PONY

Chapters

The mind of a Pony part 1
The mind of a Pony part 2
World Impossible
A royal meeting
Unlearning everything: Part one
Unlearning everything: Part two
The sleepover
A dark secret
Another royal meeting
The bookworm's apprentice
Reporting in
Winter Wrap-Up
Love is in bloom- Part 2
The mare who lost her smile
Rediscovering who i am
Element of treachery part one
Element of treachery part two
A FATE UNDECIDED PART ONE
A fate undecided part two
Loyalty Part 1
Loyalty Part 2
Loyalty Part 3
Loyalty Part 4
Kindness
The voyage into a world unknown
A Pinkie Pie promise
Love is in bloom- Part 1

The mind of a Pony part 1

THE MIND OF A PONY

PART 1

Professor Josh lead the two to a room which two large cone shaped devices. “Alright, lay down in in here.” Professor Josh instructed to which Ericka and Josh obeyed. “The first time can be rather jarring, so brace yourself.” Professor Josh remarked before he closed the lid on Ericka's device.

“Prepare for mental insertion. Starting mentality transfer procedure in, three, two, one...” Professor Josh's voice could be heard saying then abruptly and without warning Ericka passed out or so it seemed.

Moments after she seemingly had passed out she snapped her eyes open, however she felt very different. She looked about herself and saw Professor Josh and immediately tried to stand up on her two feet only to lose her balance and fall backwards. “What the?!” Ericka exclaimed in shock however her voice didn't sound like it did normally, instead only neighs and snorts came from her mouth.

“Careful there Ericka. We don't want to damage that body no sooner your get into it.” Josh remarked with a smile as he walked over to her. “I'm just going to look over you quickly and make sure everything is working properly.” Professor Josh said as he began to move his hand along her body.

It was at this point that she realized she was inside the equine creature's body now. Upon realizing this she immediately looked at herself.

“Holy shit!” Ericka exclaimed in disbelief as she looked at her hands that were now hooves. Looking to her side she noticed she also had wings. She immediately spread them out which caused Professor Josh to be knocked onto to his ass due to the fact he was right next to her right wing at this time.

“Careful Ericka! Your wings are very strong.” Professor Josh said in a weary tone as she got back to two feet and resumed looking over her body.

“Sorry Professor.” Ericka replied however once again her voice came out as snorts and neighs.

“I'm sorry Ericka, but I can't understand you while your in this body. You'll have to wait till your back in your own body before you can tell me anything.” Professor Josh replied as he examined her wings.

“Hey Ericka! This is awesome right?!” A voice exclaimed which caused Erick to look to see a red horned creature walk up to her.

“Richard? You can understand me?” Ericka replied in a stunned tone.

“Of course I can. Remember that these creatures can understand each other.” Richard replied with what Ericka figured was a smirk.

“Are you two communicating right now with your voices? A simple nod will do.” Josh asked as he looked at Richard and her in awe at the moment to which Ericka nodded.

“Fascinating! So our theory on body language was wrong, they communicate vocally as well! A mere ten minutes into this field study and we're already learning so much!” Professor Josh exclaimed excitedly as he took out his digital notepad and began to write things into it.

“You can study them in these bodies much later professor, these two got a mission to do. The device is set to bring you out of these bodies in twelve hours, so get in there and mingle with the inhabitants.” Commander Stillborn said in a stern tone as he looked at the professor then to Ericka and Josh.

“Yes sir!” Ericka exclaimed with a salute only to nearly fall flat on her face due to using a single hoof to salute with.

“I'll assume you understood me, so get moving.” Stillborn replied, turned around, and walked back into the complex.

“Shall we get going then?” Richard said with a grin.

“I'll fly thank you very much.” Ericka replied in a cocky tone, spread her wings and attempted to take off only to hit the ground flat on her face at which point Richard fell to his side laughing.

“ha,ha! Nice one!” Richard exclaimed between laughs.

“Shove it. I'll walk for now.” Ericka replied in a pissed off tone as she began to trot down the forest path followed by Richard after he stood to all four hooves and began to follow her.

“According to our Intel, this is the town we saw on the map.” Ericka remarked as she pointed a hoof at the town which they now stood on the outskirts of.

“Well, lets get moving!” Richard replied only to be halted by Ericka.

“Don't be stupid! We need to blend in. we'll observe from afar for now and see how they interact.” Ericka replied in a stern tone and walked ahead of him.

“Who died and made you my commanding officer?” Richard replied in an annoyed tone.

“My feminine charm did, now shut it.” Ericka replied in the same stern tone as the two stopped just short of the town, sat down and watched them from afar.

Twenty minutes later however and Richard was becoming restless. “Screw this, we aren't learning anything but just sitting here. Lets meet back at this spot in eleven hours.” Richard replied, stood up, and ran off before Ericka could stop him.

“That idiot is going to get us exposed.” Ericka remarked in an annoyed tone as she continued to sit there as Richard ran out of sight.

Ten more minutes passed however and Ericka decided herself it was best to walk into town. “Okay, just act like your one of them, shouldn't be too hard right?” Ericka thought to herself nervously as she walked past a few of the creatures.

“Hello!” A dark green equine creature exclaimed as she walked past her with a warm smile.

“Uh, H-Hello!” Ericka replied in a nervous tone looking at the green equine creature and not bothering to look where she was going until...

WHACK!!!

Ericka had trotted face first into one of the creatures. “Oh...sorry about that.” Ericka said in a dazed tone as she stood up to see a purple horn creature in front of her with what looked to be a five different books scattered about whom was standing to all four hooves herself now with a similar dazed expression.

“Oh no, it was my fault. I was so excited about these new books that I had my nose in one and wasn't bothering to pay attention to where I was going.” The purple creature replied as her horn glowed with a purple aura which seemed to surround the books and began to levitate them until they were neatly stacked and floating above her head.

Ericka looked at this as if it was the most amazing thing she had ever seen before. “H-How did you do that?” Ericka asked without thinking.

“Do what?” The purple creature asked curiously with a confused expression.

“Levitate those books like that.” Ericka replied still stunned.

“What kind of question is that? All unicorn ponies can use magic. Oh how silly of me, I should introduce myself. My name is Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight replied with a smile as she extended a hoof.

“Twilight Sparkle? Wow their names are odd, oh crap! She's expecting me to tell her my name now. Um, I can't tell her my real one. It won't sound like one of them.” Ericka thought to herself in a panicked tone as she looked about herself for some kind of idea to name herself.

Her eyes eventually fell upon a poster not far from them with the words “Expert Cloud Kickers: The Pegasus pony weather control you can trust!” written on them. “My name is um, Cloudkicker. Yeah, Cloudkicker.” Ericka replied in a nervous tone hoping the purple creature would buy the name.

“Nice to meet you Cloudkicker. Are you a new pony in town?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Y-Yeah.” Ericka replied still looking and sounding nervous as she spoke. “Pony, that must be what these creatures call themselves. Makes since I guess since they are equine looking creatures.” Ericka thought to herself.

“Would you like me to show you around town then?” Twilight asked as she lowered her hoof and looked at her.

“Uh, sure. That would be great.” Ericka replied feeling less nervous now.

“Great, I'll introduce you to my friends while I’m at it. I know at least one of them who loves to meet a new pony.” Twilight replied as she walked past her to which Ericka followed.

“So where you from? I know most Pegasus ponies come from Cloudsdale, but I always like to ask to make sure.” Twilight said as she walked down the path of town past several buildings.

“Uh, yeah. I'm from Cloudsdale.” Ericka replied feeling her nervousness began to rise once again.

“That's great, now here we have sugarcube corner. My friend Pinkie Pie usually hangs around here. This is also where the cakes live. They are the local bakers and make some of the best sweets in town.” Twilight replied as she pointed a hoof at the building in front of them now. The entire building looked as if it was constructed of nothing but sugar plums and pastries to Ericka but she didn't say anything.

“Interesting.” Ericka remarked aloud as she continued to look over the building.

“Hey Twilight!” A voice exclaimed from behind the two which caused Ericka to jump back in shock and place a hoof on her chest as her heartbeat skyrocketed from the sudden voice behind her. She however was sent for another shock as she looked at the pony who stood before her.

“It's the pony from the diagram.” Ericka thought to herself in a stunned tone.

“Hi Pinkie, I’d like you to meet the new pony in town, Cloudkicker” Twilight replied as she extended a hoof in Ericka's direction.

Pinkie Pie then looked at Ericka and in the next moment the pink pony jumped up, all four legs sprawled out seemingly suspended in the air as she let out a deep gasp and suddenly bolted over their heads down the road.

“H-How did she do that?! She doesn't have wings!” Ericka asked as she looked on in disbelief.

“That's Pinkie Pie for you. And judging by how she reacted to whens he saw you, she's going to throw you a party.” Twilight replied with a smirk as she trotted past the stunned Pegasus seemingly unaffected by the pink pony's ability to defy the laws of psychics.

“Wait, a party? What for?” Ericka replied once her mind had finally started to work again.

“To welcome you to Ponyville of course. That is her special talent after all.” Twilight replied as she continued to walk down the path followed by Ericka now.

“Special talent?” Ericka asked in a confused tone which caused Twilight to stop and look at her.

“Yeah, that's what her balloon cutie mark represents. Like my cutie mark represents my special talent for using magic.” Twilight replied as she pointed a hoof to her flank which brandished her cutie mark.

Ericka couldn't help but crack up at this. “M-Magic?! Ha,ha! That's a laugh!” Ericka exclaimed as she fell to her side and began to laugh hysterically.

“What's so funny? All unicorns can use magic.” Twilight replied in a confused tone.

Ericka finally managed to stop laughing as she stood on all four hooves again and wiped tears from her eyes. “I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you, but come on. Magic, really?” Ericka replied in a skeptic tone.

“I don't get it, what's so hard to believe about it? As I said before, all unicorns can use magic.” Twilight replied looking even more confused.

“They must believe that their telekinetic abilities are magic. Oh, great. I must have really offended her!” Ericka thought to herself in a panicked tone as her expression went nervous once again. “S-Sorry, I just have never met a unicorn before. I'm sorry if I offended you.” Ericka replied trying to apologize to the unicorn.

“Wow, I’ve never met a Pegasus pony who has never seen magic or unicorns before.” Twilight replied resuming her smile now.

“Y-Yeah, I've lived a sheltered life. Perhaps you can show me more of this magic you unicorns can do later.” Ericka replied with a nervous smile.

“I'd be happy to, but first let me show you around the rest of Ponyville.” Twilight replied, turned around and began to walk again followed closely by Ericka.

Twenty minutes later the two were standing just outside of what looked to be a large building. Unlike the building Ericka saw before this one looked to be built from normal materials and looked to be expensive materials at that.

“Wow, who lives here?” Ericka asked in a stunned tone.

“My friend Rarity lives here. She's the local dress maker.” Twilight replied as she knocked on the door which was opened up a few moments later revealing what looked to Ericka like one of the horned creatures that Twilight called “Unicorns”.

“Twilight Darling, what brings you here?” Rarity asked with a smile as she hugged Twilight for a moment before she looked over at Ericka.

“I'm showing Cloudkicker around town. She's new here.” Twilight replied with a smile as the white unicorn looked at Ericka as if she was trying to peer into her mind.

“Well then, any friend of Twilight's is a friend of mine, due come in, the both of you.” Rarity replied as she turned around and walked back inside to which Ericka and Twilight walked in behind her.

The inside of this pony's home was littered with different fabrics and an assortment of gems which lay scattered about. “Do forgive the mess darlings, I’ve been busy with my newest creation.” Rarity said in an absent minded manner as she levitated several gems and clothes and moved them to the sides of the room.

“It's quite alright Rarity. I know how you can get when you start working on a dress.” Twilight replied with a giggle as the three stopped short of the room.

“Now then, how about I welcome you to Ponyville with a new dress, free of charge of course.” Rarity replied with a warm smile as she turned to face the Pegasus.

“A-A dress? For me?” Ericka replied in a shocked tone. She had no idea that these creatures even wore clothing, much less dresses.

“Of course darling! I always enjoy making a dress for Twilight's friends.” Rarity replied as she levitated measuring tapes and began to stretch them out around the mare looking at them.

“I-I suppose that would be okay.” Ericka replied nervously. Not like she had any choice in the matter though as the unicorn seemed to already be sizing her up.

“Wonderful Darling! Now just hold still while I take these measurements!” Rarity exclaimed enthusiastically as she stretched the measuring tape along each of her flanks, over her chest, and on her back.

The unicorn continued to take measurements until she abruptly stopped and stared at Ericka. “Darling, where's your cutie mark?” Rarity asked curiously.

Ericka's heart plummeted into her stomach upon hearing this question. How as she supposed to answer that?! “I um, don't have one, yet.” Ericka replied nervously.

“You mean you never found your special talent?” Twilight asked as she looked at the Pegasus now as well.

“I guess not.” Ericka replied in a not so confident tone. “So these cutie marks as they call them, represent a pony's special talent, which apparently was something they are best at. Too bad I’m not great at anything except taking orders.” Ericka thought to herself dismally then began to wonder what a cutie mark would even look like for a pony who was best at taking orders from others.

“You poor dear! You've gone most of your life without realizing what your special talent is! Why that's simply horrible!” Rarity exclaimed in a sympathetic tone as she placed a hood on Ericka's shoulder.

“I've never met a pony who hasn't discovered their special talent before they became an adult before. I've read that it can happen, but it's my first time seeing one.” Twilight remarked excitedly.

Ericka was still trying to figure out why this purple unicorn was seemingly so excited while the white one seemed saddened to learn this. “You'll have to forgive Twilight darling, she seems rather excited to learn about you and where you come from.” Rarity remarked flashing the purple unicorn a glare.

“Oh, I’m sorry Cloudkicker. It's just I’ve never met a pony like you before. I love learning all I can about Equestria and according to my studies, you are a one in a million case of pony whom has yet to discover their special talent!” Twilight exclaimed in an excited tone as Rarity resumed taking measurements.

“Great, I'm one in a million.” Ericka remarked aloud in a dismal tone. “So much for fitting in with the locals. Without one of these cutie marks, I’m going to stand out like a sour thumb.” Ericka thought to herself in an annoyed tone.

“Don't worry about it darling. You'll discover it it eventually, all ponies do.” Rarity said in a reassuring tone as she removed the measuring tapes and began to sort through fabric.

It was at this point and time three small creatures came running into the room which caused Ericka to stare at them as they ran about until they knocked over a few manikins in the room at which point Rarity stopped sorting through fabric and stared at the three.

“Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom, stop that this instant! If you want to play, do it outside, I’m working!” Rarity exclaimed in a annoyed tone.

“Sorry sis.” Sweetie Belle replied with her ears flattened then looked at Ericka. “Who's this pony?” Sweetie Belle asked curiously as she looked at the dark blue mare.

“This is Cloudkicker. She's a new Pegasus pony in town.” Twilight replied as she extended a hoof to Ericka who waved at them.

“Hey, she doesn't have her cutie mark yet!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she pointed at Ericka's blank flank.

“Say, your right Scootaloo, Ah've never met an adult pony without thar cutie mark before!” Applebloom exclaimed as she rushed over next to Scootaloo.

“Is getting a cutie mark that big a deal?” Ericka asked without thinking though she immediately regretting asking as the three fillies looked at her as she were crazy.

“Of course it is! A cutie mark represents ya special talent! Everypony has one!” Applebloom exclaimed only to have Scootaloo jump on her head.

“Yeah! We are trying to find our special talents every day!” Scootaloo chimed in only for Sweetie Belle to hop on top of the two.

“We're the cutie mark crusaders!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed enthusiastically and moments later the three tumbled on top of each other with a loud thud.

“Cutie mark crusaders? Is that some kind of club for ponies who are looking for their special talent or something?” Ericka asked aloud looking at Twilight now.

“No, it's just a club those three made. Though they don't know it yet, just about every other pony knows what their special talents are.” Twilight replied in a hushed tone as the three wrestled among each other.

“I see.” Ericka replied and let out a sigh. “So much for possibly getting one of these cutie marks so I can fit in better.” Ericka thought to herself dismally.

The mind of a Pony part 2

TWO HOURS LATER...

Ericka walked out of Rarity's boutique in a light blue dress brandished with glittering gems along the hems of the dress. She had to admit the dress looked nice despite being made for a pony. But on the other hand, this had sucked up two hours that she could have been using to learn more about this race's culture. The only reason she was able to even know this fact was that apparently these creatures had an established time zone similar to that of the one she had on earth. As long as she could find one of their clocks once in a while she would be able to determine when she needed to become scarce and find Richard.

“I'll introduce you to Applejack next, on account of the fact I’m starving!” Twilight exclaimed with a giggle as her stomach growled.

It was at this point Ericka's stomach growled as well. “I guess I’m hungry too.” Ericka replied with a deep blush. “I should have known this artificially created body was more than a simple vessel. Guess I’ll have to feed it.” Ericka thought to herself with a groan as she followed Twilight down the town path towards what looked to be a farm surrounded by miles of apple trees.

“Howdy Twi, what brings ya down here this fine afternoon?” A orange pony with a cowboy hat asked as she walked up to the two. Twilight's stomach however, answered for her much to the farm pony's amusement. “Ha,ha, Ah reckon y'all is a might hungry then?” The farm pony remarked with a smirk.

“She talks as if she has a country accent. How is that even possible? Come to think of it, a lot of these creatures speak in different tones and accents. I need to ask how they do that, but they may not even know. Everything I’ve seen far makes no sense! A wingless pony who is able to defy gravity, a unicorn who is able to levitate multiple objects even though our records say they are limited to small objects, and every single pony I’ve seen so far has a different image on their flank which they call cutie marks.” Ericka thought to herself feeling herself become more frustrated by the moment as more questions piled on her mind now than answers.

“Yes, we're both starving. Oh, I nearly forgot to introduce Cloudkicker! She's the new pony in town.” Twilight replied with a genuinely excited smile at which point Ericka's piling questions were blow clear from her mind at what happened next. The farm pony had somehow managed to grab onto her hoof and begin to shake it despite the fact that it was flat and shouldn't be able to grip anything.

“Name's Applejack, how ya doin?” Applejack asked as she continued to shake the stunned mare's hoof.

“H-How are you doing that?” Ericka asked in shocked tone still unable to comprehend how this pony was able to grip her hoof like this.

“Doin what?” Applejack asked curiously as she continued to shake Ericka's hoof for a little longer before she let go of it.

“Th-That! Holding my hoof like that! How did you do that?” Ericka replied still unable to figure out how she had managed this.

“All pony's can do that sugarcube. You raised in a rock farm of somethin?” Applejack replied with a smirk.

“I-I lived a very sheltered life.” Ericka replied trying to cover up for her lack of knowledge once again. This was the second time she's had to use this excuse and she had a feeling she would be using it a whole lot more as time went on.

“Go easy on her Applejack, she's new in town and she still has yet to discover her special talent.” Twilight chimed in now trying to defend the Pegasus.

“Whoa Nelly! She don't even have a cutie mark yet? Where in tarnation did ya come from? Griffon town?” Applejack exclaimed in a shocked tone until she abruptly gave a guilty expression, once again shocked Ericka by grabbing her hat and held it to her chest and lowered her head at the dark blue mare. “Might sorry for that remark sugarcube, mah honest personalty can get the best of meh at times.” Applejack said in an apologetic tone still not looking up at her.

“It's fine really. This is just all so new to me.” Ericka replied honestly. She really had no idea how any of this was possible. Nothing scientific could explain any of this! She was beginning to wonder if maybe she was just being dim witted and not picking up on things now.

“Well then let meh treat ya to the best of the apple family hospitality, it's the least ah can do for how ah treated ya just now.” Applejack replied with a smile.

ONE HOUR LATER...

“I think I ate too much...” Ericka remarked in a nauseous tone as the two left Applejack's farm having been given more than enough food that in Ericka's mind could feed twenty of these creatures.

“That's Applejack for you. If there's one pony in town you can depend on to help you out, it's her.” Twilight remarked aloud as the two left the farm and headed down the street towards a house.

“I certainly hope your other friends are as kind as she was.” Ericka replied with a smirk. For some reason, having eaten for the first time in this body, she felt much better and less nervous than before. Though none of the questions that danced around her head now had been answered and that still annoyed her.

“Speaking of kind, I think you should meet Fluttershy. Though I have to warn you, she's not the most outgoing pony.” Twilight replied as the two walked towards the forest that Ericka came from.

“With a name like that, that somehow does not surprise me.” Ericka thought to herself with a smirk.

“She lives on the outskirts of the everfree forest. It's not far from Apple Acres.” Twilight said as the two continued to walk down the path as a cottage slowly came into view.

“So that's what that forest of called.” Ericka remarked aloud thoughtfully and felt much better finally getting some kind of answer to the many questions in on her mind right now.

“Yeah, No pony ever goes in there though. The forest is filled with many kinds of monsters and fearful creatures that would eat anypony alive.” Twilight replied in a knowing tone as the two made their way a crossed the bridge towards the cottage.

“At least we don't have to worry about any of these ponies walking in on our camp at least.” Ericka thought to herself in a relived tone.

The purple unicorn then knocked on the door which was opened a few moments later revealing what looked to Ericka as a creature like the one she was in now. A “Pegasus pony” as they called them.

“Oh, um, hi Twilight.” The Pegasus greeted in such a low tone that Ericka would have thought no pony could hear unless it was a quiet as it was right now.

“Do you mind if we come in? I'm showing Cloudkicker here around town. She's new here.” Twilight replied in a soft tone to the shy Pegasus.

“Um, okay. Just be careful of the little woodland creatures.” Fluttershy replied giving a weak smile as she turned around and allowed the two to walk inside.

To say Ericka was floored at the sight that beheld her was a drastic understatement. This Pegasus pony was a nature lover just like her. She had a feeling she would get along with Fluttershy a lot. But what confused her however, was the fact that most of these animals could be found on her planet. Was it possible that this planet started out the same way as hers but developed with these creatures as the dominate specie rather than humans? Regardless she found the inside of this pony's home to be the best looking of any home she had been to so far.

“Fluttershy is the local caretaker of animals. If a pony needs help with their pet, they go to her.” Twilight said in a matter-of-fact tone taking note of Ericka's awed expression now.

“Oh I’m sure there are ponies much better than me at taking care of little woodland creatures. I just, um, haven't met any yet.” Fluttershy replied in a modest tone.

It was at this point and time a small white bunny walked up to Ericka and began to stomp on her front right hoof which caught the dark blue Pegasus's attention. “Oh, how cute! I love bunnies!” Ericka exclaimed in a sweet tone as she looked down at the bunny.

“Oh yes, Angel Bunny is my own pet bunny. Come now angel, don't be rude to our guest.” Fluttershy replied as she hovered over to Angel and picked him up. Angel however just stared at her with what Ericka thought to he a glare.

“What's wrong Angel?” Fluttershy asked curiously taking note of the rabbits hostile expression at Ericka now.

Angel than looked at Fluttershy and made several gestures which caused Ericka to look in shock at this. “Oh angel you silly bunny. Of course she's a pony. Why would you say that?” Fluttershy replied in a soft tone as she set Angel down.

“Wait, she can understand them?” Ericka asked incredulously.

“Oh yes, I've been able to talk with little woodland creatures since I was a little filly. In fact that's how I got my cutie mark.” Fluttershy replied as she hovered over to one of the bird houses and put some food in it.

“That's Fluttershy's special talent, being able to communicate with animals on a different level than other ponies. Not sure why Angel is acting that way towards you though. He's usually much more friendly with new comers.

It was at this point that the yellow Pegasus’s words rang in her mind. “She said that her rabbit told her that I wasn't a pony. Can that rabbit tell? If he really can tell I’m not really a pony, than my only saving grace is that Fluttershy is the only one who can understand him and doesn't believe him. I'll have to be more cautious around this rabbit from now on.” Ericka thought to herself in a nervous tone as she eyed Angel who simply glared back at her.

“So a pony's special talent is something that they are best at doing?” Ericka asked as the two walked away from Fluttershy's cottage back towards town.

“Not exactly, your cutie mark represents what your special talent is, not what your best at. Like for example, Fluttershy has a crazy amount of knowledge in sewing and even can make a decent dress herself, but her special talent is being able to speak with animals.” Twilight replied looking back at the dark blue Pegasus before she looked ahead of herself again as the town's buildings slowly came into view now.

“I don't understand.” Ericka replied in a confused tone to which the purple unicorn giggled.

“Don't worry Cloudkicker, you'll understand one day when you discover your own special talent.” Twilight replied then looked up which caused Ericka to follow suit. “Ah, I was hoping I wouldn't have to search all of Ponyville for her. Hey, Rainbow Dash! Get your flank down here and meet the new pony in town!” Twilight exclaimed at which point a cyan blue Pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tail looked down at her, dove down, and landed just short of the two.

“Hey Twilight, who's the new Pegasus?” Rainbow Dash asked as she walked up to the two ponies.

“Her name is Cloudkicker, she's from Cloudsdale. I thought you two might know each other from flight school or something.” Twilight replied at which point the cyan blue Pegasus looked at Ericka.

“Nope, don't know her. Then again, she might have been in a different class than me. Say, why don't you show me what you can do.” Rainbow Dash replied looking at Ericka now.

“Wh-What I can do?” Ericka replied in a confused tone.

“Yeah, show me a few areal tricks of yours.” Rainbow Dash replied and took off from the ground.

Ericka's chest then went ice cold. There was just one problem with what this pony had asked of her. She couldn't fly. Or at least she didn't know how to yet. “I, uh, don't wanna.” Ericka replied feeling her nervousness creep up on her once again.

“Oh come on! A lean, mean, Pegasus like yourself must have some awesome moves!” Rainbow Dash replied as she hovered above them.

“Does falling on my face count?” Ericka thought to herself dismally as she tried to think of some way to get our of this predicament.

“Oh come on Cloudkicker, there's no shame in showing off.” Twilight said now as she gave the Pegasus a gentle tap with her elbow as if to egg her on.

“Great, now even Twilight wants to see me fly. I guess I could give it another shot. Maybe the first time was a fluke?” Ericka thought to herself as she nervously extended her wings in preparation to attempt to take off from the ground again.

“Come on Cloudkicker, I don't have all day!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed impatiently as she hovered above the two still with an annoyed expression on her face now.

“H-Here I go.” Ericka stuttered broke into a run, jumped off the ground, flapped her wings, and hit the ground hard with a loud thud much to the cyan blue Pegasus and Twilight's shock.

“What the hay was that?!” Rainbow dash exclaimed in disbelief.

Ericka rubbed her sore face now and let out a sigh. There was no avoiding now so she might as well tell them. “I-I can't fly.” Ericka replied in a nervous tone.

If Rainbow Dash's jaw could drop anymore it would have most likely hit the ground which lay roughly ten feet under now as she stared at Ericka mouth agape in shock and disbelief.

“No cutie mark and you can't fly? Then how did you come from Cloudsdale?” Twilight asked curiously now.

“Yeah, if you came from Cloudsdale you have to be able to fly! It's a cloud city after all!” Rainbow Dash chimed in looking equally curious.

“Oh crap! I didn't know that place was in the sky. I thought it was some local grounded town!” Ericka thought to herself in a panicked tone as she began to sweat as the two ponies looked at her now. She had to think up something and quick. Unless she wanted to be exposed as a fake. “I-I don't know where I came from. Th-The truth is, I don't even know my real name. I don't know where I came from or anything about this town.” Ericka said after an awkward silence. She couldn't believe she was doing this. She was playing the “Amnesia game”. She could barely believe she had to sink so low in order to cover her own hide and if this race wasn't able to actually get amnesia, then she was really exposed now.

“Oh horsefeathers, she's got Amnesia! No wonder she doesn't know how to fly. She must have hit her head hard when she was doing an awesome stunt!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed looking at Twilight now with an worried expression.

“That would explain why she's been asking so many questions. Don't worry Cloudkicker, you don't have to lie to us anymore. We understand now, right Rainbow” Twilight replied looking up at Rainbow Dash now.

“Yeah, sorry for being such a lame pony to ya. But don't you worry, I'll stick with ya and help ya learn to fly again!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a smile.

“And you can ask me anything you need to until your memory returns. In fact, you can stay with me.” Twilight said as she walked over to Ericka and placed a hoof on her shoulder.

Bingo, she was safe. And what's more is the fact she could now openly ask questions without fear of getting weird looks. “Thanks Twilight. I was just worried you would find me weird since I didn't know anything.” Ericka replied feeling relief wash over her.

“Oh horsefeathers, I'm late! Pinkie Pie said to meet her at your house in an hour Twilight, that's why I was flying around. I was telling everypony.” Rainbow Dash replied and sped off without another word.

“Looks like it's going to be a loud night for you. Pinkie Pie is going to throw one of her signature Pinkie Pie parties by the looks of her asking Rainbow to go around town and let everypony know.” Twilight replied with a soft giggle now.

“A party sounds good right about now.” Ericka replied truthfully. While she had no idea how ponies partied, she knew one thing, after a day like this,

She could use a little fun...

World Impossible

WORLD IMPOSSIBLE

“So there's more than one cloud city? And Pegasus pony's can walk on clouds?” Ericka asked in disbelief as Twilight and her continued to walk down the street.

“Yes, though Pegasus ponies can't use magic like unicorns, they do have an inherent magic that allows them to walk on clouds and even move them around. Pegasus ponies are after all, in charge of weather in Equestria.” Twilight replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Wait, Pegasus ponies control the weather?!” Ericka exclaimed in shock as her mind had still not yet recovered from the fact that Pegasus ponies could walk and move clouds.

“Yeah, it's been their job since the beginning of equestrian time. The only place they don't manage the weather at is in the everfree forest. The weather there acts on its own there. A weird place that forest is. Any more questions?” Twilight remarked giving a glance over at the forest which lay far to the west of them right now.

To Ericka however that forest right now looked like the most normal place on this strange planet. Though she wouldn't tell Twilight this. “Yeah, this one has been on my mind since I arrived here. Where does the sun and moon come from? I uh, looked into a telescope awhile back and there's none in outer space.” Ericka asked trying her best to not let the fact known she was not from this planet known despite all of her questions that she had asked so far had been screaming this, her amnesia ploy was her only defense to this which had been working so far.

