastest flier be something more akin a major or captain?" Rainbow froze the grin on her face all but dissipating. She landed on the floor and shuffled a bit before she came up with a reply, this one not as confident as the previous ones. "Well, uh, you don't just become a captain when you enter, it takes more than just, uh, flying skills... like- strategy! Yeah, and time. I'm still pretty new." Satisfied with the answer, Comet replied. "Well, seems reasonable enough, though I would like to see you prove the 'fastest flier' thing when I get out that is. Rainbow took to the sky again, all the while replying. "Oh yeah, I'll show you! I once cleared the sky in ten seconds flat! Right, Twilight?" Everypony turned to Twilight for confirmation. Shuffling her hooves at being center of attention, she answered. "Well, she did, in fact, do it. I didn't believe her when she said it, so she proved it right in front of me." An hour or so later, they had all Introduced themselves and talked about their lives, and so on. A nurse had come and told that visiting hours were over. she had also told that, if nothing else came up, Comet would be able to leave soon. The mares and Dragon said their goodbye's and left, leaving Comet to himself. "Ugh, I should have asked the nurse for some reading material, something!" Comet tossed around, as he had done the last fifty minutes. He continued tossing in the bed, but soon he heard a knock on the door. "Yes?" he asked simply, perhaps a bit too excited. After some murmuring behind the door, somepony asked back. "Are you 'Gary'?" The voice was somewhat raspy but definitely male A Tad confused at the question, he still answered. "...Yes?" The door opened, revealing a brown stallion. His eyes were bluish, perhaps cerulean. Everything about him screamed ordinary. That is, if you didn't focus on him. "Captain Trail, lieutenant Shadow Strike, at your service!" Green fire traced the stallion's body, leaving behind black chitin, translucent wings, a fang-filled mouth and solid cerulean orbs for eyes with almost no apparent iris. Something about him was familiar to Comet, like something you see every day. "The Queen wishes to see you."
Chapter 8, The Void (mini chapter)Darkness, darkness everywhere. I wander in this void, alone. Who I am I do not know, only that I had a life before I was swallowed by the void I now must walk. I don't remember anything from before I entered this darkness. Nothing. Time. Time has no meaning to me. Maybe centuries has passed, or maybe less than a second. It doesn't matter though. Something was different. A tiny fraction of light far, far away. I don't remember seeing anything else than darkness before. I'd remember something so different like this, but I don't. I have had enough of this void. Heading towards the light may be the answer to leaving this living Tartarus. Something deep down inside me tells that this is the end. And the beginning of something else... Author's Note "From the void we come, void we shall return." - Crimson Twilight
Chapter 8.5, Old Memories (mini chapter)Darkness. Darkness in this void is all I remember. This light is different though. Trying to get out of here I head towards it, whatever here is. But, how much I try to move towards it the further it gets. Either that, or it's shrinking. Both are terrifying. On one hoof, the possible way out of here is moving away from me, or it's growing smaller until it will probably cease to exist. Better to pick up speed, if there's a chance for me to get out I'll take it, no matter how small. For once I was optimistic and my faith was not misplaced. I seem to be getting closer. It has given me new vigor and hope. Hope, something I have never experienced since I entered the void. But a strange whisper tells me that I have felt this feeling before, how it knows that, I do not know. I have no clue who or what that whisper even was. It is strange, this feeling of hope, the stronger it gets the stronger I become. I feel like I can do anything. I find one thing ominous though, I feel like I should get tired by all this running, but I don't. Strange. I won't complain though, as long as this doesn't come back to bite me. The light, I can see it. I'm close. It's growing. Strange. It doesn't matter though, this will soon end, and I'll finally be free. "Hey Grey, you there?" "Moon Dust? Is that thou?" "Yeah. Say, Shadow wanted to meet us in the cocoon room, you coming with me? Please...?" "Stop giving me that look, Dust. Urg, I don't get how thou can look so intimidating one second and adorable the next..." "You think I look adorable?" 'Gray' noticed a small fanged smile grow from the silhouette until it became a smirk. "That's not what I meant! Thou art our sister!" A small giggle escaped 'Moon Dust'. "You're soo easy to tease. You ponies are too funny!" I remember that now. I think it was a memory. A memory from when I was young. It feels incomplete though, like something's missing or wrong...