“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna manage the sun and moon. They use their magic to raise the sun and moon each day.” Twilight replied as she stopped short of her house about the same time Ericka did.

“Wait, what?!” Ericka exclaimed with a wide-eyed expression. There was no way this was possible. It defied all laws of science and not to mention reality itself!

“It's not so hard to believe when you think about it.” Twilight replied as she opened her door.

“That can't be right! I mean, it defies all laws of science!” Ericka exclaimed still unable to believe what she had been told and completely spacing for the moment that she was undercover.

“You're a weird pony Cloudkicker, you talk about science as if magic has no place in it. When magic itself is the core of all science in Equestria.” Twilight replied with a giggle as she walked through her doorway followed closely by Ericka.

“There's got to be a scientific explanation for all this though. Everything you've told me doesn't make a lick of sense. I may not know who I am, but my knowledge of basic science and laws of physics haven't been affected!” Ericka exclaimed still unable to believe what she was hearing.

“It may not make sense now, but it will once your memory comes back.” Twilight replied then looked about herself. “Okay, I know I left the light on.” Twilight replied as her horn began to glow which provided a dim light.

“Surprise!!!” A high pitched upbeat voice exclaimed as the lights flickered on which caused the dark blue Pegasus to jump up in shock as the pink pony she saw earlier suddenly appear in front of her which caused the dark blue Pegasus to jump into the air in shock.

Ericka landed back on the ground a mere second later breathing very quickly now as she held a hoof over her chest. “This mare is going to give me a freaking heart attack before the day is out! And how did she do that?! She just flicked the light on and suddenly appeared in front of me from no where!” Ericka thought to herself dramatically as she continued to calm herself taking note of the fact the entire room was filled with ponies now.

“Were you surprised? Were ya, were ya, were ya?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a wide grin at the dark blue Pegasus.

“You nearly made me jump out of my skin for pony's sake!” Ericka exclaimed in an pissed off tone.

“Oh, that's great! I got you good didn't I? You had no idea I had this super surprise party planned did ya?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she hopped around the dark blue Pegasus.

“No idea at all.” Ericka replied in a sarcastic tone with an eye rolling gesture though she had a feeling the pink haired mare hadn't picked up on this as she continued to hope around her.

“Alright everypony! Lets party!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she ran over to a record player, put the needle down on the record, rushed back to the middle of the room, and began to what Ericka assumed to be dancing.

“Suddenly this party idea doesn't sound so grand.” Ericka thought to herself dismally as she watched everypony in the room began to dance in the same fashion Pinkie Pie had. The Pegasus had no idea where to begin or even how to dance without falling on her face.

After sometime however Pinkie Pie walked over to her taking note of the fact the Pegasus looked nervous now. “What are you waiting for? It's your welcome to Ponyville party after all! Dance with me!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, grabbed Ericka's front hoof and began to drag her forward causing Ericka to nearly fall flat on her face three times until the pink mare let go of her hoof.

“I, uh, don't know how.” Ericka replied with a blush as she looked away to Twilight who up till this point was dancing with Applejack, noticed the dark blue Pegasus's nervous expression, and immediately used her magic to drag Pinkie Pie to her by the tail.

“Pinkie, there's something you need to know about Cloudkicker, she's got amnesia, she has no idea who she is or how to even fly.” Twilight said in a hushed tone.

Ericka gave a sigh of relief as she noticed the purple unicorn talking to her. “Whew, saved by Twilight.” Ericka thought to herself in a relieved tone. Her relief however was short lived as the pink mare dashed back over to her grabbed her by the hoof and began to sway it back and forth causing Ericka to nearly fall on her face due tgo her lack of balance.

“Don't you worry your little head, Pinkie's gonna show you how to dance!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a smirk.

“H-How? I can't stand on three hooves without nearly falling on my face! Besides, half the ponies here shouldn't be able to do half the things they are now. How am I supposed to dance like them when it's not scientifically possible?” Ericka asked with an shocked yet confused expression.

Pinkie Pie simply giggled at this remark however. “Your a strange pony you know that? Don't try to think about it! Just have fun!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, lifted Ericka off her front hooves, and spun her around quickly which caused Ericka to become dazed and dizzy.

“Whoa,whoa, whoa!” Ericka exclaimed in a dizzy tone expecting to hit the floor face first again only for Pinkie Pie to somehow keep her from falling on her face as she continued to hold her up by the hoof with her own.

“Come on Cloudkicker, dance!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she began to dance on her hind hooves kicking them out as she continued to dance ever so often.

“H-How? This isn't possible! I shouldn't be standing on my hind hooves like this!” Ericka exclaimed looking down at her hind hooves which she was standing on now.

“Were you listening you silly willy? Just have fun! Don't think about it!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a giggle as she continued to dance on her hind hooves.

“Don't think about and just have fun?” Ericka replied echoing the pink mare's words as if trying to comprehend what she meant by them.

“Yeppers! Just have fun, like this!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she twirled the dark blue Pegasus around again.

This time however Ericka actually let out a laugh of enjoyment from this. Though she wasn't sure why. “Okay, I’ll give it a shot.” Ericka replied with a nervous smile and began to attempt to mimic the pink mare's movements expecting to fall on her face.

To her shock however she didn't and what's more, she was actually starting to have fun dancing with the pink mare. “H-Hey! I'm doing it! I'm dancing!” Ericka exclaimed joyfully as she continued to mimic Pinkie Pie's movements.

“I knew you could do it Cloudkicker! Now let's party!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she continued to dance with her.

Throughout the rest of the party, Ericka no longer gave anything any thought, she no longer let the tons of questions that plagued her mind distract her, she followed the pink mare's advice, and just let things come naturally. It didn't make any sense, she couldn't explain it, but for now, she could care less. For the first time since she got into this creature's body, she was having fun and to her, that's all that mattered right now.

FIVE HOURS LATER...

Time flew by faster than Ericka had expected to and before she knew it the party was over and she was catching her breath having danced for five hours strait as Twilight walked over next to her and sat on the floor.

“See you tomorrow Twilight! Nice meeting you Cloudkicker!” Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy said as she left the library shortly afterward with the exception of Rainbow Dash who walked over to the two.

“Hey Cloudkicker, come by my place tomorrow and I’ll give you some flying lessons okay?” Rainbow Dash said as she looked at the two.

“O-Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then!” Ericka replied breathlessly as the cyan blue Pegasus left the library.

“Told you Pinkie Pie knows how to party.” Twilight remarked with a smirk.

“Your telling me. I have no idea how I did that. It just didn't make sense, but that was the most fun I’ve ever had in my life!” Ericka exclaimed excitedly to the purple unicorn. This statement was more true than the unicorn realized though.

Her entire life she had never had never been to any sort of party, she had no friends on earth, and after her family had been brutally murdered by the last alien invasion, she had dedicated the remainder of her life to the military. She had dedicated her time and effort into protecting others so that no one else would have to go through what she had.

“Just like Pinkie Pie said, let things come naturally and don't think about it.” Twilight replied with a warm smile.

“I'll remember that.” Ericka replied as she stood to all four hooves and looked at the clock. She had only four hours till she was set to return to her real body now and she still had yet to get any real answers. “Twilight, do you have any books on this world's history? How it began and all.” Ericka asked curiously as her mission now came back to the front of her mind now. She had no idea if she could even read their language, but based on the fact that she recalled being able to read that poster easily she figured she could.

“Of course, I'll have Spike get it for you. Spike! Are you still awake? I need you to get the book titled, Equestrian origins!” Twilight called out.

“Okay Twilight! Let me grab it!” A male voice could be heard from the other side of the house.

“Who's Spike?” Ericka asked curiously.

“He's my number one assistant. I was hoping he was still awake so you two could meet.” Twilight replied looking at the dark blue Pegasus now.

“I didn't know you had another pony living here. I don't want to impose.” Ericka replied in a polite tone.

Before Twilight could replied however, a small purple dragon came running into the room which caused Ericka's jaw to drop for possibly the twentieth time today. “Wh-what is he?!” Ericka asked aloud in a shocked tone without thinking.

“Well, that's a rude thing to ask.” Spike remarked sourly with an offended expression.

“Don't take offense to her Spike, she's got amnesia.” Twilight said as she took the book with her magic and placed it in front of Ericka. “Cloudkicker, This is Spike, he's a baby dragon and also my number one assistant.” Twilight said a few moments after she spoke in the dark blue Pegasus's defense looking at her now as she spoke.

“H-He's a dra-dra-dra-dragon?!” Ericka exclaimed in disbelief. Despite everything she had seen today that made no sense at all to her, this right here, this baby dragon, took the cake. No only was he a dragon according to twilight, he could speak their language. The poor Pegasus's mind was set reeling and judging by her expression right now. It looked as if it might not recover.

“I'm going to go to bed now Twilight. I'm bushed.” Spike said followed by a yawn before he walked up stairs and to bed.

“I'll be up there in a few minuets Spike, I need to make sure Cloudkicker's brain is still working.” Twilight replied with a giggle as she looked at Ericka's expression which was still stunned. “Equestria to Cloudkicker, you there?” Twilight said in a joking manner as she tapped the dark blue Pegasus's shoulder which managed to snap her out of her stupor.

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine. It's just I never expected to see a dragon here. Don't they each meat?” Ericka asked curiously still trying to wrap her head around the fact she just saw a dragon in front of her.

“Nope, all dragons in Equestria eat gemstones. Spike's favorite is sapphire rubies.” Twilight replied with yet another giggle as she stood up to all four hooves. “I'm going to get some sleep, you can use the guest bedroom when your done reading. It's to your left, you can't miss it.” Twilight said as she began to walk upstairs.

“Hey Twilight.” Ericka said suddenly as she looked up at the purple unicorn who stopped walking up the stairs to look at her. “Thanks, for everything.” Ericka said in a genuine tone.

“It's no problem at all Cloudkicker. I'm always happy to help a pony in need. See you tomorrow morning.” Twilight replied with a soft smile then proceeded to walk upstairs and closed the door behind her.

Ericka had meant every word. Never before had she met anyone who was so kind to her. And she had only met her today. It both impressed and confused her. Right now however, she decided to open the book up and read it or she would have if she knew how. She didn't know how to grip the edges of the book to open it.

“How the hell am I supposed to read this if I can't open it without risking tearing the thing up?” Ericka thought to herself in an annoyed tone. Then it came to her, the purple mare's words.

Just like Pinkie Pie said, let things come naturally and don't think about it.

“Don't think about it, just let it come naturally...” Ericka remarked aloud thoughtfully as she stared at the book and placed a hoof on the side of the cover. “Well here goes nothing...just don't think about it Ericka.” Ericka said aloud as if she was telling herself what to do.

At first nothing happened, her hoof just slid along the edge like a normal flat hoof would. Then just as she was about to give up, she suddenly felt her hoof grip the side of the book which startled her. “How did I-?!” Ericka thought to herself dramatically then remembered Twilight's words once again. “Alright, once more.” Ericka said aloud as she placed her hoof on the edge of the book cover once more.

This time however she gripped the side of the book on her first try and successfully opened the book. “I did it!” Ericka exclaimed aloud joyfully and blushed slightly as she realized no pony was there to see her self accomplishment. “Well here we go, chapter one, the beginning of everything.” Ericka said as she read the title of the first chapter aloud.

Ericka glance up at the clock and went wide-eyed. She had completely forgotten to meet up with Richard and she only had five minutes now till she was supposed to return to her real body. Baring in mind what she had read so far, she bent a part of the book page so she held her place, quickly ran to the spare bedroom, and jumped in the bed.

The dark Blue Pegasus however had no time to get under the covers as she felt an all too familiar feeling and passed out a few moments later only open them again as the device opened from above her to see Professor Josh standing above her.

“So how was your first day as one of those creatures? I can't wait to hear all about what you've learned!” Professor Josh exclaimed enthusiastically.

“Your in for a big disappointment Professor...” Ericka thought to herself as she stood up from the device and walked past him. “I'll have my report on your desk tomorrow morning.” Ericka said in an exhausted tone. Despite the fact she had done nothing in this body all day, she felt as tired as she had in the pony's body.

If there was one thing she knew, she was going to get hell from her commander tomorrow. Course she didn't really care right now as walked sluggishly to her sleeping quarters and before she knew it was fast asleep in her bed.

Though she would never admit aloud, she couldn't wait to be a pony again.

A royal meeting

A ROYAL MEETING

Ericka sat up in her bed and looked at her clock. “Five in the morning, Time to get ready.” Ericka thought to herself as she got off her bed, quickly filled out a report on what she had learned yesterday, walked to the bathroom, took a shower, and walked into the main room to see Commander Still born.

“You got some explaining to do private! Where is the creature's body? You were supposed to bring it back!” Stillborn exclaimed in a fierce tone.

“It's at Twilight's house, erm, I mean, it's at one of the creature's homes, they invited me to stay with them sir.” Ericka replied in an unsure tone.

“It's what?!” Stillborn roared at the top of his lungs.

“I had no choice, I was learning all I could from one of their books and I lost track of time.” Ericka replied as she handed him her report.

Stillborn read over the report. As he read it his expression became more and more pissed off if possible until he finally finished reading it and glared at her. “What the fuck is this private? There's more questions than answers in this thing!” Stillborn exclaimed as he placed the report on a table next to him.

“I'm aware of this sir. Their world is very confusing. I'm hoping to learn more today when I go back into the creature's body. I should have some answers for you then, sir.” Ericka replied in a firm tone though the uneasy could clearly be heard.

“At least private Richard's report was not a total loss.” Stillborn remarked aloud as he turned away from her and sighed aloud.

“If I may be as bold to ask, what was his report about sir?” Ericka asked curiously.

“The creature's reproductive behaviors. He was able to provide a detailed report. It should please Professor Josh.” Stillborn replied and sat down in one of the chairs. “You best be off to the lab private and I want some concrete answers when you return this time, understood?” Stillborn said a few moments after his initial statement.

“Yes, Sir!” Ericka exclaimed with a salute, turned around, walked over to the door, grabbed an oxygen mask, and made her way over to the lab.

“Where were you Ericka? I waited for thirty whole minutes before I headed back to base.” Richard said in a curious tone.

“I got held up. How the hell did you manage to get a detailed report on their reproductive behavior anyways?” Ericka asked curiously with an expression to match it.

“Oh, about that, well, um, lets just say it was a first hand experience.” Richard replied in a nervous tone before he abruptly walked away from her as Professor Josh walked up to her.

“First hand experience? Wait a second...!” Ericka said aloud as her eyes flashed wide in shock and was about to exclaim “You slept with one of them?!” only for Professor Josh to stand in front of her now which caused her to halt her outburst before it began.

“Your report was less than satisfactory I must say.” Josh remarked with a frown.

“I know, I'll get some real answers today hopefully.” Ericka replied followed by a sigh.

“Though I must say I am impressed that you have managed to gain a social status with one of them. I look forward to hearing more about how they interact socially.” Josh replied to this as he allowed a smile to wash over his face as Ericka walked over to the machine and laid in it.

“Well, at least someone liked my report.” Ericka thought to herself with a sigh as the lid closed over her and felt a familiar sensation as she once again passed out and opened her eyes again to see herself back in her pony body with Twilight next to her.

“You had me worried. I have been trying to wake you up for the last twenty minutes but you wouldn't budge.” Twilight remarked in a concerned tone.

“Sorry about that, I sleep like a rock.” Ericka replied with a nervous smile.

“Well as long as your okay. I have to run a few errands with Spike, so feel free to read anything you want.” Twilight replied with a smile as she turned around and left the room a short few moments later.

“Thanks Twilight.” Ericka called out hoping the unicorn heard her as she stretched her wings and legs out with an audible relieved groan.

Ericka walked out to the main part of the library and saw her book still laying out where she left it. “Good, now I can catch up on what I was reading.” Ericka remarked aloud, began to walk over to the book, but stopped just short of it. “What the-?!” Ericka exclaimed as she felt her body unable to move and in the next moment found herself in an unfamiliar room.

The room was vast and long with many windows along it that looked like they had images of ponies carved in the glass. “Where am I?” Ericka asked aloud as she began to walk down the hall and look around.

Her attention however was caught by a specific glass window. This window had figures of ponies carved into it that she recognized.

“I know them...” Ericka remarked aloud in a awed tone.

“Yes, Twilight and her friends have saved Equestria more than once.” A regal prim and proper voice spoke up from behind the dark blue Pegasus which caused her to whirl around and stare in shock.

It was once of the dual horned and winged creatures that Ericka was briefed on. But this one looked ten times larger than the one in the diagram. Compared to Ericka she was a tall as half of one of Ponyville's houses or at least that's how tall she seemed. The size wasn't the only thing she noticed however. It was her mane which glittered brightly and seemed to flow with an endless current in multiple colors.

“That's Twilight and her friends? But then who's that above them?” Ericka asked in a confused tone. Where she was at was now the farthest thing from her mind as she was curious to know now what Twilight and her friends had done.

“Discord, the spirit of Chaos and Disharmony. Long ago he plunged Equestria into darkness with an endless torrent of chaos with his dark magic until me and my sister defeated him. However, Not long ago he escaped once again and this time Twilight and her friends defeated him using the elements of harmony as me and my sister did before them.” The large creature replied.

“The elements of harmony?” Ericka replied in a confused tone.

“Six magical objects capable of great magic. There is one catch however, the elements of harmony will only work with a pony whom represents the element in it's most definitive sense. So you see, the elements can't be used by just any pony.” The large creature replied looking at the glass window for a few moments longer before it lowered it's gaze to her. “Now why don't you tell me your name.” The creature said a few moments after her initial statement looking at Ericka now with a piercing glance.

“C-Cloudkicker.” Ericka replied in a nervous tone however the large creature's eyes narrowed upon hearing this.

“Why don't you tell me your real name, Cloudkicker.” The large creature replied in a knowing tone.

“R-Real name? I-I-I don't know it. You see I have amnesia and...” Ericka began to say only for the large creature's expression to become stern with a glare now.

“You can't fool me. Twilight and her friends may not be able to sense it, but me and my sister could sense you from the moment you set hoof in our kingdom. You are not really a pony, yet somehow you've managed to take on the form of one. I don't know what kind of magic you used or why you are here, but you and your friends who are hiding in the everfree forest should leave this world before me and my sister are forced to act.” The large creature said looking at Ericka now as she stood tall and firm which made the blue Pegasus cower slightly.

“M-My name is Ericka Airfreed.” Ericka exclaimed in a panicked tone. This was it, she was exposed. Whoever this creature was, she could tell she wasn't a pony from the start. The most she could hope for now was to get away unharmed.

“Now that you have given me your real name, I see fit to give mine. My name is Princess Celestia. I am one of the rulers of all of Equestria. I hereby order you to leave our land. Be sure to pass the message onto your superiors. ” Celestia replied in the same firm tone, not lightening her expression in the least bit as her horn began to glow.

“Please, we mean no harm! We only want to learn about your race and culture!” Ericka exclaimed in a panicked tone. She had no idea what the princess was planning to do but judging by the glow on her horn she assumed it wasn't good.

Upon hearing this however, Celestia's horn stopped glowing and her expression lightened if only a little bit. “You only wish to learn about us?” Celestia asked in a curious tone.

“Y-Yes! We are here on a field study. We want to learn all about your kind. That's all, we come in peace.” Ericka replied hoping she was at least avoiding some sort of punishment from the large creature.

Celestia stood there for a moment as if she was debating on whether or not she was telling the truth. Then much to Ericka's shock, the creature smiled. “Very well, I will allow you and your friends to remain here for a little longer.” Celestia replied much to Ericka's relief. The creature's expression however became stern a few moments later. “However, if me or my sister sense any hostile intent from you or your friends, we will not hesitate to be rid of your kind, are we clear?” Celestia said in a stern tone with a expression to match it.

“O-Of course! But I assure you, we mean no harm!” Ericka exclaimed with a genuine smile feeling herself became much more relieved now.

“That has yet to be seen. Me and my sister will be watching you closely.” Celestia replied in her regal tone, turned around and walked away.

“If I may ask, how did you bring me here?” Ericka asked after a short period of silence between the two.

“By magic of course.” Celestia replied as she turned around to face her again from a distance now.

“Forgive me, but magic isn't real. I'm sure a powerful creature such as yourself knows this.” Ericka replied and gulped audibly as the creature's expression became stern once again.

“My race is known as an Alicorn, and there is much you do not understand about our world. I suggest you take the time I have given you to learn all you can. Oh, and one more thing.” Celestia said as she walked up to Ericka once again and stood before her.

“Yes, Princess?” Ericka replied making sure to keep her formalities as she spoke with the Alicorn now.

“I suggest you learn how to fly. Otherwise, you won't learn much about the race your are taking shape of. I will write to my student and instruct her to teach you all she knows about Equestria. And do not worry, I will not expose you, not unless you turn out to be a threat anyways.” Celestia replied as her horn glowed once again and in the next moment Ericka found herself standing in the same spot she stood before she was teleported to Celestia's castle.

“How did she know I couldn't fly? Was it that obvious?” Ericka asked herself aloud dismally then her eyes lit up as she recalled that Rainbow Dash had offered to teach her how to fly and darted out of the library to meet with the cyan blue Pegasus.

Unlearning everything: Part one

UNLEARNING EVERYTHING

PART ONE

“I don't think I can do this...” Ericka remarked aloud in a dismal tone as she stood on her hind hooves which were wobbling and threatening to collapse under her.

“You're thinking again silly! Don't think about it and it will come naturally!” pinkie Pie exclaimed with a grin and moments later Ericka fell backwards into a pile of pillows that had been placed behind her.

“Are you sure this is what normal ponies do?” Ericka asked skeptically.

“Well, maybe not all ponies, but it's fun for me to do so I thought you should learn to do it too!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a wide grin to which Ericka gave a facehoofing gesture and sighed.

“Pinkie, I just want to learn how to interact with other ponies so I don't stick out like a sore thumb.” Ericka replied followed by yet another sigh as she lowered her hoof from her face and looked at the pink pony.

“Well that's no fun, but I guess I can teach you-oh cupcakes!” The pink mare replied only to go wide-eyed as she stared at the clock.

“What is it?” Ericka asked curiously as she looked over at the clock which read four-thirty.

“I have a party to go to, I'll teach you how to be a pony later Cloudkicker!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she darted out the door faster than she'd ever seen the pink mare move before.

“Well, at least she has her priorities in order.” Ericka remarked aloud as she stood to all four hooves and left Surgarcube corner.

“There you are! I've been looking for you all day!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed annoyed as she landed next to the dark blue mare.

“Sorry, Pinkie Pie had something she wanted to show me.” Ericka replied in a nervous tone.

“It's cool. Pinkie Pie can be random even for us at times.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk.

“So I’m not the only one who gets annoyed by her antics right and left?” Ericka replied with a smirk of her own.

“Are you kidding me? I have to shove my hoof in her mouth at times to get her to shut up!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed followed by a giggle-fit.

“You too?” Ericka replied unable to contain her laughter any longer at which point the two mares fell to the ground laughing.

“Ya know, your not half bad for a Pegasus with amnesia Cloudkicker.” Rainbow Dash remarked aloud after a few moments after they had managed to stop laughing.

“Let's just say I've dealt with my fair share of annoying ponies.” Ericka replied with a smirk.

“Alright, so are you ready to learn from the best?!” The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed suddenly as she placed her right front hoof in her chest with a cocky expression now as she looked at the dark blue Pegasus.

“Sure am.” Ericka replied with an eager expression.

“I can't hear you!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a grin.

“I'm ready to learn!” Ericka exclaimed this time.

“Louder!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed her grin widening as she exclaimed this.

“I'm ready to learn, sir!” Ericka exclaimed as loud as she could while she saluted the cyan blue Pegasus without thinking then went wide-eyed at what she had actually said.

“Where did that come from? Were you a military Pegasus or something?” Rainbow Dash asked confused.

“I-I don't know. Maybe I was, but I can't remember.” Erick lied as placed a hoof on her forehead. “I can't believe I just did that!” Ericka thought to herself dramatically. Once again, she risked exposure. If she kept this up much more, she may as well come outright and say” Hey, guess what! I'm a human!”

“Oh well, no need to think about that right now, right now we are going to teach you how to fly!” Rainbow Dash said with a smile much to Ericka's relief that the cyan blue Pegasus had willingly dropped the subject.

Despite Ericka's willingness to learn, every time she tried to take off the ground, she would land flat on her face. The cyan blue Pegasus gave her every tip she knew and yet nothing seemed to help her.

Hours past now, it was growing late, and the only thing the dark blue Pegasus had managed to accomplish was a bloody nose, scuffed up mane, and a throbbing pain in her legs from hitting the ground so many times.

“I don't get it! What am I doing wrong?!” Ericka exclaimed as she hit the ground with her right hoof in frustration.

“I don't know either, I've given you every tip I know.” Rainbow Dash replied with a perplexed expression.

“It's hopeless, I'll never learn how to fly.” Ericka remarked aloud dismally only to look up to see the cyan blue Pegasus extending a hoof to help her up.

“Don't give up so easily. If learning to fly was that easy, then even Fluttershy would have learned to fly like a pro in time!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a reassuring tone as she helped Ericka to all four hooves.

“So Fluttershy had a problem with learning fly as well?” Ericka asked aloud curiously to which the cyan blue Pegasus nodded.

“Yeah, she didn't manage to make it off the ground until she was in her teens and even now she's not the best flier in Equestria, but she never gave up and neither should you.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile.

“Maybe we should call it a day, it's getting late, and I need to get back to Twilight's house before dark.” Ericka replied with a weak smile.

“Sounds good to me, wanna try again tomorrow?” Rainbow Dash asked as she prepared to take off.

“That would be great.” Ericka replied smiling at her now.

“Then it's a date! See ya tomorrow Cloudkicker!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed and took off from the ground so fast that it caused the dark blue Pegasus's mane and tail to flail wildly in the wake of her take off.

“A date?” Ericka asked aloud then giggled softly to herself. “Of course she didn't mean a that kind of date.” Ericka remarked aloud and shook her head with a sheepish giggle as she walked back to Twilight's house.

“Welcome back Cloudkicker. How was your flying lessons with...” Twilight began to ask only to trail off as the dark blue Pegasus's injuries made it more than apparent of her lack of success.

“Let's just say I learned how not to bury my nose into the ground at least.” Ericka replied with a smile which caused the purple unicorn to giggle.

“That bad huh?” Twilight replied as the dark blue Pegasus walked past her and opened the book she was reading the day before.

“Well, Rainbow Dash said she would try again with me tomorrow.” Ericka replied as she began to read from the book.

“Well that's good news at least. I'll see you tomorrow Cloudkicker, I need to get some shuteye.” Twilight replied as she gave a yawn and walked past the dark blur Pegasus, up the stairs, and too her room.

“Sleep well!” Ericka called up to the purple unicorn just before she closed the door behind her.

With the unicorn now asleep, she was able to resume her studies of Equestrian history and she was now coming a crossed a particularly interesting chapter entitled. “Dark times in Equestrian history”

Long ago, there lived two sisters who governed the world of Equestria. The older sister raised the sun and brought forth the day, while the younger sister raised the moon and brought forth the night.

However, as time went on, the younger sister grew jealous of her older sister, for her loyal subjects relished in the day and shunned her beautiful night. One fateful night, the younger sister refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn.

The older sister tried to reason with her younger sister, but she refused to listen as darkness had enveloped the younger sister's heart and had become a wicked mare of darkness, Nightmare Moon!

With the deepest of sorrows in her heart, the older sister harnessed the greatest magic known to Equestrian kind, The Elements Of Harmony, and banished her sister to the moon for one thousand years.

“Is this book talking about Princess Celestia and her younger sister?” Ericka asked herself aloud as she halted her reading for a moment to ask this before she resumed reading.

With a heavy heart, the older sister took the position of raising both the sun and the moon. One thousand years later however, on the longest day, of the thousandth year, the younger sister escaped from her prison with vengeance in her heart.

This time however, it was not the older sister whom defeated Nightmare Moon, but six mares who had harnessed the power of the elements of harmony. However, instead of banishing her back to the moon, freed the younger sister from the darkness in her heart. With the darkness in her heart now gone, the younger sister was able to rule at her older sister's side and govern the night once more...

“They have to be talking about Princess Celestia and her younger sister. There's no other explanation for it. They are the only two Alicorn's in this world that I know of. Losing her sister for one thousand years, that must have been horrible.” Ericka remarked aloud with a saddened sigh as she looked up at the clock.

“Fifteen minutes till. Guess I better mark my place and get ready to be sent back to my body.” Ericka thought to herself as she bent the corner of the page she was on, closed the book, made her way to the guest bedroom, got under the covers, and laid there waiting for the inevitable passing out sensation.

“I hope your report is much better than the last one Private.” Commander Stillborn remarked out loud in a stern tone as Ericka sat up from the machine.

“Would a little history suffice? Because that's all I’ve managed to learn.” Ericka replied sheepishly.

“I don't care if it's about how one of them takes a piss! As long as you provide me with some concrete information then I could care less what you do in that body. Hell, fuck one of them for all I care, The only thing that matters to me private, is getting information on their society and culture so I don't have the top brass breathing down my neck.” Commander Stillborn replied impatiently as he turned around and walked away.

“Well that's a one-eighty turn from what he said yesterday.” Ericka remarked aloud in a shocked tone.

“I can explain that.” Josh pipped up at this remark which yanked the woman's attention to the scientist.

“Oh? What did you say to him?” Ericka asked curiously.

“It's not what I said to him, rather it's what the top brass told me to relay to him after I gave them the report on you making social status with one of them in a single day. Like me, the top brass understands what it means to be accepted into their society so quickly. With you being able to talk to a few of them freely at will and ask many questions, your the prime source of information!” Josh exclaimed enthusiastically.

“Forgive my impatience, but I’ve had a long day in that body, so could you skip to the part of why Commander Still born basically gave me free reign to do what I want in that body?” Ericka replied wearily.

“Of course. Ahem, they told him that your position in the creature's society has become priority one in this field study, due to you becoming friends with one of them and such, therefore they said that you are allowed to do as you please with no restraints on time as long as you provide accurate and helpful information on their culture, society, and anything else you can learn.” Josh said in a matter of fact tone.

“Wait, so I don't have to worry about being sucked out at a set time from now on?” Ericka asked excitedly. This new set of information was the best she had ever gotten since she began this field study.

“Exactly! I'll be taking the liberty of making adjustments to your V-M-A machine.” Josh continued in an excited tone.

“Wait, what kind?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Oh nothing major I assure you. It will simply allow you to remain in the equine creature’s body until you wish to leave it. Now please bare in mind that a prolonged time in the V-M-A machines can lead to unknown side-effects, so try not to remain in the creatures body for more than five months.” Josh said with a note of warning in his voice as he spoke now.

“So how do I get out then?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Simply return to our base and stomp your hoof on the ground five times, that will give the signal to any guards on standby to ask me to pull you out. This of course means you will need to bare in mind the creatures stamina. After all, not even these creatures can function twenty-four hours a day without sleep!” Josh exclaimed with a smile.

“That's great news!” Ericka exclaimed excitedly. She could now remain in that pony body as long as she wanted now.

“Yes, ahem, well, don't forget that your on a mission Ericka.” Josh replied with a chuckle.

“Right, the mission. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten.” Ericka replied with a sheepish giggle. Truth be told, the mission had completely left her mind upon hearing this news.

“Well, get some sleep while I make the necessary adjustments.” Josh replied with a smile.

“Of course. See you tomorrow morning then.” Ericka replied with a smile as she put on her oxygen mask and headed to the bunkers to sleep.

Her life as a pony was going to get a whole lot more interesting in the months to come, this much she was sure of...

Unlearning everything: Part two

UNLEARNING EVERYTHING

PART TWO

Ericka woke up bright an early, excited to be able to spend as much time as she wanted in the pony's world. This very thought halted her in her tracks however.

Just what exactly what happening to her? Did she honestly enjoy being a pony more than she did a human? “No, of course not, that would be just plain silly. I may as well cast away my humanity while I’m at it if I start thinking like that.” Ericka thought to herself with a soft laugh.

Despite this however, the thoughts weighed heavily on her mind as she walked towards the bunker where the V-M-A machines were stored. “Wow, you look like you got a lot on your mind? Worried about being stuck in that creature's body for an extended period of time or something?” Richard asked curiously which snapped Ericka out of her thoughts and looked at him slightly startled by his sudden question.

“N-No. It's not that at all. I just have a lot on my mind is all.” Ericka replied dismissively as she walked past him and towards Josh who yawned as she approached him.

“Were you up all night?” Ericka asked curiously.

“That would be correct.” Josh replied with a yawn.

“So it's all ready to go?” Ericka asked eagerly.

“Of course it is! Do you think I stayed up all night playing Tetris on it?!” Josh exclaimed in an offended tone.

“I didn't mean to offend you.” Ericka replied taken back by the scientist’s offended tone.

“It's quite alright. I made the adjustments, double checked them, triple checked them, and then quadruple checked them, just to make sure there would be no problems!” Josh exclaimed enthusiastically despite his tired state.

“Well here I go then.” Ericka said as she opened the device up, laid down in it and gave one last look at the Richard and Josh before she closed it and felt the familiar passing out sensation.

Ericka opened her eyes and looked around. No Twilight this time. She must have taken what I said to heart.” Ericka thought to herself as she stepped out of the bed, stretched, and left the guest bedroom and Twilight's library into town only be greeted by an unexpected friend.

Once again the pink mare had somehow managed to pop up behind her unexpectedly and cause her to jump into the air, land back down on her rump, turn around, and glare at the pink mare.

“No, silly! Why would I want to do a meanie pants thing like that?” Pinkie Pie asked in her usual chipper tone seemingly ignoring the dark blue Pegasus's annoyed state.

Ericka simply sighed in annoyance at this and stood to all four hooves. “Well, I got some good news Pinkie...” Ericka began to say and explained her current situation to the pink mare.

“That's super fantastic news! That means we can have our first ever sleep over!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she hopped around the Pegasus while they walked down the street.

“Sleep over? Isn't that for little girls, erm, I mean fillies?” Ericka asked skeptically only to accidentally use the term she knew but quickly replaced it with the term Pinkie Pie would understand.

“No, you silly filly! Twilight, Rarity,and Applejack have them all the time!” The pink mare replied enthusiastically.

“Well then, a sleepover sounds like a fabulous idea.” Ericka replied then stopped. “Wow, how long has it been since I used that word?” Ericka thought to herself curiously.

“Why'd ya stop for?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.

“Oh, I was just thinking about how long it had been sense I actually decided to behave like a woman, erm, mare I mean. I've been in the military so long I think I nearly forgot what it was like to actually just have fun. Something you reminded of how to do when you threw that party for me my first day here.” Ericka replied with a warm smile and resumed walking along side of the pink mare.

“That's my special talent! Throwing parties!” The frizzy maned mare exclaimed as she began to hop around Ericka again as they walked.

“So I hear.” Ericka replied with a soft giggle then stopped again and frowned.

“Why'd ya stop this time?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.

“Do you think I'll ever get a cutie mark? I mean, even though I’m not actually a pony, do you think it's possible?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Of course you will Cloudkicker! Everypony get's their cutie mark eventually!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed enthusiastically as she looked at the dark blur Pegasus though she didn't seem convinced.

“Pinkie, You know that I’m just inhabiting one of these bodies. So how can you be so sure?” Ericka asked curiously. She wasn't sure that the pink mare had fully comprehended her question at this point.

It was at this point the pink mare put a hoof on her cheek and looked her dead in the eyes. “Cloudkicker, even if you aren't really a pony somewhere else, your a pony now right?” Pinkie Pie asked in a soft tone.

“Well yes, but-”

“But nothing! If your a pony now then you'll surely get your cutie mark! You just have to discover your special talent!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a smile as she cut the dark blue Pegasus off with her statement.

“Thanks Pinkie, oh and one more thing...” Ericka began to say but trailed off on purpose.

“Yes?” Pinkie Pie asked as she batted her eyes at the mare with the utmost attention.

“My real name is Ericka. So when it's just us, can you call me by that name?” Ericka asked in a hushed tone.

“Absol-yes-siree-lutely!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she began to hop around again but somehow stopped mid-air with a hop and landed on all four hooves. “That's a weird name.” The pink mare remarked aloud with a perplexed expression.

“Weird in your world maybe, but in my world your name would be considered weird.” Ericka countered with a smirk.

“Oooo, touche!” Pinkie Pie replied with a smirk of her own and moments later the two burst into giggle-fits.

“It's really nice to be open with someone for once. I've had to keep a lid on the real me all this time and it was really starting to drive me bonkers.” Ericka replied as the two continued to walk towards Pinkie Pie's house.

“Hey, I know! Maybe you can tell me about the world you come from sometime!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a smile as the resumed hopping around the dark blue Pegasus.

“I'll tell you all you want to know at our sleepover as long as it's just the two of us, how's that sound?” Ericka replied as the two entered surgarcube corner.

“Sounds like a fun time to me! And I can tell you all about my world! How about this weekend? We can hang out during the week and hang have our sleepover this weekend!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as the two walked up the stairs to Pinkie Pie's room.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Ericka replied with a warm smile.

Several hours later Ericka bid Pinkie Pie farewell as she left surgarcube corner and went to meet up with Rainbow Dash to try once again in learning how to fly.

“Alright, so I spent all of last night reading a bunch of flight training books, talk about boring, but for you, it was worth it to help get those hooves off the ground! I'm gonna go drill sargent on your flank in the up coming days so be ready!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she hovered back and forth in front of Ericka.

“Alright, so what's the plan?” Ericka asked excitedly in hopes that the books the cyan blue Pegasus read would help her get off the ground at least.

“Okay! So first, we're going to start with wing-push ups! Get those wings buffed up!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed which was met with a look of confusion from the dark blue Pegasus.

“Um...” Ericka replied unsure of what she meant by that.

“Oh, right! I forgot, you don't remember anything. Okay so first thing's first! Lay on your belly.” Rainbow Dash instructed to which Ericka obeyed without question.

“Alright, so next, you need to use your wings to push yourself up!” The cyan blue Pegasus continued as she copied Ericka's pose and began to push her body up and down with her wings.

“Wait, how am I supposed to that? Aren't my wings made of nothing but feathers?” Ericka asked in a confused tone.

This question however caused the cyan blue Pegasus to stare at her in confusion. “You know, I never really thought about that before. But hey, if I can do it, so can you!” Rainbow dash replied with a confident smile.

“Of course she never thought about it.” Ericka thought to herself dismally, but then it occurred to her. “Maybe if I don't think about it, I’ll be able to do it? It's worth a shot at least.” Ericka thought to herself, adjusted her wings and prepared to attempt to push herself up with them.

“Alright Ericka, don't think about it, don't think about it...” The dark blue mare thought to herself and pushed her wings against the ground only for them to fold limply to the sides and cause a surge of pain to jolt through them having bent her wing muscles the wrong way.

“We've got a long way to go...” Rainbow Dash thought to herself with a groan as Ericka flexed her sore wings in pain.

♫ Lets get down to business!♫

♫ And get those hooves in the air!♫

♫ Did Twilight send me a filly when I asked for a mare?♫

Ericka followed the cyan blue Pegasus's instructions to the letter as she took a sprint down the grass path, jumped off the ground and landed on her face once again only to look up and see Rainbow Dash with a disapproving look.

♫ Your the saddest pony I’ve ever met! ♫

Rainbow Dash then lifted her up by the scruff of her chest fur and stared in the eyes with a determined expression in them.

♫ But you can bet before we're through, I'll make a Pegasus out of you!♫

Ericka was now running on all four hooves doing he best to keep up with the cyan blue Pegasus whom was flying at not even her top speed.

♫ Tranquil as a forest, but on fire within!♫

♫Once you find your center♫

♫ You are sure to win♫

Ericka was now standing in her hind hooves and flapping her wings frantically to keep her balanced but judging by the cyan blue Pegasus's disapproving expression as she felt on her rump she wasn't doing it right.

♫You're a spineless, pale pathetic mare♫

Rainbow Dash now hovered over Ericka as she glared at her.

♫And you haven't got a clue♫

The cyan blue Pegasus then moved in so her face was directly in front of hers and shouted these words at her:

♫Somehow I'll make a Pegasus out of you!♫

Ericka now sat in Pinkie Pie's house preparing to go and train with the cyan blue Pegasus.

♫I'm never gonna catch on at this rate!♫

Ericka said in a depressed tone as she sighed only for Pinkie Pie to place a hoof on her shoulder.

♫Don't worry, I’ll help you get out of this sorry state!♫

Pinkie Pie said with a smile as she placed a book in front of her called “Pegasus Physiology”.

♫ Boy, was I a fool for thinking this would be easy♫

Ericka thought to herself dismally as Pinkie Pie helped her to her hooves.

♫This mare's working her to death♫

Pinkie Pie thought to herself as Ericka got back to all four hooves to continued training with the cyan blue Pegasus only to fall back to her belly which earned a disapproving sigh from the cyan blue Pegasus.

♫ Hope she doesn't see right through me♫

Ericka thought to herself dismally as she once again hit the ground face first earning possibly the twentieth facehoofing gesture from the cyan blue Pegasus this week.

♫Now I really wish that I didn't feel queasy♫

Ericka remarked aloud as she did her best to hold her body up with her wings from a tree limp only for them to slip and her fall to the ground with a thud.

“How am I supposed to learn to fly if I can't even do basic things with my wings that most Pegasus ponies can do? I mean everything she's trying to teach me defies everything I’ve learned.” Ericka remarked aloud with a sigh.

“Then the solution is to unlearn everything you were taught!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as the two sat in her room as they always did before and after her training with Rainbow Dash.

“Huh?!”

Ericka ran along the ground once again and tried to take off only to hit the ground and earned a frustrated groan from the cyan blue Pegasus.

♫ I've tried everything I know, So pack up,go home we're through♫

Rainbow Dash remarked aloud followed by a sigh to which Ericka's ears flattened, turned around, and walked away with her tail between her legs.

♫ How could I make a Pegasus out of you?♫

Rainbow Dash asked herself with a depressed sigh of her own as she flew off back to her cloud home.

Ericka sat in the guest bedroom now crying softly to herself at first but then as time went on, she felt an new feeling, this feeling grew more and more until it threatened to burst out of her.

“I'm a Pegasus damn it! I'm going to fly or I'll tear my wings off!” Ericka exclaimed as she wiped the tears from her eyes and quickly ran out the door before Twilight could get in a word edgewise to question why she looked as if she was crying.

♫Be a Pegasus♫

Ericka stood at the starting point she had so many times before, but this time, she was determined she was going to fly.

♫I must be forget everything human that I’ve learned♫

Ericka then broke into a sprint running as fast as all four hooves could carry her and jumped off the ground...

♫Be a Pegasus♫

Only to land on her face once again, but she wasn't about to give up. Not now, she was going to prove to Rainbow Dash-no, she was going to prove to herself that she was a Pegasus!

♫Use all of the knowledge as a Pegasus that I've earned♫

Ericka walked back to the starting point and broke into a sprint and leaped off the ground once again...

♫Be a Pegasus♫

and landed on her face once again. The dark blue Pegasus stood up once more wearily as sweat dripped down her forehead, cheeks, and into her eyes stinging them slightly before she whipped the sweat out of them.

♫With all the courage of a raging lion♫

Ericka once again stood at the starting point, took a deep breath, let out, and broke once again into another sprint. As she neared the take off point she thought to herself:

I am a Pegasus, I am a Pegasus...I...am....a...Pegasus!!!

♫Mysterious as the legend of Nightmare Moon♫

Rainbow Dash lay on a cloud now with a saddened expression. “No matter how much I tried, I couldn't teach her to fly. I'm such a lame-brain.” The cyan blue Pegasus thought to herself followed by a sigh only to be abruptly hit in the face with a puff of cloud.

“Okay, who's the jerk?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she ripped the puff of cloud from her face and gawked at the sight that beheld her.

Ericka floated there stationary, front hooves crossed with a satisfied smile on her face as her wings flapped.

“Cl-Cloudkicker?! Your flying! You're really flying! This is so awesome!” Rainbow dash exclaimed as she took off from the cloud and looked at her.

“I know! I can't tell you how wonderful it felt to feel the wind under my wings for the first time!” Erika replied excitedly.

“But, how?! We tried everything and you still couldn't get the hang out of it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in disbelief.

“Lets just said I had to unlearn some stuff in order to learn to fly.” Ericka replied to which the cyan blue Pegasus gave her a confused expression.

“What's that supposed to mean?” Rainbow Dash asked confused.

Ericka didn't reply but rather just giggled aloud to herself...

The sleepover

THE SLEEPOVER

A unicorn ran down a dark path in the Everfree forest breathing heavily as she ran for fear of her life only to trip on a rock and hit the ground with a short skid, looked up behind her and gasped in horror. “No, Please! I didn't do anything!” The unicorn exclaimed as she frantically scrambled back to all four hooves and continued running.

The unicorn continued running for her life as tree limbs slapped against her face, bush thorns scraped her, and mud caked onto her hooves from the moist ground she now ran upon until she came to a dead in with no way out, turned around with a horrified gasp and stared at what was chasing her.

“W-W-Why? Why are you doing this?! I have done nothing to you!” The unicorn exclaimed fearfully as the unknown figure stepped forward and in the next moment the unicorn felt herself being lifted up in the air but some unknown force.

“No! Don't! Please!” The unicorn pleaded only to have her pleas fall on deaf ears as she felt all four legs being spread out so that her underside was completely exposed now as her hooves now seemed to be clasped onto some unseen object.

Sorry, it's nothing personal I assure you, but we need your magic.

“Wha-What?! My magic?” The unicorn asked fearfully only for the object she was mysteriously restrained on to now appear as if it had phased into existence. The unicorn looked frantically about herself at what seemed to be a huge golden cross.

The cross began to glow brightly with a red aura...

AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

“So how do these cars work again?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously as Ericka and her sat in her bedroom only for the dark blue Pegasus to not respond. “Equestria to Ericka!” The pink mare exclaimed with a smirk which snapped her out of her daze.

“Oh, sorry. I zoned out for a moment there.” Ericka apologized with a sheepish giggle. “I'm not a mechanic, but I can tell you that they run on a chemical in our world known as gasoline.” Ericka replied only to earn yet another confused expression from the earth pony.

“What's Gaz-zel-leen?” Pinkie Pie asked with a confused expression as she failed to sound out the word Ericka had just said.

“What am I? A scientist?” Ericka deadpanned and sighed. “Lets just move onto something else. Any other questions?” Ericka asked curiously.

The frizzy maned mare thought for a few moments, tapping a hoof on her chin as she tried to think of a decent question until her eyes lit up. “Oh! Here's one! Do you have ponies like us in your world?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.

Well that was a loaded question. Of course she did, but how to answer was the problem. In her world, Ponies couldn't talk, and were mostly pets to humans. She didn't want to offend the mare, but she didn't want to lie either. “That's a hard question to answer Pinkie.” Ericka replied finally after a few more moments of silence.

“What's so hard about it?” The pink mare inquired curiously.

“Well, I guess the simple answer is yes, but they aren't like you. We also don't have Pegasus' or unicorns in our world either.” Ericka replied choosing her words carefully as she spoke.

“What are they like then? What do they say? What do they do?” The hyperactive mare shot all three questions out one after the other as if they were all prepared in her mind but Ericka knew they weren't.

Ericka opened her mouth to speak, exhaled and closed it, took a breath and opened it again, exhaled and closed it, took yet another breath as she opened her mouth, and this time sighed. “Pinkie, do you really want to know? Because what I can tell you about the ponies in my world might offend and even scare you.” Ericka said after a few moments with a serious look in her eyes as she spoke now.

“Wow, you're really worried you're going to upset me huh?” Pinkie Pie asked with a warm smile to which Ericka nodded. “Go ahead and tell me, I asked so I can take whatever you throw at me!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a smirk.

“Okay...” Ericka replied, took a deep breath, began to explain about the horses from her world, told her how they could not speak, how they were mostly pets to humans, and how they were sometimes used for sport for the amusement of other humans. By the time Ericka was finished explaining everything, she had already regretted doing so as the pink mare's normally puffy mane had seemingly deflated on the spot.

“I'm sorry, I shouldn't have told you.” Ericka remarked in a soft tone as she placed a hoof on Pinkie's shoulder.

“No,No...It's okay. I asked after all. It's just that I never really thought about what ponies would be like in any other world than mine. It's really sad. Do all humans in your world think of ponies as nothing more than animals?” Pinkie Pie asked curiosuly.

“Well, no. There are actually many animal rights activist groups and many humans in our world who treat ponies like member of the family. So not every human thinks of them as dumb animals.” Ericka replied hoping this would cheer the mare up.

“Did you think of ponies as nothing more than dumb animals before you met me and the others?” Pinkie Pie asked as she looked at Ericka now whom bit her lip.

To be honest, before she became a pony, learned what she has so far about this world, she was no different from the rest of those humans. “No Pinkie, of course not.” Ericka lied and felt a ping of guilt in her chest as she spoke now. “A little white lie, that's all it is. I can't tell her the truth, it would crush her.” Ericka thought to herself guiltily.

As suddenly as her mane had deflated, it poofed back into it's frizzy state upon hearing these words. “Oh that's great to hear! I knew you weren't like all those other silly humans!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she hugged the dark blue Pegasus who bit her lip even harder now the guilt swelling inside her.

“Okie-doki-loki! You told me stuff about your world, now I’ll tell you about mine! Ask away!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a wide smile now.

“Well the first question I have to ask is, Did you fight against Nightmare moon? I was reading a book in Twilight's library a few days ago and came a crossed a book which told me six mares freed her from the darkness in her heart. And well, Princess Celestia told me that you, Twilight, and the others have saved Equestria more than once. So I had to ask.” Ericka asked curiously.

“Yep!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed excitedly.

“With the elements of harmony?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Uh-huh, see I'm the element of laughter, Rainbow Dash is the element of loyalty, Applejack is the element of honesty, Rarity is the element of generosity, Fluttershy is the element of kindness, and Twilight is the element of magic!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a wide smile as she began to hop around the room.

“Laughter, Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Kindness, and Magic? Those are the elements of harmony?” Ericka asked incredulously. Something that simple allows them to power what that book referred to as the most powerful magic in their world? It was almost unbelievable. Then again, just about everything in this world is unbelievable by her world's standards.

“Yep. It's the magic of friendship that allows us to use their power to defeat the meanie pants bad guys!” Pinkie Pie replied as she stopped hopping around the room, dove into her sleeping bag, and somehow managed to turn around so that her head popped out where her tail had been moments before.

“The magic of friendship? Well, I guess that makes sense. After all, Laughter, Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, and Kindness do represent what friendship should be, and I suppose Twilight's element is the one that binds the other five together to form this magic of friendship that powers the elements power right?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Now your getting it!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a wide smile.

“Okay, so next question. Who was Nightmare Moon before she became that mare of darkness that the book spoke of?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Princess Luna, she's Princess Celestia's younger sister.” Pinkie Pie replied to which Ericka nodded having her theory now confirmed.

“You might get to meet though! Nightmare Night is coming up soon! And Princess Luna always likes to make an appearance on Nightmare Night!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with wide smile.

“Nightmare Night?” Ericka asked curiously. It was obvious to her that this was some sort of holiday they celebrated but what she wasn't sure of.

“Oh, it's when we all dress up on costumes and go ask for candy from other ponies! It's mostly fillies and colts though, the adults usually just have fun playing games in town square.” The pink mare replied with a wide smirk.

“So in other words, it's the equivalent to my world's Halloween. Heh, you know Pinkie, our world's may not be so different after all.” Ericka replied with a smile.

“Maybe not, well except for the cars, trucks, planes, computers, sports, ho-mmph,mmph!” The hyperactive mare began to say however Ericka by now knew when to cut the mare off when she started to go on these rambles and shoved her hoof in the frizzy maned mare's mouth to quiet her. “I get it Pinkie.” Ericka remarked aloud with a sigh.

“How about we get some sleep? It's pretty late and Rainbow Dash wanted to help me get the basics of flying down tomorrow.” Ericka said after a few moments.

“Okie-doki-loki! Nighty-night Ericka!” Pinkie Pie replied, laid down and seemed to have fallen instantly to sleep.

The dark blue Pegasus just stared at her for a few moments in shock of how she could fall to sleep so quickly until she gave a light laugh. “Hehe, Nighty-night you hyperactive mare.” Ericka remarked aloud with a smile, laid her own head down, and went to sleep.

A dark secret

A DARK SECRET

Ericka flew along side of Rainbow Dash now doing her best to follow the instructions from the cyan blue Pegasus. True as it was that she could fly now, she was no where near as skilled in it as Rainbow Dash was and nearly fell out of the sky twice.

“Now you getting the hang of it! Now bank to your left!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed and did so herself.

“Okay!” Ericka replied as she did the same except she somehow managed to roll to her side and began to roll mid-air uncontrollably until the cyan blue Pegasus halted her mid spin. “You tilted yourself too far to the left, but not bad for your third try, at least I didn't need to catch you this time.” The cyan blue Pegasus remarked with a smile.

“Yeah, I figured once I was able to get off the ground, everything else would come naturally and it would be easy.” Ericka replied as she shook off the dizziness from spinning so much.

“Just because you can flap your wings and get off the ground doesn't mean you can fly. It just means you know how to keep yourself airborne.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied sagely.

“Yeah, I figured that out the hard way.” Ericka replied sheepishly. “A lot of good all those years in the air force did me. Flying a jet is a lot easier then flying myself.” Ericka thought to herself and let out a sigh.

“Say, you wanna call it a day? I need to do some weather control.” Rainbow Dash asked to which Ericka nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, that sounds like a plan, I'll catch you later Dashie!” Ericka exclaimed and flew off the opposite direction of the cyan blue Pegasus towards Pinkie Pie's house.

“ -and I can get my hooves off the ground now, but learning the basics of flying is hard!” Ericka exclaimed in a frustrated tone as Pinkie Pie put a tray of cupcake batter into the oven, turned the dial up to the usual temp, set the timer, and turned to face her.

“You said you flew those things called jets right?” Pinkie Pie replied casually as she walked over to the counter in the kitchen now, picked up a cake mix with both hooves, poured some in, set it down, walked over to the fridge, and opened it up to grab the milk out with her mouth.

“Well, yeah. But I don't see how that's going to help me. In a jet, there are instruments, buttons, and a control stick to maintain flight and all that. As a Pegasus, I don't know how to make this blasted body do anything I could do in a jet. And I don't think unlearning everything is going to help me this time either.” Ericka replied flopped onto her rump and sighed.

Pinkie walked over to the counter, sat the milk down, and sat on her on rump with a thoughtful expression now. “hmm...” She said aloud as she tapped a hoof on her chin until her eyes lit up. “Say, do you have that everything in that jet thingy you flew memorized?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.

“Well yeah, I mean you pretty much had to. If I had a console in front of me, I could tell what everything did and even now to do some mid-air tricks in it. But I don't see how knowing this can help me.” Ericka replied in a confused tone.

“Can you draw it from memory?” The pink mare asked curiously.

“Sure, if I had hands.” Ericka replied mellowly as she rose her front hooves up, shook them slightly, and placed them on the floor again.

“Most earth ponies use their mouths to draw stuff. If you were a unicorn it would be a whole lot easier since you could use magic to draw everything with a brush.” Pinkie Pie replied just before she popped the lid off the milk jug with her mouth, picked the jug up and began to pour it carefully into the mixing bowl.

“Using my mouth to draw? I guess I could give it a shot.” Ericka replied smiling now until she abruptly frowned.

FLASHBACK

Ericka no stood in her home and stared at her paintings with tears streaming from her eyes. Most of which were of her family, primarily of her little sister.

Without warning, the woman flew into a wild rage, punching holes in most of the works she had done, tearing them to shreds, and flung art supplies all around the room until she fell to the floor and sobbed loudly staring at the torn remains of one of her paintings of her sister and her. She had done it mere days before her death.

“You were my inspiration, my drive to continue when all seemed to be going wrong in my world, and now...” Ericka said trailing off as she picked up the shred of her painting that had her sister on it with her right hand, held it close to her heart and placed her left hand over her right.

And now, you're gone...

I'll never draw again...

END FLASHBACK

“Hey, what's with the water works Ericka? Something wrong?” Pinkie Pie asked in concerned tone taking note now of the silent tears that streaked from Ericka's eyes.

“Ever since the day my sister died, I promised myself I would never draw again.” Ericka replied in a saddened tone as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

“Well, if you don't want to draw, then don't silly!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed resuming her chipper tone as she went back to the counter and added the flour to it.

“What? But didn't ask if I could?” Ericka asked confused.

“Listen, I'm not the kind of pony who would ever ask anything of you that you didn't want to do, so if you don't wanna draw, then don't. No need to make yourself super sad and do something you don't wanna do.” The pink mare replied as she placed a single hoof on the counter, laid her head against the hoof and looked at her as she spoke.

“Thanks Pinkie. I know it sounds selfish of me, but I really don't think I could draw anything right now.” Ericka replied with a weak smile.

“Don't be a silly filly, your not being selfish.” Pinkie Pie replied before she turned around, picked up a spoon with her mouth, and began to stir the batter up.

“Well, thanks anyways. I'm going to go to Twilight's and read up some more on Equestrian history. I'll catch you later Pinkie.” Ericka replied, turned around, and left the kitchen and eventually surgarcube corner.

Ericka was on her way towards Twilight's house when a zebra furred equine stopped in front of her.

“A Blue furred mare. You are Cloudkicker, yes? I had hoped to find find you here.”

“Hey, your Zecora aren't you? Twilight told me about you last week. She said that you lived in the Everfree forest.” Ericka replied with a friendly smile.

“I come when supplies are due, but what you say is very true.” Zecora replied and began to walk past her. “but for now I ask you to come with me, there is something you absolutely must see.” Zecora said to which Ericka followed her..

“Like what?” Ericka asked curiously though the nervousness in her voice was clear as they walked past Fluttershy's house and towards the forest entrance. Had she discovered the base in the Everfree forest? She wasn't sure.

“With no pony around now I’ll be frank, I am well aware of the your base near the river bank. Do fear for your secret is safe with me, but as I said there are things that you must see.” Zecora replied as the two walked through the forest.

“What things do I have to see? And how do you know about me? Did Celestia tell you?” Ericka asked in a worried tone.

“No she did not, I simply watched from afar from my home's spot. As for the things that you must see, it is how you came to be.” Zecora replied as the two continued walking down the forest path until the zebra took an abrupt left turn through some bushes to which Ericka followed.

“How I came to be? You mean how the body I’m in was made?” Ericka asked curiously only for the zebra to stop abruptly just before what seemed to be a steep drop in the land.

“Look down there my little filly, and see for yourself the truth that is so chilly.” Zecora replied at which point Ericka stepped up beside the zebra.

Ericka gasped in horror at the sight that beheld her now unable to say anything as if her voice had left her...

No matter how much she tried, she couldn't look away from the pile of bodies that resembled her only their eyes seemed empty as if there was no life in them.

The dark blue Pegasus's mind was swirling at this point in a vortex of emotions; fear, horror, sickening, anger, rage, and pain.

“Now you see why I called you here, for seeing you here Cloudkicker, is my fear.” Zecora remarked aloud as her eyes remained closed.

“Wh-Why would you show me that? Wh-What does this mean?” Ericka asked in a very shaken tone as she sat down in Zecora's hut now shaking furiously.

“Because you are different from the others my little pony, unlike that the others you are not a phoney. You Cloudkicker truly believe you are a mare, and that is what makes me think you would care.” Zecora replied.

“What do you mean? You're rhyming makes no sense!” Ericka exclaimed in a frustrated tone at which point the Zebra sighed heavily.

“The two legged creatures you are with when you leave this body, What they did to create you was very shoddy.” Zecora replied at which point the Zebra's words seemed to suddenly make sense.

“Wait, so how they made this pony body I'm in now. Those...bodies were their failures?” Ericka asked in a shocked tone.

“Not only with how you were born, but there is something to you I feel I should warn. Ponies in this forest are disappearing, to some unknown foe. It is the two legged creatures I fear are responsible for this woe.” Zecora replied with yet another sigh.

“Wait, you think that my kind is responsible for making ponies disappear?” Ericka asked incredulously to which the zebra nodded. “We're here on a field study! What proof do you have of this?!” Ericka asked in an outraged tone.

“This is where my fear derives, This has been happening long before you arrived.” Zecora replied simply.

The dark blue Pegasus simply blinked at this response before resuming her pissed off expression. “Listen, you don't know me or my kind, so back the fuck off!” Ericka exclaimed, turned around, walked out of Zecora's hut and took off to the skies.

The Zebra walked onto her front lawn and stared off as Ericka flew off into the distance and sighed. “You are the bridge that fills the gap between our worlds young mare, search deep within yourself for the truth if you dare.” Zecora said shouted out hoping Ericka could hear her.

“I won't believe anything until I see it with my own eyes.” Ericka thought to herself in a pissed off tone. But there was one thing she couldn't deny. Those bodies in that ditch, they looked just like her. The images of that sight haunted her even now as if she was staring strait at them still. If she was to ask them anything when she went back to her human body, it's how her pony body was created...

Another royal meeting

ANOTHER ROYAL MEETING

Professor Josh stumbled backward and fell onto his ass as Ericka approached him after she had struck him square in the face. “Why didn't you tell me this?! How could you be so thoughtless?!” Ericka roared as she stood before him.

“H-Hey! It's not like those things had souls of their own! I just worked from the ground up with what I knew! And since when did you care so much about how your equine body was made?” Josh asked as he stood back to his feet wearily.

Upon hearing this Ericka balled up her fist once again but just as she was about to strike the professor, Richard came up behind her and held her back. “Stop it Ericka! He's not worth it!” Richard exclaimed as he struggled to hold the woman back.

“All those bodies, the least you could have done is have the decency to bury them! But no, you just tossed them in a ditch like they were Jews in a extermination camp! Would you have even told me if I hadn't seen it for myself?! Would have have told me how I was made?!” Ericka roared as she struggled against Richard, seemingly hellbent on pummeling the hell out of the professor.

“Wh-What?” Josh asked in a shocked tone. At first he thought he had misunderstood her, but he realized that she had actually said “How I was made.” “Do you honestly believe that creature is you?” Josh asked stunned at hearing this.

This question halted Ericka in her struggle full stop and realized just what she had said now. “Forget it, I'm going back to see Pinkie Pie and the others now. I'll have my report for you when I get back.” Ericka replied in a solemn tone at which point Richard released her from his grip.

Ericka then walked over to the V-M-A device, laid in it, and shut the door.

A month had now past and Nightmare Night was now upon Ponyville and Ericka was eager to meet Princess Luna herself.

“You really did that?!” Pinkie Pie asked incredulously as Ericka sat in her room now.

“Well yeah. I was pissed off. After all, what they did to make this body I'm in. Even though I'm happy to be able to spend time with you guys, I wish it didn't come at the expense of those bodies. To be honest, I don't care about the mission anymore. But I know this won't last forever. The field study will end and I'll have to leave.” Ericka replied in a saddened tone.

The pink mare looked at her with a saddened expression now. “You mean you can't stay forever?” Pinkie Pie asked with a pouty expression.

“I'm afraid not. I would love to believe me, but the top brass won't let me stay here forever.” Ericka replied followed by a sigh.

“But we've become such great friends. And you've even become good friends with Twilight's and the others.” Pinkie Pie replied in a soft tone at which point Ericka placed a hoof on the pink mares cheek and smiled at her.

“Hey, don't give me that look. Isn't your special talent making parties and putting smiles on pony's faces?” Ericka asked softly.

“Well yes, but how can I be super happy, when knowing you won't be here forever makes me super sad?” The frizzy maned mare asked with a slight sniffle.

“I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, and I’ll let you know when I have to go, but until then. I want to see you smile okay? It just seems so not you to be frowning like that.” The dark blue Pegasus said as she embraced the pink mare in a loving hug.

“Okay Ericka. I'll do my very best to keep a super duper big smile on my face!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she returned the hug.

“That's what I wanted to hear. Now lets go outside and enjoy Nightmare Night shall we?” Ericka asked as she broke the hug and looked at the pink mare.

“Okie-doki-loki!” Pinkie Pie replied as she hopped to all four hooves and began to walk to the door of her room followed by Ericka.

“She's getting too close to them...”

“I know...”

“You told me she was the perfect candidate for this because of her background. What changed?”

“I don't know, but I do know one thing...”

“and what might that be?”

“She needs to be 'taken care of'”

“You mean “make her disappear”?”

“We can not just make her 'disappear' the others would notice, her social status in their society has progressed that far.”

“Then what do you suggest?”

“Expose her, reveal to the others that she's not what she seems.”

“That's low, even for you...”

“I know, but we have no other choice. If this continues, it's only a matter of time before she stumbles upon something else...”

“How did she discover the bodies in the first place?”

“I have an idea. But I'm not completely sure.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, Richard told me that he saw her speaking to a zebra-like creature a week before the confrontation.”

“So you wish to silence the zebra too?”

“If it comes down to it, yes.”

“Very well, This meeting is adjourned.”

Ericka walked about Ponyville now in awe by all the festivities that were happening. To her left she could see a few ponies firing off pumpkin launchers which sent pumpkin hurtling towards targets with a loud splattering sound. To her left she could see more ponies dipping their heads into a large bucket of water. And judging by the fact when their heads resurfaced they had apples in most of them, she assumed this to be a game of “bobbing for apples”.

In front of her now she saw a small group of colts and fillies laughing aloud as they ran to a home dressed in different kinds of costumes and shouted “Trick or Treat!” as the door opened revealing an adult stallion dressed in what Ericka assumed to be a “vampire costume”.

“So, are y'all enjoyin yourselves?” The farm pony asked as Ericka and Pinkie Pie stepped up to her. Applejack was dressed in what Ericka assumed to be a scarecrow costume and stood by the large bucket of water as ponies bobbed for apples.

“It's just so much to take in, I never dreamed your holidays would be so, well, big!” Ericka remarked aloud in an awed tone.

“Heh, well ah reckon once your memory comes back, you'll remember this kind of stuff is common for Ponyville folk. We are a pretty close-nit town ya could say.” Applejack replied with a giggle.

“So what is Twilight dressed up as this year Applejack?” Pinkie Pie asked eagerly.

“No idea, probably another pony from one of her history books.” Applejack replied followed by a hearty laugh to which Pinkie Pie joined in with a giggle-fit of her own.

CRACKLE-THOOM!

“Yaaaaah!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed about the same time Ericka had as they jumped in the air and fell onto their rumps, turned around and looked up to see Rainbow Dash whom was dressed in what looked to Ericka like something from a “scream movie” from her world.

“Ha-ha-ha! Got ya both!” The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed with a grin.

“Can ya go one year without bein a prankster Rainbow Dash?” Applejack asked with an annoyed glare at the Pegasus.

“Can you go one year without putting up this bobbing for apples stand? Lighten up AJ! This is the one time of the year I can cut loose and not get any flack for it!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a mischievous grin as she pushed the cloud along the skies to her next unsuspecting victim.

“I didn't take Rainbow Dash for a prankster.” Ericka remarked aloud as she caught her breath and waited for her heart to stop pounding out of her chest.

“Are you kiddin meh? Her and Pinkie Pie are notorious for the most pranks in Ponyville this side of Equestria.” Applejack replied with a grin.

“You too? No wonder you like to sneak up on me, it all makes sense now.” Ericka remarked aloud dismally though she smiled as she spoke.

“Hehe! Don't worry Cloudkicker, I won't prank you if you don't want me to, it's all in good fun, and Pinkie Pie looooves fun!” The pink mare exclaimed with a wide grin.

“Oh really?” Ericka replied with a mischievous grin.

The cyan blue Pegasus now hovered over a set of unsuspecting ponies preparing to strike down to creak the loud thundering sound only to have the cloud she was on suddenly be yanked from under her. “Hey! What gives?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in an annoyed tone.

Rainbow Daaaash, you have be abusing my power to scare unsuspecting ponies, for this you shall be punished!

The cloud seemingly spoke to the cyan blue Pegasus.

“Wh-What?! Okay who's doing that? Who grabbed the cloud?” The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed in an annoyed tone as she flew over to it only for it to zip away from her. Moments later a few other clouds gathered in the area and began to making thundering sounds of their own.

“O-Okay guys, this isn't funny! Come out and face me!” The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed in a scared tone as the clouds grew louder and louder and electricity seemed to be swirling around in them.

Any last words Raaaaainboooow Daaaaashhh?

The cloud seemingly asked as the electricity grew more firce.

“Whaaaaaaahhhh!” Rainbow Dash shrieked out in horror as she darted away so fast a rainbow streak could be seen in the wake of her flight.

After the cyan blue Pegasus was clearly out of sight, two mares could be heard laughing hysterically behind the clouds as was a certain Purple unicorn. “Th-That was pure genius, Cloudkicker. Bwhahahahahaaaaah!!!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed between laughs.

“It's a good thing Twilight knew some of kind of way to let you move and walk on clouds for a short time.” Ericka replied as she caught her breath from laughing so hard.

“Nothing a walk on clouds spell can't fix.” Twilight remarked from below as she wiped tears from her eyes after laughing so hard herself.

“A magic spell huh?” Ericka asked aloud as she helped the pink mare to the ground.

“Yep. Is it coming back to you yet Cloudkicker?” Twilight asked curiously as the dark Blue Pegasus walked up to her.

“Slowly.” Ericka replied honestly. Though she meant this with a completely different meaning. She was slowly beginning to accept that there was nothing scientific at all about the things Twilight and other unicorns is this world could do. Slowly but surely, she was beginning to believe that this “magic” as Twilight and many other unicorn's called it, actually did, in fact, exist.

“So do you think she'll be pulling anymore pranks tonight?” Pinkie Pie asked with a mischievous grin.

“Actually, I kind of hope so. It wouldn't be nightmare night without Rainbow Dash scaring the Tartarus out of ponies.” Twilight replied with a soft smile.

“Your right, she's always been the big prankster. Bigger even than me.” Pinkie Pie replied with a giggle.

Hours past however and the cyan blue Pegasus was no where in sight. “Maybe I should go see how she's doing?” Ericka suggested worried.

“Yeah, she's been gone way too long now. I was sure she could have figured out it was a prank by now.” Twilight replied equally worried now.

Ericka then took off from the ground and off towards Rainbow Dash's home.

Once the dark blue Pegasus arrived, she saw that just about every light in the cyan blue Pegasus's house was on as she landed on the doorstep. “Dashie? You here?” Ericka called out but there was no awnser.

Curiously she opened the door and saw the cyan blue Pegasus huddled in the corner sobbing softly to herself. “Listen, about the cloud thing, that was my idea. It wasn't real ya know. Just a prank.” Ericka confessed guiltily as she walked up to the cyan blue Pegasus.

“Of course I figured out it was a prank, what do you think I am? A foal?” Rainbow Dash replied in a hurt tone with a sniffle.

“Then I don't understand, why are you like this?” Ericka asked confused yet still concerned.

“When I was a filly, way before I entered flight school, I was terrified of clouds. See, when a year or two after I was born, there was this huge storm that the Pegasus ponies bright in. Well, it got out of control. Me, my mom, and dad had to flee from our cloud home. Our cloud home was destroyed before my very eyes as they carried me away. The formation of clouds, the lightning, it was just like your prank. It took me eight years to get over that fear.” The cyan blue Pegasus explained at which point Ericka felt like dirt.

“I-I didn't know. I'm so sorry! Can you forgive me?” Ericka asked in a soft tone as she laid down next to the cyan blue Pegasus and placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“I know you didn't know. That's why I’m not upset with you. I just didn't want anypony to see me like this. The last thing I want anypony saying is that I went from the coolest pony in Ponyville to a lame crying filly.” Rainbow Dash replied with a sniffle.

“Dashie, our fears don't make us lame ponies. Nor does crying for that matter. Everypony does it. Sometimes, even fear can drive us to overcome the very thing we are afraid of.” Ericka replied in a comforting tone.

“Don't talk to me like I’m some filly okay? I know this. I just have an image to uphold.” Rainbow Dash replied in an annoyed tone as she sniffled once again and wiped some tears from her eyes.

“Okay, Okay. Sorry, I didn't mean to talk down to you like that.” Ericka replied sheepishly as she rubbing the back of her head with her right hoof.

The cyan blue Pegasus gave one last sniffle before she wiped her eyes and nose with a hoof and stood to all four hooves. “It's cool. I'm okay now though.”

“You sure?” Ericka asked curiously as she stood to all four hooves herself.

“Yeah, I'm fine. No need to be crying my eyes out all night long over something that happened so long ago.” Rainbow Dash remarked as she walked towards her door, stopped just short of it, turned around and looked at Ericka.

“Something up?” Ericka asked curiously as she took note of the cyan blue Pegasus's look now.

Rainbow Dash stood there for a few moments just looking at Ericka before she shook her head with a soft smile. “Nah, it's nothing.” She replied before she turned around and took off from her doorsteps.

“Your welcome, Dashie.” Ericka remarked with a smile. Though she wasn't exactly sure, she had a feeling Rainbow Dash wanted to say thank you for coming to check on her and cheer her up. She however knew that even if she did, she wouldn't say it outright.

“Hey, you missed Princess Luna's speech!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as Erika came into sight and landed next to her.

“”Well, crap! She hasn't left yet has she?” Ericka asked hopefully.

“Nopey-dopey! She's in town square enjoying the festivities with the other ponies.” Pinkie Pie replied with a smile at which point Ericka and her ran towards town square.

Ericka stared in shock and awe of the night princess's appearance. She was nearly as tall as Celestia was, maybe a few feet shorter. Without another moments hesitation she ran up to the moon princess and bowed before her.

“Hello Princess, I've been looking forward to meeting you!” Ericka exclaimed looking up at Luna whom looked down at her with a curious expression until her eyes widened in realization of who exactly this pony was.

“Ah yes, we have heard about you.” Princess Luna remarked aloud with a slightly stern expression.

“If I may be so bold to ask, can I ask to speak to you alone?” Ericka asked curiously.

The moon princess stared at her for a few moments as if debating this before she replied with a silent nod and the two began to walk away from town square.

“We must be frank with the, we do not trust thou, but we trust our sister's judgment.” Princess Luna remarked aloud as they walked on.

“I understand. At first I was afraid your older sister would banish me to moon or something like that from the history book I read.” Ericka replied nervously then made a facehoofing gesture. “Oh sorry!” Ericka exclaimed thinking she may have brought up unwanted memories to the moon princess.

“It is quite alright. We assume you know of our dark past then?” Luna replied as they stopped just short of a statue and looked at it.

“Well, yes and no. I had my suspicions, but the history book was really vague about it.” Ericka replied honestly.

“As it should be. Our sister did not want her younger sister's reputation left in ruins for younger generations to learn and hate us for what we did.” Princess Luna replied followed by a sigh. “It is still hard for us. Adjusting to this modern world. So much has changed. And sometimes, it overwhelms us.” The moon princess confessed.

“Me and you are the same in some ways then. Thrown into a world where nothing makes sense. I'm still learning about this world and up until I finally accepted some things, nothing made sense. And a lot of stuff still doesn't. But I’m learning.” Ericka replied with a smile as she looked over at the moon princess whom continued to stare at the statue.

“Know this, we have been watching thou closely, as has our elder sister. We have taken note of how you have become friends with Twilight and the others. We urge the to not get anymore attached then thou already has. One day you will have to leave, thou knows this does the not?” Princess Luna asked as she turned her head to look at Ericka who's expression had become saddened upon hearing this.

“Yes, but sometimes, I wish I didn't have to leave them.” Ericka replied at which point Princess Luna turned to face her directly.

“Thou does not belong here. Thou belongs with the two legged creatures that dwell in the Everfree forest. Thou is not a pony, thou is a two legged creature in a pony's body. We do not wish to be cruel to the, but thou surely must realize this.” Princess Luna replied with a look of seriously in her eyes.

“How can you say such cruel things?! After all, you were once Nightmare Moon were you not? You changed who you were. Why can't I change who I am? Why can't I be a Pegasus? Why do you look at me and see one of those two legged creatures? Can't you look at me and see me for who I am?!” Ericka exclaimed as tears swelled in her eyes now. She didn't know what she was saying, it just seemed to pour out and she wasn't able to control it.

Upon hearing this, Princess Luna's expression changed to one Ericka couldn't quite place as the moon Princess blinked at her several times. “Thou...truly believes she is a pony?”

“I-I guess so.” Ericka replied stuttering slightly now.

Upon hearing this the moon princess sighed heavily. “We may have misjudged the.” Princess Luna remarked aloud as she walked past the dark blue Pegasus and stopped though she did not turn to face her. “Know this, we have been impressed by thou's statement. But we must bid the farewell for now. If we do not partake in Nightmare Night's festivities, then thy subjects may wonder what has happened to us. We shall speak again Cloudkicker.” Princess Luna replied and walked away.

Now alone, Ericka was able to fully process what she had just said. “What the fuck is happening to me?” Ericka asked herself aloud as she stared at her hooves now as she sat on the ground. “Why did I say all that? Is it because I’ve been in this pony body for so long that I'm actually starting to believe I am one? Is this one those unknown side-effects that Josh spoke of?” These questions and more plagued the young Pegasus's mind.

She was lost, confused as to who she actually was. Yet, at this very moment she remembered something...

FLASHBACK

“Hey sis! Do you really think those visitors from the other planet come in peace? I mean they look so creepy and different!” Ericka's little sister remarked aloud.

“Just because a being looks different doesn't mean they are automatically evil sis. Remember, we live in a vast universe. So many worlds exist out there. If we can't accept another race of being that looks different from us, then how can we live in peace?” Ericka asked as she looked away from her painting to look at her sister now.

“I know that, but it's not like we one of them, how can we know what they are thinking?” Ericka's little sister asked curiously to which Ericka smiled at her.

“Well, you are you, right?” Ericka asked to which her little sister nodded but didn't see where she was going with this.

“And you would never hurt anyone right?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Of course not! But I don't see where you're going with this!” Ericka's little sister exclaimed in frustration.

“No matter what you look like, you'll still be you. And no matter what the visitors from outer space look like, they will still be them. Sure, some of them may be hostile towards us, but that doesn't make them any different from humans. Nothing in this universe is perfect. And no world in this universe is an exception to that statement.” Ericka replied as she reach over and hugged her little sister.

“I don't understand.” Ericka's little sister replied in a confused tone to which Ericka giggled.

“Don't worry little sis, one day you will.” Ericka replied with a smile.

END FLASHBACK

“Even if I’m a pony right now. I'm still me.” Ericka said aloud as if she had an epiphany. “I understand now, but it's funny, I thought I understood before.” Ericka said aloud with a soft giggle. “I can't believe how much of an idiot I’ve been! Fussing over looks when they don't matter when it comes down to who I am.” Ericka remarked aloud with a soft smile however frowned as she looked at her hooves again.

“But what am I really? Am I a human being? Or a pony?” Ericka asked aloud as she stared at her hooves. The question now was no longer about her appearance, but rather a more spiritual question to herself. A question she had yet to find an answer for.

Regardless, she would find that answer for herself as time passed. For now, she just would take things as they came and in doing that, she was sure she would find the answer...

The bookworm's apprentice

THE BOOKWORM'S APPRENTICE

“Gang waaay!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she came crashing through Twilight's window and ran head first into a book shelf which caused a tidal-wave of books to come crashing down over the purple unicorn's head.

RAINBOW DAAASH! I JUST ORGANIZED THESE!

The purple unicorn's outraged roar snapped Ericka awake out of what she though to be a peaceful slumber. Now more or less awake, the dark blue Pegasus stretched her wings and all four legs out before getting out of bed. “I'm beginning to wonder if you need glasses Dashie.” Ericka remarked out loud drowsily as she entered the room to see the mess of books along with Twilight whom was glaring at the cyan blue Pegasus now.

“No way, glasses are for bookworms! And I'm no bookworm!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed proudly.

“Says the mare who pops in here every week to check out the latest Daring Doo book.” Twilight remarked out loud as she used her magic to lift up a book and place it on the shelf.

“Hey, that's the only book I’ll pick up and that's because the pony is just as awesome as I am! Besides, I was practicing a trick and lost control. Do you want me to help you clean this mess up Twilight?” The cyan blue Pegasus asked.

“No, just-” The purple unicorn began only to halt herself mid-sentence. “-Just go, I'll handle it.” She replied after a few more moments, Ericka felt Twilight’s tone meant she was choosing her words carefully.

“If you're sure then I'll see you later fillies.” Rainbow Dash replied with a smile and took off back out the window.

“Is it wrong of me to think of that week she spent in the hospital with an injured wing as a blessing?” The purple unicorn asked as she looked at Ericka whom was stepping up next to her now.

“No, but if you wish she would get her wing injured, then that is wrong to think. Wishing harm on anypony is never a good thing.” Ericka replied as she picked up a book with her mouth and placed it on the bookshelf.

“Don't get me wrong, Rainbow Dash is one of the best friends a pony could ask for. It's just that...” Twilight replied but trailed off.

“You wish she would respect your library a lot more.” Ericka chimed in as if finishing the purple Unicorn's sentence for her.

“Yes, exactly. It took me hours this morning to organize these books alphabetically and just as I finished, she comes crashing in.” Twilight remarked sourly with an annoyed sigh.

“Who manages the library when you aren't here?” Ericka asked curiously aafter she placed another book on the shelf.

“Nopony actually. Spike's too young to be left alone. I can leave him here for at most a few hours at a time. I know he may act older than he looks, but he still is a baby dragon.” Twilight replied and sighed again.

“It sounds to me, like you need a vacation.” Ericka suggested with a smirk.

“A vacation?” The purple unicorn asked as if the word was foreign to her but she knew what she meant. “No, I can't. Who would be here to organize the books, help ponies who are looking for a certain kind of book, and track which books are on checkout and check-in?” Twilight asked aloud at which point Ericka cleared her throat as if to give the purple unicorn the hint which she got all too easily. “You? But what about your flying lessons with Rainbow Dash?”

“I can put off flying lessons for a week to let you and Spike relax. It would be the least I can do for you after all you've done for me.” Ericka replied with a warm smile.

“The magic books go here, the history books go here, and the fiction novels go here. Oh, and don't forget to reorganize the books at last once a day. Ponies tend to leave the books in the wrong place a lot. Oh, and make sure you keep track of which books are being checked in and checked out with the log I have on my desk over here.” The purple unicorn said nervously and continued to unnecessarily go over things until Ericka literally began to shove her out the door.

“I got it! Don't worry, the library won’t be bombed by grad students while you’re out.” Ericka replied with a slight giggle.

“Bombed by what?” Twilight’s eyes popped wide with shock.

“Nevermind!” Erika pushed Twilight to the door. “I’ll look after it!”

“O-Okay, just remember the the emergency magic letter is on the desk in case anything happens.” Twilight replied as the dark blue Pegasus continued to shove her towards the door. “Oh and don't forget to-” The purple unicorn began to say only for Ericka to slam the door in her face.

“For the love of everything pony, go relax!” Ericka shouted from inside the library and laughed out loud to herself as she walked away. She half expected the unicorn to charge back in and continue on, but luckily for her she didn’t and seemed to take the hint.

A mere five minutes later the door opened. “Twilight, I told you I got-Oh, hello.” Ericka began to say expecting to see the purple unicorn in front of her and instead only saw Fluttershy, whom stared at her meekly.

“Um, Hi Cloudkicker. I was just returning the book I checked out a week ago on how to take care of hedgehogs with a case of fleas.” Fluttershy remarked aloud though her voice was in a hushed whisper.

“No problem.” Ericka replied happy and chipper to help the yellow Pegasus as she took the book in her mouth, carried it over to the table, checked the log for the book, checked it off as Twilight had instructed, and placed the book in the returned bin to place in it's proper place later.

“Um, Where is Twilight?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“Oh, heh, I guess she forgot to let you guys know. She and Spike are gone on a vacation to Canterlot for the week. I'm in charge of the library until she gets back.” Ericka replied with a smile.

“Oh? Are you sure you can handle it?” Fluttershy asked in a worried tone.

“It's no problem at all. How hard is it to replace a couple books?” Ericka asked the yellow Pegasus with a confident smile.

FIVE HOURS LATER...

“For the love of god, just how many books do these ponies read in a single week?!” Ericka asked aloud incredulously as the returned bin was now filled to brim and even overflowing with books and to make matters even more stressful for the dark blue Pegasus, she had to deal with a flood of ponies who seemed to be in a rush as they came in, stated what book they had checked out once, and left without repeating themselves which sometimes caused Ericka to second guess herself at what book they had actually checked out, yet she had no time to think it over as the flood continued.

It was about this time that Pinkie Pie had walked in. “Oh, hi Cloudkicker! How goes things?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously only to see a frantic and stressed out Ericka flying about the room putting books in their places and checking off books in the log. She turned back to the patron asking them to repeat themselves only to be ignored.

Erika sighed. “Just how many books do these ponies read daily?!” Ericka asked the pink mare about four hours later after the flood had finished.

“Well unlike your world, we don't have those little picture boxes with moving pictures you told me about. Our main source of entertainment is books.” Pinkie Pie replied with a smirk.

“How does she do it? I mean look at my mane for peat's sake!” Ericka exclaimed as she flung her mane out which was frizzy and no where near as maintained as it usually was.

Hearing this just caused the pink mare to giggle insanely for a few moments. “Twilight is the most organized pony of us all. After all, she's the one who organizes tasks during winter wrap up. Course magic does help a lot.” Pinkie Pie replied and giggled slightly.

“I wanted to do something nice for Twilight, but this is biting off more than I chew! I won't last three days at this rate.” Ericka replied and sighed aloud as she slammed her face into her front hooves.

CRASH!!!

The sound caused Ericka to snap her head in the direction of the bookshelves in the back room and went slack-jawed. “It took me three hours to organize those.” Ericka remarked aloud in a dazed tone before passing out on the spot.

The next day was just as stressful as the last. Over the next three days Erika began to notice a pattern, where the cyan blue streak that was Rainbow Dash would regularly attempt tricks around the library. This inevitably would result in Erika having to re-stack the shelves when the trick went wrong.

THAT'S IT!

Ericka roared at the top of her lungs as the cyan blue Pegasus crashed into the bookshelves again on the fourth day and pointed a shaking hoof at the cyan blue Pegasus. “You! Out!” Ericka roared as she walked up the steps to the back room. Rainbow Dash obeyed without a moments hesitation. The look in the dark blue Pegasus's eyes made her think Cloudkicker was out for blood now, that's how pissed off Ericka looked at the moment.

It was at this point in time as the cyan blue Pegasus darted out of Twilight's window like a bat out of hell that Pinkie Pie walked in. “How goes...” The pink mare began to ask only to trail off as Ericka looked nearly crazed as she walked past her. “It?”

“Things are going to change around here, mark my words Pinkie!” Ericka exclaimed as she opened the front door and slammed it behind her.

The next day as the usual flood came in the ponies of Ponyville were in for a shock as their usual routine of marching in and out in a hurry was dragged to screeching halt. Instead of the usual look of the inside of the library, a large wooden fence had been erected with a sign above it with the words printed on it:

RETURN LINE HERE, WAIT YOUR LINE OR FACE THE FINE!

A second large wooden fence had also been erected next to it with a sign above it that read:

CHECK OUT LINE HERE, WAIT IN LINE OR FACE THE FINE!

Under each of these signs was a smaller sign that read:

Books checked out/in without confirmation with the librarian: Four bits.

Books not given to librarian to properly check out/in: Ten bits.

Placing a book back in the wrong place when read: Six bits.

Forgetting to return a book to it's proper place when you are done reading it: Fifteen bits.

ANYPONY WHO DOES NOT PAY THESE FINES WILL BE BANNED FROM THIS LIBRARY!

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

For the first time in years, the citizens of Ponyville were forced to wait in line and Ericka was true to her word as several ponies found out the hard way when the flood first arrived.

Gang waay!

-elastic stretching sounds-

-BOING-YOING-YOING!-

WHAAAAHHHH!

Upon hearing this the dark blue Pegasus gave a content sigh. “That'll teach her to do tricks around Twilight's house.” Ericka thought to herself as she checked out the next set of books with the patron in front of her now.

“What in tarnation?!” Applejack asked shocked by the sudden change to the interior of Twilight's library as she walked in expecting to simply toss a book in and leave.

“Wait in line or pay the fine.” Ericka said simply as she checked off a few books out of the log and allowed the pony to leave with their books.

“But ah'm your friend, that's gotta account for somethin.” Applejack said in the sweetest tone she could muster only for the dark blue Pegasus to slap a wing against the fee sign next to her as she continued to work with her current patron not looking away from them.

“Well ah never.” Applejack remarked aloud with a scowl and with great reluctance, waited for her turn in line.

Pinkie Pie walked in and gawked in shock at the sight that beheld her. “Wowie! You really got organized didn't ya?!” Pinkie Pie asked aloud with a smirk.

“I told you things would change Pinkie. I don't know how Twilight did it, but back home, this is how we do things to keep things organized.” Ericka replied with a smile as she checked off another book title out of the log and allowed the pony to leave.

“Well, good for you. I'm grabbing the usual cookbook, so I’ll catch you later!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she grabbed the book and began to rush for the door only for Ericka to clear her throat loudly which caused the pink pony to stop her tracks and look at her.

“That'll be four bits Pinkie.” Ericka said simply as she looked at the pink mare now as she slapped her wing against the fees sign.

“But-but-but...” The sugar high mare pleaded with the best pouty tone she could muster only to end up paying four bits and wait in line.

“I told you that eating all those sweets would give you a stomach ache Spike.” Twilight lectured in an annoyed tone as Spike groaned loudly and held his stomach.

“But Donut Joe said they were on the house, how could I resist those frosting covered rings of goodness?” Spike whined to which the purple unicorn rolled her eyes and sighed as they approached the library, entered, and both jaws dropped.

“What in Equestria?” Twilight asked stunned.

“Hey, Your back? How was vacation?” Ericka asked with a smile as the purple unicorn walked up to her.

“It was relaxing, up until Spike overate and got himself a stomach ache just before we left Canterlot. What's all this?” Twilight replied curiously.

“Oh this? Well, I got tired of the ponies just marching in and out right and left, so I put my hoof down. Now things are much more manageable!” Ericka exclaimed with a smile.

The unicorn simply just made a facehoofing gesture and groaned loudly.

FIVE HOURS AND A LOAD OF EXPLANATION LATER...

“I tried to warn you about the floods, but you shoved me out the door before I could say anything.” Twilight remarked aloud with a giggle after hearing the dark blue Pegasus's story, she stared perplexed at the elastic net that seemed to be nailed into her window next to the bookshelves in the back.

“Um, what's this?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Oh, heh. That was to keep Rainbow Dash from crashing into your bookshelves.” Ericka remarked aloud with a nervous giggle.

“Oh dear...” Twilight remarked aloud with a lip-biting gesture.

MEANWHILE NEAR FLUTTERSHY'S COTTAGE...

“How did you end up here again?” Fluttershy asked curiously as the cyan blue Pegasus looked at her.

“Look, don't ask questions and just get my flank out of here! Ow, ow, ow!” Rainbow dash exclaimed as she struggled to pull herself out of the small window of the chicken coop only to give a pained yelp as the chickens pecked at her hindquarters...

Reporting in

REPORTING IN

The days seemed to fly by for Ericka now and even though Twilight had removed the waiting lines and elastic net from her home, she did like Ericka's method of keeping things organized and decided to keep the rules the dark blue Pegasus had implemented but we her own special twist.

At this very moment however a very annoyed Rainbow Dash stared at Ericka whom was stifling a laugh as the cyan blue Pegasus's entire hindquarters was bandaged up now. Save for a hole which allowed her tail to move freely. “I can explain! It was temporary insanity!” Ericka exclaimed defensively.

“If you didn't want me to practice my tricks near the library, you could have just said so ya know.” Rainbow Dash replied flatly.

“Okay, so the elastic net was a bit much, but hey I was driven crazy by the patrons.” Ericka replied doing her best to not burst out laughing.

“Whatever, lets just forget it and get to teaching you how to fly properly.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied with a scowl.

Just as Ericka was about to take off however, she noticed a red unicorn running up to her. “Listen, um, Cloudkicker was it? I need to talk to you.” Richard said in a slightly urgent tone.

“Come on, I don't have all day!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed impatiently.

“Just a moment.” Ericka replied then looked at Richard. “This had better be good.” Ericka replied in a whisper as she followed the red unicorn.

“So what's so urgent that you have to interrupt my flying lessons?” Ericka asked annoyed.

“It's commander Stillborn and the others. They heard about your outburst a month or so ago. They are getting worried that you're spending too much time in your pony body. They asked me to come and get you so you can give a full report on what you've learned.” Richard said in a worried tone.

“And if I don't?” Ericka replied with a slight glare now.

“They told me that if you didn't return to me or at least give confirmation to pull you out sometime soon, they were going to do so whether you want them to or not and pull the plug on your mission.” Richard replied to which Ericka's eyes widened in shock.

“Th-They wouldn't! That could possibly jeopardize the mission!” Ericka countered.

“At this point Ericka, they already feel like it's being jeopardized by your lack of reports over the last few months.” Richard replied followed by a sigh.

“Okay, Okay! Tell them to pull me out at exactly twelve mid-night tonight and I'll spend two days filling them in on everything I’ve learned.” Ericka replied looking slightly scared now.

“Alright.” Richard replied simply, turned around, walked a few feet, stopped, and turned around to face her again. “And Ericka, for the sake of this mission, I hope the report is very good.” Richard added after a few moments before he turned around once again and ran off.

“Yo, Cloudkicker! You wanna learn to fly better or not?” Rainbow Dash asked impatiently as she flew up to her now.

“Sorry Dashie, there's somewhere I gotta be, I’m gonna be ducking out a couple days.” Ericka replied hastily before she ran off towards Twilight’s house.

“What's up with her? Just a few minutes ago she was begging me to continue teaching her and now she suddenly has somewhere to be?” The cyan blue Pegasus asked aloud with a confused expression.

“You're spending the weekend with Pinkie Pie? But I thought you and Rainbow Dash were going to be getting your flying skills down?” Twilight asked with a perplexed expression as the dark blue Pegasus scrambled around the guest bedroom glancing up at the clock ever so often.

“Well, you know how Pinkie Pie can be. And she was really insisting on me being there for the whole weekend.” Erika replied in a hurried tone as she threw the last of the supplies into her saddle-packs and dashed out of the guest bedroom.

“Well have fun then. I'm not your mother so I’m not about to lecture you on what not to do with your time.” Twilight replied though she seemed unsure of why the dark blue Pegasus was suddenly changing her plans without any warning.

“Thanks for understanding Twilight, gotta go!” Ericka exclaimed as she rushed out of the library and took off from the ground towards Pinkie Pie's house.

“You need me to what?” The pink mare asked incredulously as Ericka put her things down in Pinkie Pie's room.

“Ugh, do I have to repeat myself? I need you to look after my pony body for a couple days. My superiors are breathing down my neck for answers and are threatening to pull the plug on the mission and if they do that, then my stay here in Ponyville is finito!” Ericka replied as she glanced up at the clock.

“Fin-whato?” Pinkie Pie asked looking completely confused now.

“Finished. It means I won't be able to come back to my pony body and I’ll never see you or anypony else ever again.” Ericka replied and laid down on the sleeping bag now.

“Oh! That would make me super sad!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a a frown.

“Your not the only one it would make super sad Pinkie. Now remember, until I come back to my pony body, no one is to see me, got it? I don't care if mayor mare herself comes banging on the door. If they find my pony body without me in it...Well you know how my body is when I’m not in it. I seem like I'm dead.” Ericka replied and looked up at the clock once again.

“Don't remind me, that was super scary.” The pink mare replied with a slight shudder.

“So you understand why they can't find me like this now right?” Ericka asked to which Pinkie Pie nodded.

Ericka gave one more glance at the clock and sighed. “Five minutes till.” Ericka replied with a frown.

“You'll come back won't you?” Pinkie Pie asked pouting after a few moments.

“Of course I will Pinkie.” Ericka replied with a smile and looked up at the clock. Sixty seconds. “See you later Pinkie and remember, no pony can see me like this.” Ericka replied, laid her head down and closed her eyes.

A short time later she felt the familiar passing out sensation.

“It's about time Private! I certainly hope you have one hell of a report for us or I'm pulling the plug on this field study.” Commander Stillborn said in a stern tone as Ericka sat up from the bed of the V-M-A device.

“I plan to report it in pony, erm, in person sir!” Ericka replied stumbling over her words slightly as she saluted him.

“Good to hear Private!” Stillborn replied, turned around, and walked away.

It all felt so surreal to Ericka now. She would have figured that she would have gotten used to the transition by now. But now, after being in her pony body at times for so long, she was actually starting to forget some of her basic human functions. She had almost actually fell to her hands no sooner she stepped out until a suspicions glance from Richard snapped her back to remembering she was human again.

“Wow, this is getting pretty bad.” Ericka remarked aloud in a worried tone once she realized that she was trying to open the bathroom door flat-handed as if she still had hooves until it finally occurred to her that she had fingers again.

After she had used the restroom she stepped out and looked at Richard whom wore a concerned expression now. “Are you okay?” Richard asked curiously.

“Yeah, why wouldn't I be?” Ericka lied.

“It's just that it seems that every time you step out of that V-M-A machine, you seem, well, less human.” Richard remarked.

“Oh come off it, I'm fine. You worry too much.” Ericka replied dismissively as she attempted to stretch her wings. Their absence made her hesitate, enough for Richard to grab onto her hand causing Erika to look back at him.

“Don't forget that you're only inhabiting a pony's body. You’re a human being, Ericka, remember that.” Richard said sternly yet it almost seemed like a threat.

In the next moment Ericka had twisted Richard's arm behind his back. “And you seemed to forget about my no touching rule!” Ericka exclaimed in a pissed off tone.

“Okay, Okay! I remember now! You're gonna break it!” Richard exclaimed in a pained tone at which point Ericka released him.

“See that you remember that.” Ericka replied with a glare before she walked away from him.

Ericka stepped into the base's meeting room which to her left has file cabinets which she assumed to be filled to the brim with files. To her right sat a white marker board and in the middle of the room sat a large oval table with chairs aligned around it neatly.

The cheery blond haired woman sat in the chair nearest to one of the ends of the table and a few minutes later commander still born entered followed by several scientists, one of which was Josh who all sat down in a seat and looked at her.

“Okay, so we'll start with the basic questions and work our way up, how does that sound Ericka?” Amie asked in a polite tone.

“Sounds good to me.” Ericka replied flatly. She couldn't wait till this was over and she could get back to spending time with Pinkie Pie and the others, but for now she was going to have to explain things the best she could to them.

“Very well, lets start with their society’s technological advancements.” Amie replied.

“Suffice it to say, they don't have many at all. Most of the homes I have seen are lit by candlelight. Though they do have modern structures and some modern technological items such as ovens, mixers and the like which while I do not know the exact source of energy that powers them, seems to...” Ericka began to say only to trail off. She was about to say “powered by magic” but they would call her crazy for it. “Seems to be by what, as their society views, is magic.” Ericka replied as she choose her words carefully as she spoke now.

“Do they have things like microwaves, dishwashers, or cars?” Josh asked curiously.

“No, as I said, they do not have much in the ways of modern technological advancements. And the types they have are scattered and random. I honestly can't tell you everything because I have yet to see it all. But I can with the utmost assurance, tell you that they do have modern technological items.” Ericka replied.

“Then how do the creatures do long distance travel? We have heard reports of some of them traveling by...” Amie began to say only to trail off as she flipped pages of what could be none other than Richard's reports. “...Air. How do they accomplish this? Or do you know?” Amie asked curiously.

“By flying them around. I do know that Twilight, which is the name one of the pony's I am in constant contact with, mentioned traveling by carriage to Canterlot at times which was flown by two Pegasus'.

“Pegasus?” Amie asked curiously.

“That is what the winged ponies call themselves, that is also the breed of pony that I am-erm, inhabiting when I am among them.” Ericka replied and mentally kicked herself for slipping up like that. She was sure they would take note of her exact wording in that statement.

“And how do they fly? As you above all people should know, the Pegasus as you call them, have feathered wings. With no wind current on the planet due to the lack of oxygen, it's not scientifically possible. Can you explain how they manage it without this essential requirement?” Josh asked curiously as he adjusted his glasses while he looked at her.

“I'm afraid I can not.” Ericka replied honestly.

“But our report says that you have managed to attain flight as a Pegasus. Surely you have some kind of explanation as to how they achieve it.” Josh asked curiously as he looked at her.

Ericka had one alright, but they would never believe it. Magic, the innate magic inside of all Pegasus that allows them to fly, move clouds, and walk on them. “You little bastard...” Ericka thought to herself in a pissed off tone as she looked at Josh whom simply smiled either knowing she had no real explanation for this, or knew she did but it would make her out to be some kind of mental patient.

“We're waiting on that explanation Ericka.” Stillborn chimed in after a few minutes of silence.

“I would like to request that we post-pone this meeting Commander, I am exhausted from my time in the creature's body and would like a night to recover before we continue.” Ericka said after a few more moments of silence.

Stillborn looked at her as if he was debating on whether or not to allow this until he let out a dejected sigh. “Very well, this meeting is post-poned until twelve-noon tomorrow.” Stillborn said simply, stood up, and left the room as did all the other scientists other than Josh whom simply grinned at her.

“I look forward to your, most informative explanation tomorrow Ericka.” Josh said at which point Ericka balled up her fist and would have socked him square in the face if not for her sense of judgment of the situation had not kicked in.

“I don't know what your game plan is Josh, I don't know what you exactly know about Pegasus. But if you know what I think you do, then you know I can't tell the truth and not look like a laughing stock or worse, a mental patient.” Ericka said in a low tone, the anger in her voice seething out like a deadly gas.

Josh simply said nothing and continued to grin at her. It took every fiber of Ericka's being not to pummel the shit out of the man here and there and instead walked out of the meeting room and to her room at which point she punched the wall as hard as she could several times not caring if she had possibly broke a few knuckles in the process.

“What the fuck am I going to do? I'm fucked if I tell them the truth and I’m fucked if I don't!” Ericka exclaimed as she sat in the mess hall with Richard as he ate his evening meal.

“If you know how Pegasus' can fly, then what's the problem?” Richard asked curiously as he downed what looked to Ericka like three day old spaghetti.

“Oh come the fuck on Richard, you've been in that world, you know there is a ton of shit that can't be explained with modern science!” Ericka exclaimed in a pissed off tone.

“Sure there is.” Richard replied simply and took bite of his bread.

“Really? Then explain away Mr. genius.” Ericka deadpanned with a annoyed expression.

“N-Now?” Richard asked with his mouth full and nearly sputtered out food in the process of speaking.

“No, tomorrow. yes now, you moron!” Ericka exclaimed clearly pissed off now by Richard's lack of belief in how Equestria works even though he's seen it for himself firsthand.

“Well, I can't right now. I just don't know enough to be able to.” Richard replied defensively.

“Or maybe...” Ericka replied intentionally trailing off. “ooh, gasp! Magic?” Ericka exclaimed in a hushed whisper followed by yet another mock gasp as she placed her hands on each cheek in mock shock and surprise. “Oooh, what a concept!” Ericka continued on with her mocking rant now.

“But guess what? If I say that, then I may as well take a knife to my pony body because I’m never returning to it!” Ericka said keeping up her mock explaining until her final sentence at which point her expression turned to pissed off as she slammed both hands on the table and glared at Richard.

“Well don't take it out on me! It's not my fault you spent so much time in that pony body that you were put on the spot like this.” Richard replied annoyed as he stood up, picked up his tray, and walked away from Ericka.

As much as the woman wanted to wallop him for that remark, he was right. She had gotten so wrapped up in living with Twilight, learning to fly, and spending time with Pinkie that she had not bothered to report in regularly. The woman sat down in her chair and sighed. “What would Pinkie Pie say right now?” Ericka asked herself with yet another sigh as she remembered her conversations with the hyperactive mare.

FLASHBACK

“ -and I can get my hooves off the ground now, but learning the basics of flying is hard!” Ericka exclaimed in a frustrated tone as Pinkie Pie put a tray of cupcake batter into the oven, turned the dial up to the usual temp, set the timer, and turned to face her.

“Well, yeah. But I don't see how that's going to help me. In a jet, there are instruments, buttons, and a control stick to maintain flight and all that. As a Pegasus, I don't know how to make this blasted body do anything I could do in a jet. And I don't think unlearning everything is going to help me this time either.” Ericka replied flopped onto her rump and sighed.

END FLASHBACK

Ericka's eyes lit up as she had an Epiphany. “That's it! Pinkie Pie, you're a freaking genius!” Ericka exclaimed aloud without meaning to, rushed out of the mess hall, and to her room to prepare herself for tomorrow.

“And so, in conclusion, Pegasus’ create these mysterious energy waves they, to all intensive purposes, believe to be magic. They then ride on these waves in same way as a Jet creates waves of heated air to propel itself along.” Ericka finished her explanation with a diagram of a jet plane in front of her on the white-board and looked at the Stillborn and Amie who seemed satisfied with this report while Josh literally broke his pencil in anger as he glared at Ericka whom simply grinned from ear to ear at him.

“Well, I must say I find your comparison between a jet and the Pegasus as you call them, very intriguing. I believe that is enough information for now Ericka. I look forward to your next report.” Amie remarked as she stood up and left the room.

“You nearly bit the bullet Airfreed, but you pulled through in the end. Well done Private.” Stillborn remarked as he stood up himself and began to leave the room.

“Thank you sir!” Ericka exclaimed with prim and proper salute.

“Humph, the others may have bought your little presentation, but I don't believe a single bit of it. I don't know how you managed it, but you got lucky!” Josh remarked aloud with a glare as he stood up himself and left the room.

“And I owe it all to you Pinkie. If you hadn't talked to me about those jets and gave me the idea to compare the two, I would have been toast.” Ericka thought to herself with a smile and left the room herself with a skip in her step.

“Oh come on Pinkie! I just wanna talk to her!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in annoyance as the pink mare was doing everything in her power to hold the cyan blue Pegasus back from the door to her room.

“She's sleeping! She told me she doesn't want anypony to disturb her!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed through gritted teeth as she held onto Rainbow Dash's tail.

“In the middle of the day?! Don't sell me that load of horseapples Pinkie!” Rainbow Dash replied with a glare as she continued to inch towards the door.

“But she really is!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed still doing her best to hold the cyan blue Pegasus back by the tail until she abruptly yanked her tail out of the pink mare's mouth and opened the door much to her horror.

“Wait, I can explain!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in a panicked tone as she ran into the room to see Ericka looking up at Rainbow Dash with an annoyed expression.

“Geez, can't a mare get some sleep? I was up all night last night!” Ericka exclaimed with a glare.

“Oh, sorry! Pinkie didn't tell that. I'll leave then.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied with a sheepish smile as she backed out of the room and left.

“You're back! So how did the whole reporting to your superiors thing go?” Pinkie Pie asked as she hugged Ericka tightly.

“Heh, if it wasn't for you Pinkie, I probably wouldn't have been able to come back here.” Ericka replied with a warm smile.

“Really? What did I do?” The pink mare asked with a perplexed expression now.

Ericka simply giggled at her and smiled even more so now if possible. “I'll explain later, right now I’m starving!”

Winter Wrap-Up

WINTER WRAP UP

“Oh come on! Wait you blasted chicken! No,no! Don't eat that you blasted rabbit!” Ericka exclaimed in frustration as she ran about Fluttershy's back yard now only to trip over a stray branch on the ground and hit the ground face first with a face-full of snow.

“Ugh, how does she do it?!” Ericka thought to herself dramatically as Fluttershy walked past her and up the the rabbits.

“Now, now, Lets not eat things we shouldn't now little ones. We don't want to get an upset tummy do we?” Fluttershy asked aloud kindly at which point the rabbits stopped gnawing on the roses in Fluttershy's yard. The yellow Pegasus then turned to look at the chickens.

“Now, Now. Lets all be good little chickens and get back into your coop.” The yellow Pegasus said with a soft smile to which the chickens obeyed without question.

“How do you do it? They don't seem to listen to me worth a dang.” Ericka remarked aloud in awe at how easily Fluttershy had managed to get the animals to do what she said.

“It just takes a kind hoof is all.” Fluttershy replied modestly then turned to look at her. “Thank you very much for helping me with the animals today Cloudkicker.” Fluttershy said with a warm smile.

“It was no problem at all. Though I don't see how much of a help I was. I seemed to make more problems than helping.” Ericka replied with a sigh.

“Oh no, if you weren't here I don't know how I could have managed all these animals. What with winter wrap up starting in a few hours and all.” Fluttershy replied looking back to the animals whom were now all in their proper places.

“Now she's just being too kind.” Ericka thought to herself dismally as she made a facehoofing gesture then looked up at her. “What's winter wrap-up?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Oh dear, I forgot you have amnesia! I'm such a featherbrain!” Fluttershy exclaimed out loud guiltily.

“Hey, hey, don't beat yourself up Fluttershy.” Ericka replied with a sheepish smile now. If there was any time that her ploy made her felt guiltily, seeing this shy and thoughtful pony beating herself up over something that was nothing more than a lie to cover her own flank was it.

“Oh but I am! I should have remembered!” Fluttershy continued looking as if she felt so ashamed for being so thoughtless and at the same time twisting the proverbial guilt knife deeper into Ericka's chest.

“Hey, hey, just tell me what winter wrap-up is and all is forgiven, how's that sound?” Ericka asked curiously.

The look on Fluttershy's face as she smiled at her now made Ericka wonder for a brief moment if that much cute and adorableness was deadly as she suddenly just wanted to hug her as if she was a stuffed teddy bear but resisted the urge.

“Well, um, winter wrap-up is when we clear out the snow and ice to make way for spring. And we each have our own jobs that we do each year.” Fluttershy said as she looked at her now.

“Okay then, well I should go and get ready myself then shouldn't I. So I'll catch you later.” Ericka replied as she quickly took off to the skies and towards a certain pink mare's house.

“Opsie...” Pinkie Pie remarked with a guilty smile as Ericka fumed at her over not telling her about Winter Wrap-up and when it was. “Well as a Pegasus, your job will most likely be either helping the summer birds find their way back here or clearing the clouds out of the skies.” Pinkie Pie replied with a smile.

“Well we both know that helping the birds is out of the question then as the only place in Equestria that I barely know how to navigate is Ponyville.” Ericka replied followed by a groan as she sat on her rump.

“What's wrong?” The pink mare asked curiously as Ericka sighed.

“There's still so much about Equestria that I don't know about. The only place I knew existed up till I found out from Twilight when I first got here was Ponyville and I didn't even get the town's name down for the first month.” Ericka remarked dismally.

“Hearths warming eve taught you something didn't it? We all went to Canterlot as we do every year.” Pinkie Pie said in the most comforting tone she could muster.

“I volunteered to look after the library remember? I wasn't too keen on seeing the royal sisters again so soon after my last encounter. Remember, they know about me too.” Ericka replied to which Pinkie Pie frowned slightly before her eyes lit up.

“Hey, I got it! How about you ask Rainbow Dash to take you to Cloudsdale?” The pink mare suggested with a grin.

“That's not a bad idea Pinkie. I can get in touch with my roots. Most Pegasus' come from Cloudsdale after all right?” Ericka replied feeling her depression be replaced with joy at the mere thought of this.

“Yep! And I'm sure Rainbow Dash would be more than happy to show you around! She after all does work at the cloud factory.” Pinkie Pie replied as she walked past her and towards the door, stopped, and turned around to look at Ericka once more. “You should talk to Twilight, she's the one who organizes everything every year. Since this is your first Winter Wrap-Up, I'm sure she won't give you anything too hard.” Pinkie Pie remarked just before she ran out the door.

“You three focus on plowing the fields, you five get those clouds moved, and you two start planting the the apple and hay seeds.” The purple unicorn ordered as ponies moved about town clearing snow off the trees, homes, and ground as Ericka walked up to her.

“Hey Twilight, got anything for me to do?” Ericka asked in a chipper tone with an eagerness to help.

“One moment Cloudkicker, I said the daisies go in the town square gardens, not the crop fields!” Twilight exclaimed in an annoyed tone as she ran off leaving the dark blue Pegasus alone.

“Wow, and I thought the library was stressful for her.” Ericka remarked stunned as the unicorn ran off.

It was at this point and time the dark blue Pegasus caught sight of Rainbow Dash whom was currently pushing clouds along the skies and took off from the ground to meet her.

“Sorry Cloudkicker, no lessons today, I got my hooves full with Winter Wrap-Up.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied before Ericka could even say anything.

“No, no, you misunderstand. I want to help.” Ericka replied with a eager expression.

“You want to help?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously to which the dark blue Pegasus nodded so fast she could have swore for a moment she was looking at a dark blue version of Pinkie Pie. “Heh, you're really eager to help aren't ya? Alright then, help me push this snow cloud then.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied to which Ericka flew beside her and placed her hooves on the cloud.

“Okay, now we got to be careful because if we push too hard then- wait!” Rainbow Dash began to say casually only for Ericka to just start shoving the cloud without listening at which point a flood of snow fell from it and coated the crops below them.

“Rainbow Dash! What the hay are ya doin up thar?!” Applejack exclaimed from the ground angrily as she shook snow off her head and glared at her.

“Hey, don't look at me! Cloudkicker here was the one who shoved the cloud too hard!” The cyan blue Pegasus countered with a glare of her own before looking back at Cloudkicker whom wore a sheepish yet guilty expression now. “Maybe you should try to do something else. It's not that I don't want your help, it's just that with you having amnesia and all, you don't really know how to move winter clouds.” Rainbow Dash said followed by a sigh and resumed pushing the clouds on her own leaving Ericka with her ears flat and a frown on her face.

“Well that was a bust.” Ericka remarked with a scowl until she caught sight of Applejack and Big Macintosh pushing plows on the ground, dived down and landed next to them.

“Howdy thar, Cloudkicker.” Applejack greeted as she pulled the plow.

“Anything I can do to help?” Ericka asked with an eager expression.

“Hmm...nah.” Applejack replied as she tapped her hoof on her chin for a few moments before she resumed pulling the plow.

“Oh come on! There has to be something I can do! You saw me up there, I can't push the clouds without causing a mess!” Ericka replied in a desperate tone.

“Why am ah havin a sense of deja-vu?” Applejack asked aloud with a worried expression before she shook her head as if to cast away the thought. “Well, ah reckon ya could possibly help with pullin the plows, course being a Pegasus and all ya might have a tough time and all since leg strength ain't your strong point and all.” Applejack replied with a friendly smile.

“Oh don't worry about it, I'm stronger than I look!” Ericka reassured the farm pony.

“Well get your flank over thar and get to pullin that plow on the eastern quarter of the crops and we'll see how ya fair.” Applejack replied at which point Ericka darted over to the plow, put the harness around her, and began to try and pull the plow.

Unfortunately for Ericka though, just as the farm pony said, her legs were not her strong point and she was struggling to even move an inch at the moment. “Oh for peat's sake! I can bench press three hundred pounds with my legs! This should be cake!” Ericka thought to herself in a pissed off tone as she continued to strain her legs in order to move the plow.

No matter how much the dark blue Pegasus tried however, the plow just wouldn't budge. “Ugh! This is stupid! How hard is it to move one of these things?! Come on Ericka, think!” The dark blue Pegasus exclaimed in a whisper to herself.

“You okay thar Cloudkicker?” Applejack called out from a distance away as she pulled her plow.

“Y-Yeah! I'm just preparing myself is all!” Ericka called back and growled to herself. “Come on, move!” Ericka exclaimed in frustration and without realizing it began to flap her wings which actually did move the plow. “H-Hey! I got it!” Ericka exclaimed joyfully as she began to use her wings to pull the plow now as she flapped along with the plow not far behind her.

“Uh, sis. Ah think we aught to tell Cloudkicker to slow down thar.” The large red stallion remarked in an worried tone as he pointed a hoof over to Ericka whom unknown to her had amassed a large ball of snow

“Please don't let this beh Deja-vu...” Applejack remarked aloud to herself as she took the harness off herself and ran over to Cloudkicker

“Hey, Uh, ya might wanna slow down thar partner!” Applejack exclaimed in a worried tone which caused Ericka to halt herself completely.

This turned out to be a very bad idea.

“Whaaah!” Ericka shrieked as the ball of snow seemed to consume her and rolled towards the farm pony who's ears flattened and sighed dejectedly.

“Yep, Deja-vu...” The farm pony remarked dismally just before the ball of snow grabbed her and rolled along the crop field and come to a messy halt on the other side of the field in a pile of snow and moments later Ericka and Applejack's heads popped out of the pile.

“Ah don't think plowin the fields is such a good idea for ya surgarcube.” Applejack remarked aloud with the best smile should could muster.

Ericka now sat in the middle of town square and sighed dejectedly as ponies ran about doing their usual tasks when Twilight stepped up to her and sat next to her.

“I heard about your attempts to help Rainbow Dash and Applejack.” Twilight remarked doing her best to not sound condemning as she spoke.

“Yeah, I made matters worse for the both of them.” Ericka replied and gave another sigh at which point the purple unicorn giggled which caused her to look at her. “What's so funny?” The dark blue Pegasus asked curiously.

“You remind me of my first time during Winter Wrap-up.” Twilight replied as she looked up to the sky now.

“You couldn't have done any worse than me.” Ericka replied to which Twilight placed a hoof on her shoulder and grinned.

“Are you kidding me? I caused Pinkie Pie and myself to go flying into a pile of snow, ruined the crops, butchered a bird's nest, and caused Fluttershy's animals to go on a rampage in my frantic scramble to run from some harmless snakes.” Twilight replied with a giggle which caused the dark blue Pegasus's mouth to drop in shock.

“Wow, and I thought I had it bad.” Ericka replied after a few moments as a smile washed over her face now with a slight chuckle.

“No matter how much you seem to screw things up, just remember that there's always something you can do to contribute to Winter Wrap-Up.” Twilight said in a reassuring tone.

“What do you suggest then?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Well, you did a great job of organizing things with the library, so how about you help me with assigning jobs?” Twilight asked with a warm smile.

“That sounds great! I just have one question...” Ericka asked curiously.

“Oh? What's that?” Twilight replied as she stood up as did Ericka.

“Can you teach me what the jobs are and what each pony needs to do?” the dark blue Pegasus asked sheepishly to which Twilight giggled.

“Of course, Cloudkicker. Now lets start with the order in which the clouds need to be cleared and the animals being woken up..."

Love is in bloom- Part 2

LOVE IS IN BLOOM

PART 2

A day later the four returned to the spot the storm had once raged and the cyan blue Pegasus looked as if she was ready to faint as she looked at what remained of her home.

“Well, at least nopony was-”

CRUMBLE,CLATTER!!!

“-Hurt...” Twilight began to say only for the sound of part of the cyan blue Pegasus's house to collapse on itself to ring out which caused the purple unicorn to flinch and say the final word of her sentence a moment later while at the same moment Rainbow Dash's eyes rolled into the back of her head and passed out with a thud.

The following days were spent by Rarity, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Ericka fixing up the cyan Pegasus's home. At first Ericka thought: “They're clouds, how hard can it be?” but was soon proven very wrong. Apparently the material needed to Rainbow Dash's cloud home wasn't your everyday cloud and what's more, the cloud based material wasn't easy to mold to any shape.

“Whoa!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed panicked as she lost her balance against the side of the cloud home and would have fallen backward if not for Ericka reaching out on impulse and putting a hoof on her back, yanking her forward and unintentionally pulling the cyan blue Pegasus close to her so that their faces were mere inches from one another.

The two spent a brief moment exchanging an equal blush and blinking before the cyan blue Pegasus spoke up. “Heh, thanks.” Rainbow Dash said with a slightly nervous expression and resumed working on the side of her home.

Time continued to pass by, each day bearing fruit to the ponies labors as Rainbow Dash's house slowly was being returned to it's former glory. “Oh come on! Mold you stupid thing!” Ericka exclaimed frustrated by the cloud material's refusal to mold properly.

“You gotta use a gentle hoof with it. Watch me.” Rainbow Dash remarked as she reached in to take the cloud material from the dark blue Pegasus at which point their hooves touched, the two looked at one another for a brief moment blushing, and Rainbow Dash quickly grabbed the cloud material and resumed showing her how to properly mold it.

“Somepony's got a special somepony on their mind!” The pink mare exclaimed with a grin which caused Ericka to snap out of her daydreaming state and stare at the pink mare.

“Oh? Who?” Ericka asked honestly not aware of what she was talking about.

“You, silly filly! You had that; Oh I wish he would just sweep me off my hooves and take me away to some far off castle! Look about you until I spoke up!” Pinkie Pie replied with a smirk which caused Ericka to blush.

“Oh come off it Pinkie, I was just thinking of how I was going to help Rainbow Dash get her chimney set up. It's not as easy as it looks ya know.” Ericka replied as she stood up, stretched her wings, and walked past the pink mare.

“Oh? Huh, I guess my Pinkie sense was off. Oh well there's a first time for everything!” Pinkie Pie replied with a smirk and hummed a chipper tune as she resumed walking past her to the back of the library.

To be honest though, Ericka wasn't exactly sure what she was thinking about before the pink mare snapped her from her thoughts. It started out as helping Rainbow Dash with her chimney sure enough but it soon drifted to...no, that's stupid! She couldn't honestly be thinking of that!

“I need to get some fresh air.” Ericka remarked aloud with a sigh as she walked to the door of Twilight's home and walked outside.

Ericka once again took a deep inhale and exhaled with a smile on her face. “Much better.” Ericka remarked with a smile as she walked around town now and soon she found herself at the door of the carousel boutique.

“Why hello there darling! What brings you over here on this glorious spring day?” Rarity asked as Ericka stepped in and looked about.

“Oh, nothing really.” Ericka replied honestly.

“Well you are welcome to stay and watch me work dear. I'm in the mist of working on several orders at the moment though, with spring time and all, so many colts are placing orders for their wives and fillyfriends it's almost overwhelming, but business is business!” Rarity replied in a chipper tone as she resumed working on her current dress.

“Do you draw the dress designs too or does somepony else do that?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Oh no dear, I drawn the design from the ground up and work from there.” Rarity replied as she placed a few gemstones on the dress she was working on.

“I used to draw myself, but that was before I lost my little sister.” Ericka replied without thinking then bit her lower lip realizing she had shot off some delegate information that could possibly hurt her amnesia ploy.

“Oh? What happened to her darling? That is, if you don't mind tell me.” Rarity replied as she turned from her current dress and looked at her with the utmost attention now.

“Well, it's still foggy, but I think she was killed.” Ericka replied and sighed heavily.

“Oh you poor dear! That must have been horrible for you.” Rarity replied as she walked over to the dark blue Pegasus and placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“Do ponies get, well, murdered here too?” Ericka asked curiously to which Rarity frowned.

“Sadly yes, no pony is perfect you know. But that's just how life goes. That's what we have police ponies for though.” Rarity replied then her eyes lit up though they lit up in a worried sense. “You don't suppose, and forgive me for suggesting this, but, do you think your sister's death has anything to do with your amnesia darling?” Rarity asked curiously.

“I don't know, maybe.” Ericka replied and gave another sigh. This ploy of hers was causing her to feel more and more guilty these days. Part of her wanted to come outright and tell them the truth, but she was afraid that they would shun her if they knew the truth. Well, except for Pinkie Pie of course.

“Did you enjoy drawing darling?” Rarity asked curiously.

“Yes, I loved to do it.” Ericka replied looking at the white unicorn whom smiled at her now, channeled magic into her horn and levitated her painting easel over to her.

“Well darling, why not give it another go? I know it may seem painful, but would your sister want you to stop what was once your passion?” Rarity asked curiously.

“I...” Ericka began to say but trailed off as she stared at the painting easel.

“I won't force you darling, but I would love to see your work sometime.” Rarity replied with a warm smile, turned around, and resumed working on her dress.

Hours seemed to pass to the dark blue Pegasus now as she stared at the painting easel but in reality, a mere ten minutes had past.

FLASHBACK

“Can you draw it from memory?” The pink mare asked curiously.

“Sure, if I had hands.” Ericka replied mellowly as she rose her front hooves up, shook them slightly, and placed them on the floor again.

END FLASHBACK

“Using my mouth huh?” Ericka thought to herself curiously as she opened her mouth and attempted to pick up the paint brush only for it to slip out of her mouth and fall to the floor. A few attempts later to pick up the brush and Ericka gave an irritated sigh. “I should have asked her how they do it while I was at it.” Ericka thought to herself dismally.

Several tries later however, she had managed to adjust her mouth and teeth in a fashion that allowed her to hold the brush steady. “Here goes nothing...” Ericka thought to herself with a sigh, dipped the brush in one of the colors and began to run it along the canvas.

ONE HOUR LATER....

“That's...interesting, yes very interesting!” Rarity exclaimed with a nervous smile as she looked at the canvas now.

Ericka however seemed to have a dark cloud hovering above her with a scowl. “That sucks! I can't draw worth a shit with my mouth!” Ericka thought to herself dismally. “Just say it looks horrid already.” Ericka remarked aloud depressingly.

“Well, practice makes perfect darling. I'm sure you'll remember your skills as time passes!” Rarity replied in a reassuring tone.

“Remember my flank, if I want to draw again, I’m going to have to learn from scratch!” Ericka thought to herself as she left the white unicorn's home and headed towards Twilight's library.

“What are ya reading egghead?” Rainbow Dash jeered as she hovered over Ericka whom was sitting outside now with a book entitled: “Drawing for foals, A beginners guide to drawing for earth ponies and Pegasus!”

“I'm trying to remember how to draw.” Ericka replied annoyed thanks to the “egghead” comment.

“You were an artist?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously as she landed next to her and sat down.

“I think so at least.” the dark blue Pegasus replied though she honestly didn't know if was capable of drawing anywhere near as well as she could as a human. That and it had been years since she had drawn anything as a human anyways so even if she tried back in her human body she would be completely rusty.

“Well if your busy reading I guess I won't be able to give you any flying lessons today, but after how you navigated that storm so awesomely, I'm starting to think you don't need anymore.” Rainbow Dash replied to which Ericka looked away from her book and smiled at her.

“Thanks but to be honest, I wasn't even sure I could have done it if it wasn't for you.” Ericka replied with a warm smile.

“Me? What did I do?” The cyan blue Pegasus replied confused.

“Well, you're my friend and if you hadn't told me about that fear of yours, I most likely would have assumed you got out in time.” Ericka replied honestly.

“Really?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously.

“Well that and I guess it was a gut feeling that told me you were still in there. I can't explain it really. It was like something was just nagging at me saying; she's in there, she's in there!” Ericka replied doing her best to recall the gut feeling she had.

“Well then I guess your gut is as cool as you are.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied enthusiastically.

“I'm not cool, I'm just your average mare who risked her life for a friend. I'm sure anypony would do the same.” Ericka replied modestly.

“Maybe, but it was still awesome how you got me to move like that. Where did you learn to be so assertive? Were you in the royal army or something?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously.

“Royal army? You mean Celestia and Luna have an army?” Ericka asked in shock of this new set of information.

“Well yeah, who else protects them? There were plenty of epic pony wars before my time that I heard about from my mom when I was little.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied in a matter of fact tone.

“Well at least I know they have a military power now.” Ericka thought to herself knowing this was at least something she could report to Stillborn and the others when she went back for her next report.

“Well I'm gonna take off now, enjoy your book Cloudkicker!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she stood up and took off from the ground.

“H-Hey, wait up!” Ericka called out as she closed the book, threw it into her saddle-packs and took off after the cyan blue Pegasus.

“Wow, that must have been tough, losing your sister like that.” Rainbow Dash replied as she two lay next to one another on a cloud.

“Yeah, but it's still foggy as to what exactly happened to her. Rarity thinks her death may have something to do with my amnesia.” Ericka replied and gave a heavy sigh.

“Well I'm an only foal, so I don't know what it's like to lose a sibling, but if I ever lost any of you guys, it would crush me.” Rainbow Dash replied as she continued to look up towards the sky.

“Even me?” Ericka asked curiously as she turned her head to look at the cyan blue Pegasus.

“Especially you, who else would I have to fly around with? Fluttershy?” The cyan blue Pegasus replied with a smirk to which the two burst out laughing.

“That wasn't very nice you know.” Ericka remarked after she had managed to stop laughing.

“I know, don't get me wrong though, she's a wonderful friend and I’ve known her since we were fillies, but she just doesn't like to fly as much as I do. Sometimes I wonder if she was given the choice to get rid of her wings if she would.” Rainbow Dash remarked aloud and sighed.

“I don't think any Pegasus would get rid of their wings. A least I know I wouldn't. It's apart of who we are. That's like asking a unicorn to cut off their horn.” Ericka replied.

“Can you image Twilight without a horn?” The cyan blue Pegasus asked with a smirk.

“Oh yeah, she'd go crazy in a week!” Ericka exclaimed with a giggle.

“A week? You give her way too much credit! I give her five hours, tops!” Rainbow Dash replied with a giggle of her own.

“What about Rarity?” Ericka asked at which point the cyan blue Pegasus made a dramatic expression.

“Oh, how will I finish these dresses in time, how will I keep my beautiful mane well kept! Of all the things that could happen.” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in false horror as she slapped both hooves on her cheeks.

“This. Is. The. Worst. Possible. Thing!” The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed with false dramatic expression, shifted her eyes, and spoke. “What? I really mean it this time!” Rainbow Dash finished at which point the two mares cracked up laughing once again.

“That is so Rarity! Oh gosh, my sides! They hurt! Bwhahaha!!!” Ericka exclaimed between hysterical laughs.

It took a full two minutes for the mares to stop laughing at which point they huffed and puffed breathlessly. “That was just too funny.” Rainbow Dash remarked aloud between huffs and puffs.

“You know, you're not like other ponies Cloudkicker.” The cyan blue Pegasus remarked after a few more moments.

“What makes you say that?” Ericka asked curiously.

“I don't know, there's just something about you that makes you different from others, but I can't place my hoof on it.” Rainbow Dash replied with a sense of wonder in her voice now.

“Maybe it's just my crazy personalty.” Ericka suggested with a giggle.

“Nah, that's not it. Well, not totally anyways.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied with a giggle of her own as she turned her head to look at her now.

“Then what is it?” The dark blue Pegasus asked curiously with a hint of nervousness in her voice now. Had she figured it out? Did she give herself away at some point?

“I don't know. It's...” The cyan blue Pegasus began to say only to trail off now as her face slowly leaned in. “Like there's something...” She continued leaning in even more so now. “Mysterious about you that...” She continued but trailed off again as her face grew even closer to Ericka's now. “I just can't-”

In what seemed like a split second, Ericka and Rainbow Dash's lips were locked in none other than a passionate kiss, that is until Ericka ripped away from her with a shocked expression. “Oh geez, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to do that!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in a panicked tone.

“Neither did I...” Ericka replied stunned at her very own actions at the moment.

“You two whaaat?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed shocked with a jaw dropping gesture.

“Hey, don't look at me like that. I didn't even know it was going to happen!” Ericka exclaimed defensively with a crimson red blush.

“I didn't pin you or Rainbow Dash to be lesbians, heh, wonders never cease!” The pink mare exclaimed with a giggle as Ericka waved her hooves frantically at her.

“Hey, I didn't say I was attracted to her! It just happened!” Ericka exclaimed blushing so red right now her normally dark blue face looked as if it was turning purple.

“So what happened next?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously as she looked at her with the utmost attention now.

“Nothing. We just sort of sat there silently for a little while before we said our goodbyes and I came back here.” Ericka replied simply and sighed though this sigh had an unintentional sense of bliss in it.

“Ooh, you've got it bad!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a smirk.

“Got what what?” Ericka asked confused by what the pink mare was hinting at.

“The love bug of course!” Pinkie Pie replied with a giggle, stood up, and walked out of the room.

“You're being even crazier than usual, Pinkie! I'm not in love with her, geez!” Ericka called out to the pink mare with a deep blush and sighed moments afterward.

“I'm not in love with her...right?” Ericka asked herself out loud. She had never dated a single day in her life and with all things considered, she wasn't exactly sure what she was feeling right now towards the cyan blue Pegasus.

Ericka now sat on a cloud just above Twilight house looking at the skies as the sun slowly set and sighed. “It was just a innocent kiss right?” Ericka asked herself aloud as the memory shot to the front of her mind.

“I wonder if she knew that was my first kiss?” Ericka asked herself aloud thoughtfully before she groaned in annoyance.

“Ugh! Get it out of your head Ericka! It was just a fluke!” The dark blue Pegasus exclaimed aloud to herself as she ruffled up her mane in frustration and sighed moments afterword as she flopped her head back onto the cloud with a soft plomphing sound.

It was at this point and time she saw the cyan blue Pegasus flying above her who saw her as well, stopped, and landed next to her on the cloud. “Can't get it out of your head either huh?” Rainbow Dash asked in a soft tone.

“Get what out of my head?” Ericka asked feigning ignorance to what the cyan blue Pegasus was asking.

“The kiss. It's been bugging me all day.” Rainbow Dash replied followed by a sigh.

“Oh that? Nope, hadn't crossed my mind.” Ericka lied doing her best to keep a strait face as she spoke now.

“Oh.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied as her ears flattened and a frown formed on her face.

“It was just a fluke Rainbow, don't get your tail in knot over it.” Ericka replied nonchalantly.

“A fluke, right.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied looking positively crestfallen now.

Ericka looked at Rainbow Dash now and felt her poker face nearly shatter on the spot. Did that kiss really mean more to the cyan blue Pegasus than she thought it had? “Rainbow, listen I-”

“Well, I'll see you around then Cloudkicker.” Rainbow Dash said cutting her off and took of from the cloud without another word.

Ericka sat up and watched the cyan blue Pegasus fly away and groaned loudly in frustration. “Oh for the love of peat! It was just an innocent kiss, a fluke, nothing more!” Ericka exclaimed as she slammed both hooves to her sides onto the cloud which gave an audible “poof!” and disappeared from under her.

“I hate you so much right now...” Ericka remarked glaring skyward just before she plummeted to the ground and hit it with a thud. Luckily for her, she wasn't that high up to begin with so the most she got was a couple bruises from the fall.

Regardless, she stood up to all four hooves and brushed herself off and sighed. “All that over a blasted fluke. It was nothing and Rainbow Dash needs to figure that out.” Ericka remarked aloud as she walked along the road however just as she said this, a rain cloud seemingly appeared over her head from no where and down poured on the dark blue Pegasus.

“You can't be serious...” Ericka remarked with a glare looking up now at the rain cloud that had mysteriously popped out of nowhere. “It was nothing!” Ericka exclaimed up at the cloud and as if to answer her more clouds formed and poured even more rain on her.

“Okay! Fine! I get the hint! I'll go talk to her, geez!” Ericka exclaimed aloud and sighed. Once she had said this, just as mysteriously as the clouds had appeared, they dissipated and disappeared.

Ericka then took off from the ground and flew over towards the cyan blue Pegasus's house unknown of a certain dark blue Alicorn whom was watching from afar.

Aren't we a stinker?

Ericka landed on cyan blue Pegasus's landing cloud just before her door. The majority of her home had been rebuilt by now so it was livable now but there was a whole lot more work that needed to be done. That wasn't why she was here now. Ericka had spent the entire flight trying to think of something to say yet no matter how much she thought about it, she couldn't figure out anything.

The dark blue Pegasus gave a heavy sigh and placed a hoof on the door. “Here goes nothing hot dog...”

Rainbow Dash at the present time seemed to be making herself dinner as noises seemed to be coming from the kitchen so she walked in at which point the cyan blue Pegasus turned around and looked at her in shock. “Oh, Cloudkicker, I didn't expect you to stop by. What's up?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously before she resumed working on her dinner.

“About earlier, I wasn't entirely honest with you.” Ericka began and seemed to trail off now.

“Oh? Like what?” The cyan blue Pegasus replied nonchalantly as she continued to work on fixing her dinner.

“And I thought I had one hell of a poker face...” Ericka thought to herself knowing that the cyan blue Pegasus was putting on an act at this point. “That kiss we shared, it was my first and all and-”

SHATTER!

“Y-Your first?” Rainbow Dash asked incredulously as she scrambled to clean up the fragments from the plate she had suddenly dropped.

“Y-Yeah. I've never been on a date in my life you see and it sort of took me by surprise you know.” Ericka replied blushing now as she subconsciously kicked her left hind leg back and forth without realizing it as the cyan blue Pegasus continued to clean up the mess she made.

“Well, you know, heh, first time for everything.” Rainbow dash replied though her voice sounded nervous now.

“Why did you kiss me in the first place?” Ericka asked curiously at which point what ever the cyan blue Pegasus had managed to pick up with the broom and dustpan fell to the floor once again with a loud clatter.

“Well, yeah know, spur of the moment kind of thing, not thinking things through, you know, that kind of thing.” Rainbow Dash replied sounding even more nervous now as she scrambled to clean up the mess once again.

“Ugh, here. Let me help you clean that up.” Ericka remarked as she walked forward and reached a hoof out to help the cyan blue Pegasus and unintentionally placed her hoof on top of the cyan blue Pegasus's at which point the two just stared at one another for a few moments.

Without thinking the two once again locked lips but this time they did not stop and continued to make out in the middle of the kitchen leaving the mess the cyan blue Pegasus had made to nothing more than a memory for now...

The mare who lost her smile

THE MARE WHO LOST HER SMILE

A month had now past and word of Ericka and Rainbow Dash becoming an item spread like wildfire through the close nit group. Neither of the two had any idea of how word got out in the first place, but they took with stride and simply explained things as they were asked.

“For the last time, we're just dating!” Ericka exclaimed with a crimson red blush after been pummeled by a ton of personal questions by the farm pony who seemed to be taking pleasure in making her squirm in embarrassment.

“Oh come now thar surgarcube, ah ain't askin if you slept with her did ah?” Applejack asked with a grin at the dark blue Pegasus who's expression was one of pure annoyance and seemed to have a temple pulsing to boot.

“You may as well have asked that strait out.” Ericka replied before giving a sigh to which the farm pony gave a hearty laugh only to get a hoof upside the head by her older brother.

“Forgive mah little sister Cloudkicker, she has a consarned knack for getting her kicks out of being a nib-nosin filly at times.” Big Macintosh remarked giving Applejack a stern look.

“Little?! Ah have you know ah’ve bested ya ten times over in lasso rope contests!” Applejack exclaimed in an offended tone.

Ericka couldn't help but giggle as the two siblings went at it and began to state how each one was better than the other. Eventually she decided to leave the two to their squabbling and walked away from the two who seemingly had no idea she had even left yet.

“So I heard you and Rainbow Dash are dating.” Richard remarked with a smirk.

“Yeah, what's it to you?” Ericka asked with a scowl wishing right now she had decided to fly back to Twilight's house instead of walk now.

“So did you tell her about the real you yet?” Richard asked curiously.

“We've only been dating a freaking month Richard, I'll get to that if things get that serious.” Ericka replied giving him a glare now. Having her very own statements thrown back at her was something she did not like and the red unicorn picked up on this fairly quickly.

“Okay, well I figured I'd let you know that I'm going to be pulling myself from the mission for awhile. That's why I’m glad I caught you when I did.” Richard replied.

“How long is awhile? And does Pinkie Pie know?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Yeah, she knows alright...” Richard replied and sighed.

“What exactly did you tell her?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Why don't you ask her yourself? I need to get going.” Richard replied and disappeared in a flash of magic.

“Since when did he learn to use magic?” Ericka asked herself aloud a blinked several times before she figured she may as well ask the pink mare what exactly Richard had told her.

“Pinkie Pie, you here?” Ericka asked as she opened the door to surgarcube corner but saw Mrs. Cake instead.

“Hello there deary, are you here to see Pinkie?” Mrs. Cake asked curiously.

“Yeah, is she here?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Oh she's here alright, the poor dear, she's been crying her eyes out ever since Stiffhorn left.” Mrs. Cake replied with a frown.

“Please tell me he didn't!” Ericka thought to herself dramatically as she ran up the stairs and opened the pink mare's door which revealed a sobbing Pinkie Pie.

“Pinkie, what happened?” Ericka asked concerned at which point the pink mare lunged at her and hugged her tightly.

“He was my first love, the first stallion I ever...” The pink mare sobbed aloud but trailed off.

“He...broke up with you, didn't he?” Ericka asked in a soft tone as she continued to hug her and ran a hoof along her back in a comforting manner.

“He said he didn't want to though, but he...he...had to because his out of town job was moving him back to that far off land he came from!” Pinkie Pie sobbed and trailed off as she continued to hug the dark blue Pegasus tightly.

“Awhile meaning permanently...” Ericka thought to herself in a pissed off tone. “Richard, you inconsiderate asshole!” Ericka thought to herself dramatically and sighed. “Listen Pinkie, I need to go and report to my superiors, I don't want to have to leave you in this state, but if I don't they will pull a stunt like last time to force me to.” Ericka said in a soft tone as she broke the hug and looked into the pink mare's puffy eyes.

“O-Okay. But you'll come back as soon as you can right?” Pinkie Pie asked with a sniffle.

“Of course I will Pinkie.” Ericka replied with a smile, stood up, turned around and began to walk towards the door.

Just as soon as I have a nice long chat with Stiffhorn...

“Ow, Ow, ow!” Richard exclaimed as Ericka dragged him to the workout room via twisting his arm with a complete set of weight lifting equipment and a boxing ring in the middle.

“Me and you are gonna have a little heart to heart chat and a friendly boxing match while we're at it!” Ericka said in a tone that made the man realize he had little choice in the matter as she toss him into the ring, tossed a couple boxing gloves at him, crawled into the ring, and put on some of her own.

“Listen, if this is about Pinkie Pie, then-OW!” Richard began to saw only to get socked in the nose.

“Better put your defense up or I'm gonna mop the floor with you!” Ericka exclaimed as she hopped back and forth in front of him.

“You do that every other day.” Richard replied dismally and barely blocked another punch from the woman.

“Now the first thing I want to ask you is, why the hell didn't you tell the truth about yourself? And you better answer me honestly.” Ericka asked as she danced back and forth.

“I already told you why. It would have jeopardized the mission.” Richard replied only to get a swift jab in the side.

“Wrong answer, two more chances to tell me the truth before I take the boxing gloves off and really kick your ass.” Ericka replied as she danced back and forth.

“Okay, fine! I was afraid she would hate me for lying to her all this time.” Richard replied as he blocked another strike from her.

“Alright, that sounded like a honest answer, question number two: Why would you feed her a line of bulshit if you were going to be leaving the mission permanently?” Ericka asked curiously.

“I don't know!” Richard replied only to get a swift jab in the gut which knocked the wind out of him.

“One more chance Richard.” Ericka replied in a threatening tone as Richard caught his breath.

“Geez, fine! I told her that because I didn't want to tell about the real me.” Richard replied once he caught his breath.

“In other words, same answer as the one before it. Fine. I’ll take that one. Now then, last question: Why did you decide to leave the mission permanently?” Ericka asked as she jumped back and forth.

“I can't answer that.” Richard replied at which point Ericka took off the boxing gloves, balled up a fist and was about to deck him square in the face before he recoiled and fell onto his ass. “I was afraid I was getting too close to her! I didn't want to hurt her anymore than I had too! I was in love with her Ericka! Do you even know how hard this was for me?!” Richard exclaimed in a panicked tone at which point Ericka lowered her fist and sighed.

“At least you were honest with me, now stand the fuck up. I'm not going to kick your ass.” Ericka said after a few moments extending a hand out to help the man up.

“Do you always have to resort to violence?” Richard asked in a shaky tone as she helped him to his feet.

“There were better ways to deal with this than to just leave her like that. She's most likely still balling her eyes out over you.” Ericka remarked with a saddened expression.

“I know, but I took your advice and I thought about it really hard. In the end, I thought that was the best choice.” Richard replied and sighed heavily.

“You were her first you know.” Ericka replied as she leaned against the boxing rings wires and crossed her arms.

“H-Her first?” Richard asked with a wide-eyed expression.

“Yeah, her first love and her first time. She gave something special to you Richard, she's not going to get over you so easily.” Ericka replied and sighed.

“I-I had no idea.” Richard replied looking completely flabbergasted by this new set of information.

“Well, now you know. I'm not going to force you to go back to her, but I'm going back to give her the best support I can after I’ve given my report to Stillborn and the others.” Ericka replied, stepped out of the boxing ring and left Richard standing there as she left the room.

“So they do have a military power and the two dual breed creatures are the rulers of their world, impressive work Airfreed!” Stillborn remarked with a satisfied expression now.

“Thank you sir!” Ericka replied as she gave him a prim and proper salute and looked over at Josh who simply glared at her.

“Oh, get your blasted tail out of a knot already!” Ericka exclaimed in an annoyed tone as she walked over to him and extended her hand to him. “I forgive you for trying to screw me over. So lets let bygones be bygones shall we?” Ericka said with a smile.

“You talk as if you're one of them. Are you sure that you haven't grown too attached to your equine body Ericka?” Josh asked curiously at which point Ericka lowered her hand and narrowed her eyes at him.

“How would you know how they speak? Have you walked among them before I did?” Ericka asked curiously as she looked at the professor whom simply grinned at her.

“I have work to be done about the lab Ericka, I'm sure we'll speak again very soon.” Josh replied simply and walked past her.

“What's the deal with him? What is that guy hiding from me?” Ericka asked herself curiously as she watched him walk to the other side of the room, opened a door, and disappeared behind it.

“Ugh, I'll deal with him later, I've got a friend to console.” Ericka thought to herself, walked over to the V-M-A machine and closed the door over her.

Rediscovering who i am

REDISCOVERING WHO I AM

“She's still not over him?” The cyan blue Pegasus asked incredulously a week later as the two left surgarcube corner.

“Doesn't look like it, and what's worse is her hair is flat and not it's normal puffy look. Is that normal for her when she's depressed?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Yeah, but I’ve never seen her down in the dumps for this long before. She usually bounces back in a day or two.” Rainbow Dash replied in a concerned tone as the two walked up to Twilight and Rarity whom were talking up till the two walked up to them.

“Still the same?” Rarity asked to which the two mares nodded.

“We need to do something for her, but what?” Twilight remarked as she placed a hoof on her chin.

“Hey, I got it! How about a gift?” The cyan blue Pegasus suggested.

“That's a wonderful idea darling! We'll each bring her a gift! That should cheer her up!” Rarity exclaimed excitedly.

“Then it's agreed, we'll each bring Pinkie Pie a gift.” Twilight chimed in at which point the four left each other and went their own separate ways for the time being.

“So what do you plan on giving Pinkie Pie to cheer her up?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously as she did some tricks in the sky while Ericka sat on a cloud reading the same book she was the other day.

“I'm going to draw her something, but what, is the question. I still have a lot of remembering to do if I want to draw anything near as good as I want to give her.

“Not to rain on your parade Cloudkicker, but drawing for earth ponies and Pegasus is a rare thing. In all my years in Cloudsdale, I've seen only two artists and even their work wasn't as good as a unicorn could do. But if you say you were an artist before you lost your memories, then I'm sure it'll just take something big to jar your memory.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied to which Ericka gave a worried expression unknown to her fillyfriend as she looked at the pages of the book.

“If what she says is true and I have no reason to doubt her, then how am I supposed to draw her what I see in my mind? If I can't be as good as I want to be, then what's the point?” Ericka thought to herself depressingly.

“No! I won't give up that easily! I willed myself to fly and I'll do the same with becoming the artist I used to be!” Ericka thought to herself dramatically.

(Play Remind me who I am now)

♫ When I lose my way,♫

♫ And I forget my name,♫

♫ Remind me who I am.♫

Ericka began to run the brush along the canvas now doing her best to draw what she saw in her head now. Yet no matter how many times she tried, it came out horrible. “I can't give up. She's counting on me.” Ericka thought to herself as she began to try again.

Ericka now stood in her base looking into the mirror as she combed her hair and stared at her reflection as if transfixed by it.

♫ In the mirror all I see,♫

“Who am I? Before all this began I was so sure, but now, I don't know anymore...” Ericka thought to herself with a saddened expression now.

♫ Is somepony foreign to me,♫

FLASHBACK

♫ Remind me who I am.♫

Ericka stood over her sister's casket now sobbing aloud as she stared at her body. “I'm so sorry little sis...You were counting on me...and I failed you...I'm so sorry!” Ericka said aloud between sobs.

♫ In the loneliest places,♫

♫ When I can't remember what grace is.♫

END FLASBACK

♫ Tell me once again who I am,♫

Ericka now stared at her most recent painting, though it looked far better, it was no where near as good as she wanted it to be. The dark blue Pegasus then grabbed the edge of the paper with her mouth, yanked it off and balled it up in her hooves before tossing it behind her. “No where near good enough!” Ericka exclaimed and began to try again.

♫ Who I am to You.♫

“Is she okay? She's been drawing for nearly a week strait and barely has taken a break to eat and sleep.” Twilight asked in a concerned tone

“Ah'm sure she's just fine Twi, she's just got her heart set on drawin ah think.” Applejack remarked as she looked at the dark blue Pegasus though a hint of worry could be seen on the farm pony's face now.

♫ Tell me lest I forget who I am,♫

Richard walked past Ericka now whom was still reading a book. Upon closer inspection he realized it was a book that he couldn't read or even understand yet Ericka was reading it like it was her native language. “Ericka, what are you reading?” Richard asked curiously.

“A book I brought back with me. It's called; Intermediate drawing for earth ponies and Pegasus.” Ericka replied as if what she was reading wasn't anything out of the ordinary.

“And you can understand it?” Richard asked incredulously.

♫ Where I belong.♫

“Cloudkicker, I'm really starting to worry about you. You've been drawing and reading those drawing books like a mare possessed for the last month. I'm not one to knock anypony for working hard, but this is bordering on obsession.” Twilight remarked in a concerned tone as Ericka continued to draw the picture on the painting easel.

“I'm fine Twilight. But I can't stop now. She's counting on me and I won't let her down.” Ericka replied not looking away from what she was drawing now.

FLASHBACK

“Oh my gosh! This is so neat! And this is for me?!” Ericka's little sister exclaimed joyfully.

“Yes, I drew it just for you. Do you like it?” Ericka asked with a smile.

“I love it!” Ericka's little sister exclaimed and hugged her tightly. “I love you so much big sis!” Ericka's little sister exclaimed as she continued to hug Ericka whom returned the hug.

“I love you too little sis.” Ericka replied with a warm smile.

♫ When my heart is like a stone,♫

Ericka now stood in front of the exact picture she had drawn for her little sister a day after her funeral as tears streamed from her eyes.

♫ And I'm running far from home,♫

As if in slow motion Ericka began to flail and strike at all her paintings, tearing some to shreds, and punching holes in others until she fell to her ass and looked at what remained of the picture she had drawn for her little sister, reached out, picked it up, and held it close to her heart.

♫ Remind me who I am.♫

END FLASHBACK

Ericka continued to draw now unaware of the tears that now streamed from her eyes as she worked on her current picture though the memories still charged through her mind as if they were a live action movie.

♫ When I can't be there for you,♫

“Damn it! It's not good enough!” Ericka exclaimed as she yanked the painting off the easel and tore it to shreds and moments later sighed.

♫ Afraid I'll never be enough,♫

FLASHBACK

“Chase me!” Ericka's little sister exclaimed as she ran around the yard being chased by Ericka while the two laughed aloud joyfully.

END FLASHBACK

♫ Remind me who I am.♫

Ericka leaned forward and took the paintbrush into her mouth again and began to draw again.

♫ If I'm the one to come to your rescue,♫

FLASHBACK

“We'll always be a team right?” Ericka's little sister asked as she looked up at her while the two sat on a swing together.

“Of course.” Ericka replied.

“And you'll always be there for me right?” Ericka's little sister asked.

“Come hell or high water, I'll be there for you, always.” Ericka replied and hugged her little sister tightly.

♫ Can You help me believe it?♫

END FLASHBACK

♫ Tell me once again who I am.♫

♫ Who I am.♫

♫ Tell me lest I forget who I am,♫

♫ That I belong to here, oh.♫

“Cloudkicker, that's amazing!” Twilight exclaimed in a shocked tone as she stared at Ericka's painting that she was nearly finished with now.

♫ Tell me once again who I am.♫

“Thanks, but it's not done yet.” Ericka replied with a smile as she applied the final touches to her masterpiece.

♫ Who I am.♫

“I've never seen a earth pony or Pegasus do a work that is this good before.” Twilight thought to herself in awe.

♫ Tell me lest I forget who I am,♫

Ericka walked up the stairs to Pinkie Pie's room now and opened the door to see the pink mare.

“If it's another gift, I've gotten enough of them.” Pinkie Pie replied depressingly.

“I think you might like this one.” Ericka replied as she took the painting out of her saddle-pack and placed it in front of the mare who's eyes widened in surprise at this.

♫ That I belong to here, oh.♫

Pinky stared at a green and blue canvas with glistening light reflecting of the delicate brushstrokes on the grass and leaves. The focus of the picture was the two ponies, sitting at a blanket . "This is us?" Pinky replied looking at the detailed artwork. "It's so beautiful!"

♫ Tell me once again who I am.♫

“Yeah, it's yours little sis.” Ericka replied without thinking.

♫ Who I am.♫

“What did you call me?” Pinkie Pie asked with an wide-eyed expression.

♫ Tell me lest I forget who I am,♫

It was at this point she had realized just what she had said and gasped aloud before she smiled, walked up to the pink mare and hugged her tightly. “You're my little sister. And I'll be there for you, always.” Ericka replied as tears streamed from her eyes now as did Pinkie Pie's but these were not tears of sorrow rather they were tears of joy as she returned the hug.

At this exact moment, as the two shared their hug, a bright light flashed from the side of Ericka's side which caught both mare's attention. “Is that...?” Ericka asked but trailed off now unable to say anything.

“Your cutie mark...it appeared!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed and at this exact moment her hair puffed out to it's normal frizzy appearance.

♫ That I belong to here, oh.♫

On Ericka's flank now was the image of a paintbrush and easel. “I-I can't believe it. I got my cutie mark.” Ericka remarked in a stunned tone as she stared at the image on her side the best she could.

“That's awesome Cloudkicker! You've finally discovered your special talent!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she hugged tightly before locking lips with the dark blue Pegasus in front of Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie who just stared at her and smiled proudly.

Ericka looked to the at Pinkie Pie now and could have swore she saw her little sister smiling at her while she danced around the pink mare before her image faded away just as she hugged the pink mare. “You never left me, I just had to find you again little sis.” Ericka thought to herself as tears of joy swelled in her eyes as she stared at Pinkie Pie now...

Element of treachery part one

ELEMENT OF TREACHERY

PART ONE

Days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months now. Ericka however no longer cared. To her now, this was her world. She had somepony she cared for and loved, her little sister, and friends who would support her no matter what. Today she was with her friends who were all visiting Canterlot. For Ericka however, this was her first time seeing it with her own eyes and was taken back by just how different this city was from a small town like Ponyville.

“This place is amazing!” Ericka exclaimed in awe as they walked through the city.

“This is your first time here isn't Cloudkicker?” Twilight asked looking at the dark blue Pegasus now.

“Yeah, I've read about it, but this is my first time seeing it.” Ericka replied as she looked about herself.

“Heh, remind me to show you Cloudsdale sometime. If you think this place is cool, you'll be so impressed by a the cloud city, your mane will turn red.” Rainbow Dash chimed in with a smirk.

“Heh, Maybe. I would love to see Cloudsdale sometime.” Ericka replied with a smile.

It was at this exact moment two Alicorns stepped up to the six.

“Princess! It's so nice to see you! I didn't expect to see you in town today.” Twilight remarked pleasantly surprised by her mentor's appearance.

“I do enjoy getting out of the castle now and then my dear student, but there is another reason I have come to see you all today.” Princess Celestia replied then looked at Ericka whom went slightly pale now.

“Did Cloudkicker do something wrong?” Rainbow Dash asked nervously taking note of where the sun princess's gaze had stopped.

“Not at all, I simply would like her to accompany me and my sister for a short time. That is, if she wishes to.” Princess Celestia replied with a smile at which point Ericka felt less nervous now and smiled back.

“O-Of course! It would be an honor!” Ericka replied and bowed respectfully to the two.

“Did I do something wrong?” Ericka asked nervously as she walked with the regal sisters towards their castle to which Celestia chuckled.

“Not at all. As I said before I simply wished to speak with you.” The Alicorn replied as they stepped inside the castle and walked through it's grand halls.

“What about?” Ericka asked curiously.

“For starters, I would like to apologize for how I treated you when you first arrived. We have never received visitors from another world before so I was being very protective of my subjects. Still, that gave me no right to treat you as a threat.” Princess Celestia replied as she turned and lowered her head to the dark blue Pegasus. “Can you forgive me?” Princess's Celestia asked which caused Ericka to be taken back by this.

“It's water under the bridge Princess. I don't blame you for being protective.” Ericka replied honestly with a smile.

“Thank you for your forgiveness.” Princess Celestia replied, turned around, and walked away from her.

“We also would like to apologize for how we treated the. It was not very princess like of us to be so rude to a guest in our world.” Princess Luna said now as the walked up the the dark blue Pegasus.

“Enough of the apologies already, You're making me blush.” Ericka replied as she rubbed the back of her head with a faint blush on her face now.

Upon hearing this both sisters gave a giggle. “Very well. On to our next set of business then. You have been among us for sometime and I’m sure you have learned much about our world, but you have yet to learn about us. I'm sure your fellow kind would like to ask us some questions personally.” Princess Celestia replied to which Ericka frowned.

“I'm sure they would.” Ericka replied and sighed.

“Is something the matter?” The Alicorn asked taking note of the Pegasus's sudden change in mood.

“It's just...nothing, forget it.” Ericka replied and sighed once again at which point both sister's exchanged looks of concern before the moon princess looked at her, walked over to her, and placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“We think that we may know what thou is thinking.” Princess Luna said which caused Ericka to look up at her. “You have grown accustom to our world and you do not wish to leave it. Am I correct?” Princess Luna asked curiously.

Bingo, she was right on the dot, in fact if she could be anymore closer she could have gone as far as to suggest she wanted to cast away her humanity while she was at it. “Y-Yes. I have a special somepony I care about deeply and friends who I also care about. I never knew what friendship could be until they shared it's magic with me. I don't want to lose that friendship I’ve gained. I don't want to lose the love I’ve gained.” Ericka replied as tears swelled in her eyes now.

“I...I...I don't want to be-” Ericka was about to exclaim until the moon princess placed a hoof over her mouth which caused her to stop what she was saying at stare as tears streamed from her eyes.

“What you ask for, is something not even we or our sister could grant you.” Princess Luna replied knowingly of what she was about to say.

“And even if such magic existed, me nor my sister could use it in clear conscience. You should not cast away who you are Ericka. It's what makes you unique.” The sun princess chimed in with a frown.

Ericka stared at the two as tears streamed from her eyes now. “It's not that I don't want to be human anymore, it's just that I don't want to ever have to leave.” Ericka replied and sighed as she wiped the tears from her eyes at which point Luna looked to her sister.

“Sister, there is one thing thou could do.” Luna replied to which the sun princess's expression became stern and shook her head.

“I will not abuse my authority as ruler of Equestria little sister. Even if I wanted to, I would have no right to go as far as to order her kind to allow her to remain here. Their affairs are theirs to handle sister and our affairs are for us to handle.” Celestia replied looking at her little sister now.

“Forgive us, we did not mean to suggest such a thing, but we pity her.” Luna replied with a saddened expression as she looked to Ericka whom was no longer crying but still frowning.

“Least we forget that we are still unknowing of the magic that is allowing her to remain in this faux body in the first place. We have no idea what effects it may have on her if she were to remain in it for a prolonged amount of time.” Celestia continued and looked at Ericka now. “However as I said before, me and my sister would be happy to speak with the ones in charge of your field study and answerer any questions they may have.” Celestia finished as she looked at Ericka.

“But how would you talk to them? Last I checked, you don't speak human.” Ericka replied looking at the two curiously now.

“We have spells that allow us to speak with other races other than ourselves. It may take a few moments, but it would be very easy to adapt one of these spells which would allow us to communicate with your kind directly.” Celestia replied with a smile.

“One of us must remain here sister. We shall go in thy stead and speak with them.” Princess Luna chimed in at this point to which Celestia smiled and nodded.

“Very well. Ericka would you please go and inform them that we wish to speak with them and arrange a time?” Princess Celestia asked curiously.

“Of course. But I warn you, they may not believe most of the answers you have for them.” Ericka replied with a hint of nervousness in her voice now.

“We will do our best to help them understand our ways.” Luna replied with a warm smile.

“One of the dual breeds wants to speak with us directly?!” Stillborn asked incredulously in pure shock.

“Yes, and they are waiting for me to return to them with the time.” Ericka replied.

“You have outdone yourself Airfreed! With the information a ruler of their world could give us, we could possibly learn more than we have in the last year!” Stillborn exclaimed and slapped her on the back which caused the woman to stumble slightly.

“Th-Thank you sir!” Ericka replied proudly.

“Well private you know what? I think your in line for a huge promotion! How does, First lieutenant sound?” Stillborn asked with a grin.

“F-F-F-First lieutenant?!” Ericka exclaimed in shock and nearly passed out on the spot as Stillborn gave a hearty laugh as he once again slapped her on the back and walked past her.

“Well look at you, moving up in the human world. Or lack their of.” Josh remarked with a smirk as he walked up to her.

“Are you still sore at me?” Ericka asked with an annoyed expression.

“Quite the contrary! You have exceeded all my expectations. The information the dual breed can give us will skyrocket this field study by years! I look forward to seeing it in person. Well done Ericka.” Josh replied and extended a hand to Ericka who cautiously took and shook.

“Thanks.” Ericka replied though she couldn't quite shake the feeling something was off with Josh today. While she couldn't place a finger on it, something about him threw her off. Something she didn't like.

Despite this unsettling feeling, she ignored it and left the lab and went to the dorm bunker where Richard was waiting. “I just heard the news, First lieutenant! Man, I am so jealous!” Richard exclaimed excitedly.

“Yeah, that makes me your superior. So you have to do what I say.” Ericka replied with a smirk.

“Is that different from any other day?” Richard replied with a grin only to get a light jab to the shoulder.

“Watch it private or I’ll have you scrubbing the toiletries.” Ericka replied with a smirk as she walked past him and sat down at her desk.

“You wouldn't dare.” Richard replied with a mock scared look.

“Try me.” Ericka replied, opened the drawer, and frowned as her eyes fell upon the intermediate drawing book. “I forgot to take the book back.” Ericka replied and sighed as she looked at it.

“Yeah, I saw it laying out and stuck it in your drawer, you could have gotten in a lot of trouble for bringing that in here.” Richard replied as she walked over next her, looked at her, and noticed her frowning now.

“What's got you so depressed for? You've just gotten a huge freaking promotion for peat's sake. If I were you, I would be celebrating.” Richard remarked as Ericka continued to stare at the book.

“When this is all over, I'll have to leave them forever Richard. I'm not ready for that yet.” Ericka replied depressingly followed by a sigh.

Upon hearing this Richard gave a sigh of his own as she placed a hand on her shoulder. “Ericka, I know you've grown close to them, but that isn't your world.” Richard said in a solemn tone.

“I know...” Ericka replied in a soft tone and sighed again.

“When we get back, you will be welcomed a hero for the amount of information we'll be getting from the Princess herself. I know it may be hard, but you just have to accept the fact that we won't be here for much longer.” Richard continued as he rubbed her shoulder in a comforting manner.

“You're right Richard. That isn't my world. I nearly forgot that, but there is one thing I can do.” Ericka replied as she stood up now.

“Which is?” Richard asked curiously.

“Tell them....everything.” Ericka replied and walked out of the dorm room leaving Richard staring at her with a worried expression.

“A outing with Princess Luna, You can't even fathom how jealous I am!” Twilight remarked with a grin as Ericka began to pack up her things.

“Yeah, it should be fun.” Ericka replied absentmindedly to which the unicorn took note of along with the fact she seemed to be packing her things up.

“Are you going somewhere Cloudkicker?” The purple unicorn asked curiously at which point Ericka stopped packing and looked at her which caused Twilight's expression to become worried.

“Twilight, there's something I need to tell you, tell everypony, but it will have to wait until after I get back with Princess Luna.” Ericka replied as she put the saddle-pack onto her back and walked past the unicorn.

“You're worrying me Cloudkicker, what's going on?” Twilight asked with a look of concern on face now.

“I...can't say anything right now. But when I get back I will tell you and everypony...everything.” Ericka replied and left the library.

“Everything?” Twilight asked more worried now then ever.

The moon hung high now as Ericka and Princess Luna traveled to the Everfree forest.

“Ericka, there is something we should tell the.” Princess Luna said in a serious tone as she stopped and turned to look at Ericka.

“What is it?” The dark blue Pegasus asked curiously.

“Our sister was not entirely honest with thou. Magic does exist that would allow the to remain a pony forever, but it is forbidden. It is a dark magic. The same kind of magic that changed us into Nightmare Moon. That is why she refuses to use it and rightfully so. Such magic can easily corrupt one and thus should never be used. But we have been thinking and if thou desires to be one of us enough. We shall perform the spell to allow the to remain a pony, forever.” Princess Luna replied and smiled at her.

Ericka stared at the moon princess and for a time she was willing to accept this in a heartbeat, but the fact that this magic was dark in nature and could easily corrupt a pony caused her better judgment to kick in. “I appreciate the thought Princess, but I would never forgive myself if it came at the expense of you becoming corrupted by the dark magic again. Besides, I wasn't really thinking things through yesterday. Your older sister is right, I shouldn't cast away my humanity, it's a part of who I am.” Ericka replied with a smile as she walked past the moon princess who looked at her knowingly.

“Thou is a very noble mare. The must be very respected in thou's homeland.” The moon princess remarked as she continued to walk with Ericka as they grew closer to the base.

Upon hearing this Ericka giggled aloud and sighed. “Not really. When I joined the army, I did it for my own personal vendetta. I wanted revenge against the aliens who murdered my family. But after all this, meeting all of you, finding friendship and even love, I don't think I'll ever be the same again.” Ericka replied as the two stopped just short of the base.

“Thou have the heart of a pony Ericka, do not let anypony tell the different.” The moon princess replied with a smile to which Ericka smiled at her.

Suddenly the Alicorn was encased in a large steel cage much to Ericka's horror. “What is happening?!” Luna exclaimed in shock.

Before Ericka could reply however, she felt the familiar passing out sensation. “No! Not now!” Ericka thought to herself dramatically as her vision faded and went black only to see the lid of her V-M-A machine open with Stillborn standing over her.

“What the fuck is going on?! Princess Luna was just caged!” Ericka exclaimed in shock and panic.

“She was what?!” Stillborn exclaimed with an equally shocked expression at which point the two rushed to the wall, grabbed oxygen masks and ran out of the lab to see the steel cage glowing with an eerie green light as Josh and several other professors stood outside.

“What the fuck are you doing?! Let her go!” Ericka exclaimed as she ran over to Josh and lifted up with both hands by the lab coat.

“Orders from the top brass, we are to apprehend one of the dual winged specie and study them.” Josh replied with a smirk at which point Ericka put him down, looked over at the cage and looked back at him.

“That's not a normal containment field. What the fuck is that?” Ericka asked with a glare.

“Oh come now Ericka, don't play coy, you know exactly what that is.” Josh replied still grinning as he made a non-verbal gesture to some of the guards whom grabbed a hold of the woman before she could react.

“Magic...that's magic!” Ericka exclaimed as what the professor finally said clicked with her and struggled against the soldiers whom continued to drag her back to the dorm bunker.

“What the hell is going on here?! Is this a revolt or something?!” Stillborn exclaimed in a pissed off tone as the four sat in the dorm room with two guards stationed just outside armed with rifles.

“No, apparently the top brass had other plans and used us to make them happen.” Ericka replied and sighed.

“And what the hell was that freaking green light around that cage?” Stillborn asked as he looked at her now.

“You wouldn't believe me if I told you.” Ericka replied and looked at Richard then back to Stillborn.

“Try me.” Stillborn replied to which Ericka sighed.

“It was magic.” Ericka replied simply to which Stillborn blinked several times.

“I'm being serious Airfreed! What the hell was that green light?” Stillborn asked again to which Ericka face palmed and groaned.

“I told you that you wouldn't believe me.” Ericka replied dismally.

“Wait, your serious?” Stillborn replied upon hearing this.

“Sir, there are things in this world that can not be explained with modern science. It took even me awhile to figure this out. Equestria does not function like a normal world. In essence, magic is the core source that powers nearly everything in this world.” Richard chimed in now which caused the commander to look at him and blink several more times before sitting down with a expression of pure disbelief.

“If you would have told me this two years ago, I would have laughed at you and shipped you off world, but after seeing that freaking green light, I’m inclined to go on a leap of faith here.” Stillborn replied after a few moments.

“I have to rescue Princess Luna. This is all my fault.” Ericka said after a few more moments as she stood up and looked out the window to the sky and gasped.

“What is it Ericka?” Richard asked curiously as he walked up beside her, looked out the window and gasped as well.

“What are you two gawking at?” Stillborn asked as he walked up behind the two and went wide-eyed at what he saw. “What the hell is up with the freaking moon?!” Stillborn exclaimed in shock.

As the three looked on through the window, the moon seemed to fade until it turned black before their very eyes.

“This is bad. Princess Luna is connected to the moon and if this is happening...” Ericka began to say but trailed off now.

“Then they must be somehow disrupting her magic.” Richard said now finishing Ericka's statement for her.

“Or draining it. We have to get her now!” Ericka exclaimed urgently as she turned around and walked to her desk.

“And how do you plan to do that? We have no oxygen masks and the guards outside are armed with twenty caliber rifles.” Stillborn remarked as Ericka looked around in the bunker for anything she could possibly use.

“Then we'll just have to lure them in here.” Ericka replied with a determined expression.

“And how are we going to do that?” Richard asked curiously as the woman picked up a lighter and a bottle of hairspray.

“It's time to turn up the heat.” Ericka said as she flicked the lighter on and positioned the hair spray can behind it.

“Ericka, don't do anything stupid! Think things through before you act!” Stillborn exclaimed panicked upon realizing what she was about to do.

“I always do...” Ericka replied and pressed the button on the spray can which erupted into a torrent of flames that immediately set the beds ablaze.

Sure enough, the fire that now raged inside was more than enough to attracted the attention of the soldiers outside and raced inside to inspect what was going on. “What the fuck have you idiots done?!” One of the soldiers exclaimed as he rushed over to one of the fire extinguishers only to get a foot to the skull by Ericka from behind and before the other solider could arm him rifle, Richard clocked him with his fist which effectively knocked him out.

“Okay, so what's the plan?” Richard asked as the two took the oxygen masks off the soldiers and put them on while Stillborn put out the flames with the fire extinguisher.

“I need to alert Princess Celestia to what's happening here. So you will need to stay outside and make sure I'm protected.” Ericka replied as the two walked up the door.

“Alright.” Richard replied and looked back at Stillborn whom stared at the two.

“What are you two standing around for? You don't need me to give ya any orders so get your asses moving and save that Princess!” Stillborn exclaimed to which the two saluted him, and ran to the lab.

Element of treachery part two

THE ELEMENT OF TREACHERY

PART TWO

Ericka flew as fast as her wings could carry her as she rushed towards Ponyville now. And soon landed in town square with the purple unicorn and the other five in view along with Princess Celestia.

“You are either very brave or very stupid to come back here.” Twilight remarked as she glared at her.

“Wha-What? Listen, Princess Luna had been captured we need to-” Ericka began to exclaimed only for Princess Celestia to step forward.

“Me and my sister gave you our trust and this is how you repay us? With deceit, treachery? Why have you come back?” Princess Celestia asked with a glare.

“Princess, you have to believe me! I had nothing to do with-”

“Enough of your lies! I will allow you to leave here to deliver this message to your kind. The armies of Equestria will come for my sister. You have one day to return her to us and leave our world or we will march into the Everfree forest and free her ourselves. By any means necessary.” Celestia said cutting off the dark blue Pegasus with a glare.

Ericka then turned to look at Rainbow Dash who seemed to refuse to look at her now then to Pinkie Pie whom had tears in her eyes. “You believe me right? I had nothing to do with this!” Ericka exclaimed as she looked at Pinkie Pie.

“I want to Ericka, I really do, but...” Pinkie Pie replied in a soft tone before she trailed off.

“Rainbow, Please...” Ericka said in a soft tone as tears swelled in her eyes as she looked at her love.

“Get out of here you traitor.” Rainbow Dash replied with glare yet tears could be seen streaming from her eyes as she spoke.

“I will get Princess Luna back, I swear it!” Ericka exclaimed as she looked to all of them.

BEEEEE GOOOOONE!

Celestia's voice roared with such fierce and power that it caused Erick's mane to flail in the wake of her shout which could be be none other than the royal Canterlot voice which effectively scared Ericka into running off and taking off to the skies.

Unknown to everypony else however, a certain pink mare had sneaked off and followed Ericka...

Ericka now ran as fast as her hooves could carry her back to the base and to the spot that the moon Princess was held in. Once there she surveyed the area. “No one is here, strange.” Ericka remarked as she walked into the open and up to Princess Luna's cage whom upon seeing her glared at her with rage.

“Traitor! Deceiver!” Princess Luna exclaimed as Ericka stepped up to her.

“Please Princess, be quiet! I need to get you out of here!” Ericka exclaimed in a whisper as she looked over the cage for something that could possibly be used to shut off the magical field around the cage.

“What kind of act is this? We are not fooled! Thou had betrayed our trust!” Luna replied with a glare.

“No I didn't! I was tricked too! I'm going to get you out of here Princess, I swear it on my life!” Ericka exclaimed in a whisper as she continued to search for what would be an off switch.

“I knew you didn't betray us! It those meanie pants people inside wasn't it?!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she ran up to Ericka and hugged her.

“Pinkie, shush! I'm happy to see you too, but I have to find a way to shut this off!” Ericka exclaimed in a whisper as she continued to search.

However just as Ericka seemed to find something that resembled an off switch, the big door to the back of the lab began to open. “Pinkie, hide!” Ericka exclaimed in the same whisper to which she did so without a moments hesitation.

“Ericka? How did you get back into your equine body?” A voice asked as he slowly walked into view.

Once the figure came into view, Ericka gasped at the sight that beheld her. It was Professor Josh alright, but on his forehead seemed to look like unicorn horn that looked as if it was ingrained into his skull. “What happened to you?” Ericka asked without thinking and remembered he wouldn't understand her.

“Oh this? Heh, this is just something we have been working on for some time.” Josh replied at which point Ericka's jaw dropped.

“You...can understand me?” Ericka asked incredulously.

Upon hearing this Josh's expression turned into a sneer. “Ericka, do you know why you were brought here?” Josh asked as he looked at her when she didn't answer he simply chuckled. “You were brought here because you made the perfect candidate for our tests. You and Richard to be precise.” Josh continued at which point Ericka's eyes narrowed at him.

“Tests? What tests?!” Ericka exclaimed in a demanding tone.

“Your sitting in one right now! Ha,ha!” Josh exclaimed with a short laugh.

“What do you mean?!” Ericka exclaimed with a glare.

“Where to begin? Well suffice it to say, our previous trials with the equine body your in were unsuccessful. We realized far to quickly that we simply couldn't artificially create a soul, not even with the magic this world provides.” Josh replied in a matter of fact tone.

The horrifying image of seeing all of the dead versions of her shot through the dark blue Pegasus's mind now.

“So all those bodies, they weren't failures with creating my body, they were failures with your attempts to play god?” Ericka asked shocked and disgusted by this new set of information.

“Once again you are referring to that equine body as if it's you. Oh and I see you managed to obtain a cute mark as well! That must have made you very proud.” Josh remarked with a malicious grin.

“As far as I am concerned, this body is apart of me now.” Ericka replied at which point unknown to Ericka, the moon Princess's eyes widened in surprise.

“Is that so? Well, this should make things easier for me then.” Josh replied as he rose his hand up at which point Ericka's body seized up and felt as if she was being lifted by an unseen force.

“What are you doing to her?!” Princess Luna exclaimed as she watched the dark blue Pegasus struggle against the unseen face but to no avail while her front legs were flung out to the side while her hind legs were forced down.

“Heh, the same thing that will happen to you once we have gotten all the necessary data out of you princess. Once we have all the information we need, we will be able to create an invincible army of Alicorns! With this army, we will rule every world in the known universe!” Josh exclaimed as a golden cross appeared behind the dark blue Pegasus.

“Ericka!” Princess Luna exclaimed as she watched the cross appear.

“If you love there kind so much, I only see it fitting that you die as one of them!” Josh exclaimed with a malicious grin.

In the next moment the cross glowed a dark red and Ericka gave a shrill shriek of agony.

While the dark blue Pegasus continued to shriek out in agony josh could be seen laughing hysterical until he lowered his hand at which point the cross disappeared and she fell to the ground.

Josh then stepped up to Ericka whom was twitching slightly now. “How does it feel to betray your own kind Ericka? Now like it matters now. Ha,ha,ha...” Josh said with yet another laugh and looked at the moon princess.

“You vile creature! We shall destroy the for this act of cruelty!” Princess Luna roared to which Josh laughed again as four other scientists walked up behind him.

“Prepare to move her. No doubt the damned older sister will wipe this pathetic excuse for a base off the map once she arrives and we must have the specimen transferred before this occurs.” Josh said as he gave one last look at Ericka before he walked away.

Pinkie Pie now stared at the events that transpired here, horrified by them until she was finally able to snap out of her stunned state and run back to the others with this information she had just learned...

A FATE UNDECIDED PART ONE

A FATE UNDECIDED

PART ONE

“Something's wrong!” Richard exclaimed as the V-M-A device began to beep erratically and he attempted to pull her out only for it to scream some strange error message at him.

UNABLE TO FIND SUBJECT.

SUBJECT NOT FOUND!

“What the fuck does that mean?! Stillborn must know the override codes or something!” Richard exclaimed as he looked at the screen then turned around, put an oxygen mask on, and ran out to go and get Stillborn only for a blue pony sitting on the ground to catch his eye.

“E-Ericka?” Richard asked in shock as he ran up to her yet she did not respond.

“Uh,uh,uh,uhhhh...” Was all that come out of the dark blue Pegasus's mouth as she stared blankly forward and seemed to not even acknowledge the fact that Richard was shaking her at this point.

“Ericka, say something!” Richard exclaimed as he looked at her. Yet as he stared at her, he saw her eyes, they looked empty.

“Uhh,uhhhhh,uh,uhhhh....” Was the only thing that came out of Ericka's mouth once again. It was as if she was alive yet none of the lights were on upstairs. This worried Richard more than anything.

Richard gave a look around himself now and realized that something had been moved recently. “I'm never going to figure out what happened here like this.” Richard remarked and ran back into the lab now.

“The only way I'm going to be able to know what happened is in my pony body. I just hope Josh hadn't disposed of it yet.” Richard thought to himself as he laid inside of the V-M-A device and closed the door.

“Where the hell am I?!” Richard thought to himself as he looked about himself and gave a mighty buck which caused wood to splinter and break in front of him.

“What was that?! Check it out!” Josh's voice could be heard exclaiming at which point Richard channeled magic into his horn and disappeared in a flash of magic and reappeared some distance away but still within earshot.

“Professor Josh, the unicorn body is gone!” One of the scientists exclaimed.

“That idiot Richard must have found Ericka and jumped into the V-M-A device. I knew I should have shut those things down before we left. Oh well, keep it moving people! We need to get to the underground lab before Celestia arrives and destroys the base. Once she realizes she's not there, she will surely come looking for us and we can not assume she does not know this area just because it's a location none of their kind bother to go to.” Josh said in a matter of fact tone as the large cargo truck continued to move followed by two more.

Princess Luna is in one of those cargo trucks, but which one?” Richard thought to himself and cast a scanning spell on each of the trucks until he detected an unusual kind of magic. “Bingo.” Richard thought to himself and disappeared in a flash of magic and reappeared in front of Luna who gawked at him curiously.

“And who might thou be?” Luna asked curiously.

“You don't know me, but I'm friends with Ericka. What happened to her? I found her outside the base and she looked as if she was brain-dead or something.” Richard replied to which the moon princess gave a sigh of relief.

“So she lives, we are pleased to hear this.” Princess Luna replied with a smile.

“What happened to her?” Richard asked again.

“There is no time to explain, but know this. The creature know as Josh has a vile plan to create an army of my kind. You must alert my sister to this at once!” Luna exclaimed in a whisper.

“Let me get you out of here first!” Richard exclaimed and began to look around the steel cage.

“There is no way to free us from this prison. It is powered by a vile magic. Quickly, go and warn our sister!” Luna exclaimed in the same whisper to which Richard nodded and disappeared in a flash of magic.

MEANWHILE....

“Where is Pinkie Pie? We sitting here on the verge of all out war and she's no where to be found?” Twilight remarked aloud in a stressed tone as she rushed about the library.

“Maybe she, um, followed Cloudkicker?” Fluttershy suggested meekly.

“Get it right Fluttershy, that wasn't a pony, that creature's name was Ericka. A two legged creature from another planet who somehow used magic to inhabit that pony body. The Princess told us herself remember?” Twilight remarked as she ran to the next book shelf.

“I'm Sorry. I just um, didn't think she was that bad of a pony.” Fluttershy replied meekly.

“She's not a pony Fluttershy! She never was...” Rainbow Dash pipped up now as she sat in a corner looking away from everyone else.

“Rainbow, darling, I know this must be hard for you, but-”

“Just... Just don't Rarity.” The cyan blue Pegasus said cutting off the white unicorn before she could finish her sentence to which she sighed.

“As for what ya said about her followin Ericka, ah hope not. Last thing we need is another one of us gettin hog tied and held hostage.” Applejack said simply.

“Ericka is innocent!” Pinkie Pie's voice erupted followed by a ramble that could not be understood by the five as she barreled through the front door of Twilight's library.

“What in tarnation are you goin about thar Pinkie? Slow down thar surgarcube.” Applejack asked confused.

“Do I have to repeat myself? Geez!” Pinkie Pie replied in an annoyed tone and repeated what she had said before but more slowly and understandable now.

“Pinkie, we know you were close to her. How do we know you aren't just making this up because you want things to go back to how they were?” Rarity asked curiously after hearing the full account of what the pink mare had to say.

“She's telling the truth.” A voice said which caused everypony to look once again at the door and see a red unicorn standing there.

“Stiffhorn?” Pinkie Pie asked as her face lit up at the sight of him.

“And how would you know?” Twilight asked as she narrowed her eyes at the red unicorn.

“Because I'm one of them as well, we were both betrayed along with our superior. My real name is Richard.” Richard replied at which point everypony in the room stared at him in shock.

“Is Ericka okay? When I saw her she...she wasn't moving.” Pinkie Pie asked though the news of Richard being the same as Ericka still was at the front of her mind, her concern for the dark blue Pegasus was a greater worry right now.

“She's alive, if you call the state she's in being alive.” Richard replied and sighed heavily.

“So what Pinkie Pie just told us is the truth and that means...” Twilight remarked aloud with a worried expression but trailed off.

Suddenly a cloud cluttering could be heard which caused everypony's attention to snap to Rainbow Dash who was crying now. “The last thing I said to her was calling her a traitor...” Rainbow Dash remarked aloud as her hoof shook violently against the bookshelf.

“But she's alive Dashie!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a smile.

“Richard, just what state is Ericka in right now? What you said about her didn't sit well with me.” Twilight said in a worried tone.

“See for yourself.” Richard replied and teleported the six of them to the spot where Ericka sat in Everfree forest.

“You're gonna have to teach me how you managed that after this is over.” Twilight remarked in awe of the red unicorn's magical skill until her eyes fell upon Ericka.

“Ericka, say something!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she shook the dark blue Pegasus.

“uhhh...” Was all that came from Ericka's mouth however at which point Pinkie Pie looked at Richard. “That meanie pants Josh did this didn't he?” Pinkie Pie said in a saddened tone.

“Yeah. I don't know what to do for her, but what I can tell you is this. Princess Luna is being shipped off to some secret lab deep in the Everfree forest. You need to go tell Princess Celestia what's happening and stop her from destroying the base. Because if she does...” Richard began to say only to trail off though he didn't need to state it outright as it was more than obvious.

“There's no way we'll be able to reach her in time. It takes a day to reach Canterlot by train and there is no way to teleport there as it's protected by a powerful magic.” Twilight replied then looked to the base now at which point her expression turned into a smile.

“Twi, ya can't beh thinkin of what ah think ya are. Are ya?” Applejack remarked with a worried expression now.

“If you know what I’m thinking Applejack, then you better be ready.” Twilight replied as she stepped in front of the other five. “Okay everypony. We can't alert the Princess before she charges down here so we're going to stand right in front of this base and protect it! Is everypony with me?” Twilight asked with a proud smile.

“But how can you six stand up to an Alicorn?!” Richard asked incredulously.

“We're the elements of harmony, we hold the most powerful magic known to ponykind. We'll be able to stop her alright.” Twilight replied looking at Richard as she said this then back to the other five.

“You mean, we're going to be defying the princess?” Rarity asked with a face that was whiter than usual to which the unicorn nodded. “And we're going to be using the very power she bestowed on us against her?” Rarity asked looking even more pale now and upon seeing the unicorn nod literally fainted on the spot with a faint thud.

“Ah call ya plum crazy, but ah'm with ya.” Applejack replied with a smile of her own.

“I'll do my very best!” Fluttershy exclaimed with a smile of her own.

“You know I'm in! Let's party!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed excitedly.

It was at this point the other five looked to the cyan blue Pegasus whom now had a hoof on Ericka's cheek as the dark blue Pegasus moaned aloud incoherently then looked at the other five. “For Ericka, if it meant protecting her, I’d eat lava, lets do this.” Rainbow Dash replied in a solemn tone as she looked at her once more and walked over to the Twilight whom looked at Richard.

“You need to get to the Princess Luna and free her, can you do that?” Twilight asked as she looked at the red unicorn.

“Heh, Can Pegasus' fly?” Richard replied with a grin which left Twilight with a confused look on her face until she finally caught on. “Oh! A rhetoric question! I get it, hehe, good luck!” Twilight replied with a smile.

“There is someone I want you all to meet first though.” Richard replied to which the six gave curious glances

“Wow, I've never see them this up close before.” Stillborn remarked aloud in shock as he stared at the six ponies as Richard stood next to him.

“Yeah, these six will be guarding the base while I go and look for Princess Luna.

“Can they understand us?” Rarity asked curiously to which Twilight gave an non-verbal shrugging gesture.

Pinkie Pie however walked up to Richard and stared at him. “Is that really you Richard?” Pinkie Pie asked as she looked at Richard whom smiled and placed a hand on her cheek.

“Yeah, it's me Pinkie. I know I can't understand you like this but, the look in your eyes spoke to me I guess.” Richard replied as he smiled at her.

Without thinking the pink mare kissed Richard on the cheek at first then moved in to attempt to lock lips with him much to Stillborn's and everypony's shock. She was successful, but it looked very awkward from the other five's point of view.

“Oooo-kay! Ah think ah'm gonna go outside and get some fresh air.” Applejack remarked nervously as she quickly walked away to which the other five followed suit.

“I-I'm gonna follow them. Ahem!” Stillborn remarked in the same nervous tone as Applejack had and quickly followed the other five while Richard and Pinkie Pie continued to make out.

THIRTY MINUTES LATER...

“I'll be back with Princess Luna as soon as possible.” Richard said as he stood before the six once again in his unicorn body, broke into a sprint, and disappeared in a flash of magic.

“What is that smell?” Stillborn remarked allowed as he looked around.

“Come to think of it, that human has a point. What is that consarned smell?” Applejack remarked with a curious expression now until her gaze fell upon Pinkie Pie as did the other five whom looked a little pale at the moment.

“Pinkie, what did you-”

“Looky! It's the princess!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed cutting off Twilight now as she pointed a hoof in the other direction.

Sure enough Princess Celestia was marching down the path now along with a force of what could possibly be fifty armored stallions.

“Get ready everypony!” Twilight exclaimed as she stood in place as did the other five.

“Dodged the parasprite there Pinkie, you naughty mare.” Rainbow Dash remarked in a whisper with a smirk as she stood next to Pinkie Pie whom blushed crimson red upon hearing this.

“I'll be inside! Good luck to you all!” Stillborn exclaimed as he ran inside the lab building.

“Twilight Sparkle and friends, what in Equestria are you doing here?” Princess Celestia asked with a curiously glance.

“Please listen to me Princess! There has been a mistake! Ericka is innocent!” Twilight exclaimed as she looked at the sun goddess.

“I wish I could believe you, but I can not, now please step aside.” Princess Celestia said in a polite tone yet the six did not move.

“But princess-!”

“I said, move aside.” Twilight began to only for the Alicorn to cut her off and repeat herself but this time her voice was stern and threatening.

It now become clear to the purple unicorn that her mentor was past the point of listening to reason. Twilight then took a deep breath and let it out. “No.”

“What did you say?” The sun goddess asked as she narrowed her eyes at her star pupil.

“Princess, you gave us the elements of harmony to maintain peace and harmony in Equestria. And that's just what we are going to do here today. If you refuse to listen to reason then we will just have to stop you ourselves! Everypony, now!” Twilight exclaimed as her crown appeared on her head as did the elements of harmony around the other five's necks and combined their element's power and created a magical rainbow colored shield in front of them.

“So, you have decided to betray me and all of Equestria for humans. I had thought I taught you better than that my student, it seems I was mistaken.” Princess Celestia remarked aloud with her eyes closed and snapped them open. “Unicorn's at the ready!” The Alicorn ordered to which several unicorns ran up front and channeled magic into their horns.

“Whoa nelly...” Applejack remarked in a worried tone as she looked to her friends then back at the unicorn squad now as they prepared to fire beams of magic at the shield.

A fate undecided part two

A FATE UNDECIDED

PART TWO

Richard now stood in the spot he last saw the moon princess yet he had no clue where to begin looking. No matter how many scanning spells he used, her trail went cold a mere mile away from the spot he had appeared in.

“How am I supposed to find her if I can't even locate her?” Richard asked aloud as he sat on his rump and sighed aloud.

“The answer you seek, is very unique.” A voice spoke up which caused the unicorn to hop to all fours and put on his guard only to see a zebra-like equine creature walk into view with a saddle-pack on her back.

“Who are you?” Richard asked not letting his defenses down as he stared at her.

“I am not your enemy my friend.” Zecora said as she walked up to him.

“How do I know? What's your name?” Richard asked narrowing his eyes at the zebra.

“Zecora.” The zebra replied as she stood in front of him. “If it is the moon princess you seek, then I shall accompany you otherwise you chances of finding her are bleak.” Zecora said a few moments after she stated her name.

“Do you know where she is?” Richard asked curiously as he let down his guard now.

“That I do, I can direct you down the path the two legged creatures drew.” Zecora said and began to run to the right to which Richard followed.

“I worry for Pinkie Pie's big sister, tell me, what has happened to Cloudkicker?” Zecora asked as the two made a left turn in the forest.

“She's alive, but...” Richard began to say but trailed off.

“I see...” Zecora replied with a frown as the two continued to run down the path now.

“Whatever Josh did to her, I'm bet he knows how to bring her back!” Richard exclaimed just before the Zebra made a full stop.

“Your courage is to be admired, but here stealth and cunning is required.” Zecora said in a whisper as she began to walk slowly and carefully.

“You mean we're close?” Richard replied in an equally quiet whisper.

“Open your eyes and see, an illusion spell lies before us and we must tread carefully.” Zecora replied as the two continued to walk forward.

“Can't I just dispel it?” Richard asked curiously.

“If you wish to alert them and endanger our quest, then by all means be my guest.” Zecora replied with a slightly annoyed look now.

“Okay, I get it.” Richard replied as the Zebra stopped once again.

“The entrance to their hideout is here, simply use your magic to open the door and we are in the clear.” Zecora said as she pointed a hoof in front of her to a soft patch of grass.

Richard nodded quietly, focused magic into his horn, and shot a small beam of magic at the spot the zebra pointed at which caused it to glow for a few moments with a bright red glow before it slid to the side and revealed a ladder down a long tunnel. “Thank you Zecora, but I’ll handle things from here.” Richard said as he looked at the ladder.

“If you think I would allow these creatures to harm Cloudkicker and get away with this, then you my friend are in ignorant bliss!” Zecora replied to which Richard blinked twice.

“Who is Cloudkicker to you? Is she a close friend of yours or something?” Richard asked curiously to which Zecora gave a heavy sigh.

“It is a story I do not like to recall, but for you I shall tell you all.” Zecora replied and began to recollect memories from a sad past.

“Th-Thank you for helping me.” The dark blue Pegasus said in a weak voice.

“Your very welcome mare, but can you tell me where you came from if you dare?” Zecora asked curiously as she looked over the dark blue Pegasus's body.

“I-I don't know. When I came to, I was in a dark room. I could hear...voices. One of them said; she's a failure, get rid of her. The next thing I knew, I was out here.” The dark blue Pegasus replied and gave a mighty cough as if she was struggling to breath now.

“What is your name?” Zecora asked curiously as she looked at the mare now with a concerned glance.

“I...don't know.” The dark blue Pegasus replied after a few moments then began to cough again except this time she seemed to not stop.

“You must breath my friend, I do not wish to see your life end!” Zecora exclaimed panicked now as the mare continued to cough until her body seized up with a final dying gasp and the life faded from her eyes.

“Uhhh, uhhh....uhh!” Ericka moaned out now as if she remembered something but her eyes remained as blank as ever...

“Wh-where am I?” The dark blue Pegasus asked.

“You look just like the last one I found not long ago, tell me, do you have any memory that you know?” Zecora asked curiously.

“N-No. Who are you?” The dark blue Pegasus asked curiously.

“I am a friend who wants to help you, I wonder why you look exactly like the other one I found if your lack of memory is true.” Zecora replied curiously as she looked over the dark blue Pegasus. She looked to be in better health than the last one she found, but she still looked worse for wear.

“Thank you. I don't know where I came from, but I do remember voices speaking. One of them said that I was a failure and another said to get rid of me. I don't know what the voices were and when I came to, I saw you.” The dark blue Pegasus replied.

“A failure you say? What is happening over there I wonder in that strange building I saw next to that pathway?” Zecora remarked curiously.

“Uhhh....Uhhh...” Ericka moaned out once again as her head toppled back and forth.

“Wh-What's happening to me? I feel light-headed all of the sudden, so hard to breath...” The dark blue Pegasus said and began to cough non-stop and just like the last one, her body seized up, and she gave one last dying gasp before the life faded from her eyes.

“Uhh! Uhhh! Uhh!” Ericka moaned out yet these moans seemed to sound rather urgent in nature, as if she was pleading for something to stop.

Zecora stared at the pile of bodies that now lay before her, more specifically at the most recent one.

“No more, my heart can not take this pain anymore.” Zecora remarked aloud and was about to turn around and leave when the dark blue Pegasus spoke. “I know you...”

“Over the time I spent taking care of each version of Cloudkicker, the more her memories of me seemed to become clearer.” Zecora remarked aloud and sighed. “Though my time which each version of her was short, I soon realized that a friendship had formed in my heart.” Zecora said and sighed once again.

“That must have been so hard for you, taking care of each one of them and watching them die.” Richard remarked looking at Zecora whom was wiping tears from her eyes.

“The final one version of Cloudkicker whom was in my care, begged me to put an end to her affair. I promised her I would do so no matter the strife, even if it cost me my life.” Zecora replied as the two now stood in what seemed to an underground tunnel yet it looked as if the walls were made of metal.

“But how do you know the Cloudkicker you knew and the one I know are the same?” Richard asked curiously as they neared two large metal doors.

“Wither they are the same or not does not matter to me, I am keeping a promise to a friend you see.” Zecora replied as she nudged the door open with her nose and looked inside.

“What the...?!” Richard began to say but trailed off as his words seemed to leave him as he stared into a room full of what seemed to be nearly three hundred Alicorns.

“It seems Josh has been very busy in the short time he has been in hiding, or perhaps this is the result of his new finding.” Zecora remarked as she looked about the room.

“They look alive but they aren't alive, are they?” Richard asked curiously as he walked up to one and waved a hoof in front of it.

“No, but I can bet by the time they are through, with the moon princess's magical powers, your statement will become true.” Zecora replied and continued to walk forward followed closely by Richard.

“We have to stop them!” Richard exclaimed in a whisper as they neared the other side of the room to which two more large metal doors stood in there way.

“That we will do, but something I wonder about security as it seems rather skew.” Zecora remarked as they went into the next room.

“You don't think set a trap for us do you?” Richard asked only to suddenly be lifted up by an unseen force.

“And bingo was his name-o! Haha! You fell for it, hook, line, and sinker. Honestly Richard, did you really think we didn't know you were on our tails from the beginning?” Josh's voice spoke up as he suddenly appeared in a flash of magic.

“Let him go you foul creature, or an image of fear I shall make you picture!” Zecora exclaimed as she stood in a combat stance.

“And what prey tell do you plan to do? You have no magic, your basically an earth pony.” Josh asked with a sneer as two other scientists appeared in a flash of magic.

“You underestimate your foe, Richard hold your breath or your lungs shall overflow!” Zecora exclaimed as she reached into her saddle-pack, took out what looked like a small bag, and chucked it into the air at which point it exploded into a green dust.

“What is this?!” Josh exclaimed as he and the other scientists began to cough loudly unable to focus any longer which allowed Richard to land on all four hooves at which point he teleported Zecora and himself to another room not far from the one Josh and the other scientists were in.

“Thanks for saving me, but what was that?” Richard asked curiously.

“I may not be a unicorn or anything that is fantastic, but I do have a large amount of zebra magic.” Zecora replied with a smirk.

“I think it's going to take more than a cloud of green dust to get rid of these guys though.” Richard remarked in a whisper as he heard Josh shouting orders to find and kill them.

Beams of magic pummeled the shield of rainbow light the six had summoned and though it seemed to hold strong, the six mares were begging to feel fatigued from using the elements power for so long. “Ah don't know how much longer we hold this Twi. I'm plum worn out and barely standin.” Applejack whispered wearily to the purple unicorn who looked just as exhausted as the other five.

“Unicorn's halt!” Celestia's voice roared at which point the barrage of magic stopped and the Alicorn stepped forward. “I give you one last chance Twilight and friends. Stand down and I shall overlook your transgressions.” Princess Celestia said as she looked at the six who were huffing and puffing at this point.

“No way, no how! I won't let you hurt Ericka!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed though she exclaimed this between huffs and puffs.

Upon hearing this the Alicorn's gaze shifted to Twilight and softened if only a little. “Please, do not make me do this. These humans are not worth protecting, they have my sister. What would you do in my position?” Celestia asked as she looked at Twilight.

“What would you do in mine? Knowing what I know and yet you refuse to listen. Please Princess, hear us out.” Twilight replied as she looked back to the sun princess now.

“If you will not stand down then I have no choice, forgive me.” Celestia replied as she turned around and walked away as a single silent tear shed from her right eye and streaked down her cheek. “Unicorn's at the ready!” The Alicorn exclaimed yet her voice nearly cracked as she spoke.

“Twilight, what are we going to do? We can't take another assault like the last one. Even if we are the elements of harmony, we are still just six ponies!” Rarity exclaimed as she looked over to Twilight now with a worried glance as the unicorn's lined up and prepared to fire.

Twilight looked to each of her friends and realized just how exhausted they were. As if in slow motion she looked in front of her to see the unicorn's magic building up and preparing to fire then looked back to her friends. “If you want to run, I won't blame you.” Twilight said in a soft tone to the other five whom stared at her.

“Are you kiddin meh? Ah would never forgive mahself.” Applejack replied with a weary smile.

“Darling, I couldn't bare to let you face this alone.” Rarity chimed in.

“No way, whosay!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a wide grin.

“If I ran away now, the guilt would make me go crazy, so um, I'm staying, if that's okay with you.” Fluttershy replied with a weary smile.

“I'm not going anywhere.” The cyan blue Pegasus said simply.

Upon hearing her friends responses she giggled to herself and looked forward. “Any regrets fillies?” Twilight asked as the unicorn squad's magic was nearing it's full charge.

“Just one, I was really hoping I could have gotten that dress done. The client is not going to be happy.” Rarity replied to which the other five gave weak giggles to.

“Unicorns....fire!” The sun princess's voice roared at which point a hail of magic assaulted the six again.

“Ahh!” Rarity exclaimed in pain as a beam of magic managed to penetrate the shield and nicked her a crossed the shoulder which caused her to fall to her front knees.

“Rarity! Ahh!” Applejack exclaimed as she looked to see her friend only to be nicked a crossed the head which knocked her backward onto her back.

MEANWHILE NOT FAR AWAY...

Ericka sluggishly turned to look at the six seemingly attracted to the noise now and stared as if transfixed by the fight before her.

(play Stand up now)

♫ Look at all the lonely hearts ♫

As the dark blue Pegasus stared at them, something seemed to call out to her...

♫ Hiding from the truth ♫

“Ah won't give up now!” Applejack exclaimed as she stood to all four hooves wearily with a slight stumble. “Ah've always prided mahself on mah honesty, but ah've done mah share of lyin. Nothin makes a mare perfect. And Ericka no different! Sure she's made some mistakes, but every mare deserves a second chance!” Applejack exclaimed as she did her best to channel her strength into her element now to strengthen the barrier.

FLASHBACK

“Name's Applejack, how ya doin?” Applejack asked as she continued to shake the stunned mare's hoof.

“H-How are you doing that?” Ericka asked in shocked tone still unable to comprehend how this pony was able to grip her hoof like this.

“Doin what?” Applejack asked curiously as she continued to shake Ericka's hoof for a little longer before she let go of it.

“Th-That! Holding my hoof like that! How did you do that?” Ericka replied still unable to figure out how she had managed this.

“All pony's can do that sugarcube. You raised in a rock farm of somethin?” Applejack replied with a smirk.

“I-I lived a very sheltered life.” Ericka replied trying to cover up for her lack of knowledge once again.

END FLASHBACK

♫ Cover up the proof ♫

♫ Demons that I've tried to hide ♫

FLASHBACK

“Now then, how about I welcome you to Ponyville with a new dress, free of charge of course.” Rarity replied with a warm smile as she turned to face the Pegasus.

“A-A dress? For me?” Ericka replied in a shocked tone. She had no idea that these creatures even wore clothing, much less dresses.

“Of course darling! I always enjoy making a dress for Twilight's friends.” Rarity replied as she levitated measuring tapes and began to stretch them out around the mare looking at them.

“I-I suppose that would be okay.” Ericka replied nervously. Not like she had any choice in the matter though as the unicorn seemed to already be sizing her up.

END FLASHBACK

♫ Imprison me in my own lies ♫

♫ And all that I can do is cover up the proof ♫

♫ Don't be afraid to...♫

FLASHBACK

“Wow, I’ve never met a Pegasus pony who has never seen magic or unicorns before.” Twilight replied resuming her smile now.

“Y-Yeah, I've lived a sheltered life. Perhaps you can show me more of this magic you unicorns can do later.” Ericka replied with a nervous smile.

“I'd be happy to, but first let me show you around the rest of Ponyville.” Twilight replied, turned around and began to walk again followed closely by Ericka.

END FLASHBACK

♫ Stand up! ♫

♫ Stand up if you're broken ♫

♫ Stand up! ♫

♫Stand up if you feel ashamed♫

♫You are not alone when you hurt this way♫

♫Stand up!♫

♫Stand up if you need love♫

♫Stand up!♫

“E-Ericka, I'm so sorry. I called you a traitor, but I’m traitor here. I'm a traitor to my own heart...” The cyan blue Pegasus remarked aloud as she stood to all four hooves and stared forward as the unicorn's continued to fire mercilessly.

FLASHBACK

END FLASH BACK

Ericka stared at the cyan blue Pegasus now moaning out now more urgently than before something inside the dark blue Pegasus was stirring now. As if what was left of her was trying to resurface...

“E-Ericka was nothing but kind to me. I can't let any harm come to her...I know I'm weak and helpless most of the time, but...but...For Ericka, I must be be brave! Because she's the weak and helpless one now.” The yellow Pegasus said as tears streamed from her eyes yet she seemed to suck them back into her eye-sockets and gave a fierce growl. Well, as fierce as the meek Pegasus pony could muster anyways.

♫ This is not judgment day ♫

♫ You don't have to hide ♫

♫There's no need to run ♫

♫ Everything will be okay ♫

FLASHBACK

“Fluttershy is the local caretaker of animals. If a pony needs help with their pet, they go to her.” Twilight said in a matter-of-fact tone taking note of Ericka's awed expression now.

“Oh I’m sure there are ponies much better than me at taking care of little woodland creatures. I just, um, haven't met any yet.” Fluttershy replied in a modest tone.

END FLASHBACK

Ericka now stared at Pinkie Pie now moaning aloud more so as if she was fighting to find herself again.

FLASHBACK

“P-Pinkie, can you keep a secret?” Ericka asked the pink mare.

“Y-Yes.” Pinkie Pie replied in a soft tone.

Ericka then let out a heavy sigh and began to explain what she was doing here, how she got into this body, and the reason behind them being here. By the time she had finished Pinkie Pie stared in disbelief but she seemed to understand.

“Can you promise me that you won't tell anypony?” Ericka asked in a soft tone.

“Of course I can! I'll even pinkie pie promise and pinkie pie never breaks a pinkie pie promise!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed enthusiastically.

END FLASHBACK

♫ You say You love me ♫
♫ That's all I'll ever need ♫

♫ If You say I'm good enough ♫

♫ That's good enough for me ♫

Ericka stared now as her memories of her sister and of the times she shared with Pinkie Pie flashed before her eyes as if two live actions movies were playing at once and overlapping one another.

FLASHBACK

♫ Secrets got me torn apart ♫

♫ Trying to destroy my heart ♫

Ericka walked up the stairs to Pinkie Pie's room now and opened the door to see the pink mare.

“If it's another gift, I've gotten enough of them.” Pinkie Pie replied depressingly.

“I think you might like this one.” Ericka replied as she took the painting out of her saddle-pack and placed it in front of the mare who's eyes widened in surprise at this.

♫ But I can see the light ♫

♫ It's cutting through the night ♫

♫ Don't run away ♫

“Oh my gosh! This is so neat! And this is for me?!” Ericka's little sister exclaimed joyfully.

“Yes, I drew it just for you. Do you like it?” Ericka asked with a smile.

“I love it!” Ericka's little sister exclaimed and hugged her tightly. “I love you so much big sis!” Ericka's little sister exclaimed as she continued to hug Ericka whom returned the hug.

“I love you too little sis.” Ericka replied with a warm smile.

♫ Don't be afraid to...♫

“Yeah, it's yours little sis.” Ericka replied without thinking.

“What did you call me?” Pinkie Pie asked with an wide-eyed expression.

ENDFLASHBACK

♫ Stand up! ♫

♫Stand up if you feel ashamed♫

♫You are not alone when you hurt this way♫

♫Stand up!♫

♫Stand up if you need love♫

♫Stand up!♫

The dark blue Pegasus suddenly felt her senses return to her as she looked about herself in panicked confusion and then saw Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie with various injuries and barely standing.

And then it occurred to her as she looked around and saw the base and then back to the six whom were projecting a shield but now the shield looked as if it was ready to shatter. “Th-This all my fault. I brought the moon princess here. I let her get captured. And they are protecting me? But why?” Ericka thought to herself unable to keep quiet any longer.

“Why are you protecting me?!” Ericka exclaimed out loud at which point all six turned to look at Ericka and smiles of relief washed over their faces.

“Ericka, you're back!” Twilight exclaimed with a relieved expression over the thundering sound of unicorn fire.

“Big sis, your back!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she ran over to Ericka hugged her tightly.

“But why? I thought you hated me?” Ericka asked as she stared at the other five with tears in her eyes now.

“I told them what happened and Richard helped me convince them it was the truth. He's off now in his pony body to go and find the moon princess.” Pinkie Pie said with a smile as tears streamed from her eyes. “I thought I lost your forever.” Pinkie Pie remarked aloud in a sad tone after she said this.

“Pinkie! We need you!” Twilight exclaimed urgently at which point the pink mare jumped up and ran back to her position.

“Ericka, go help Richard, we'll handle this!” Twilight exclaimed as she continued to project the shield.

PLEASE, STOOOOP IIIIIITTT!

Ericka's shout was so loud it was overheard by even Celestia whom stared in shock as the dark blue Pegasus lunged through the barrier much to the six mare's horror and took several magical shots before hitting the ground with a thud.

“Why....” Princess Celestia asked as her eyes glistened and seemed to shake now as she stared in shock. “Why would she carelessly jump from behind the safety of the barrier right into the line of fire like that? Isn't she the enemy? Isn't she just using them?” The Alicorn asked herself aloud as she stared on at the sight now as the unicorns halted their fire briefly due to the sheer shock of the dark blue Pegasus's sudden action before they began to resume.

“Ericka!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she lunged forward abandoning her post and laying over Ericka now yet the unicorns continued to prepare to fire once again.

UNICORNS HALT!

A voice roared just mere moments before they were to resume firing. The voice was none other than the regal Alicorn herself as she walked forward and stared at Rainbow Dash whom simply glared at her.

“You touch her and I'll never forgive you!” The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed as the Alicorn walked up to her.

“Why? Why did you do that? Did you not know that barrier was the only thing standing between the unicorn's magic and you?” The sun goddess asked as she stared at Ericka now whom turned her head weakly to stare at Celestia.

“I don't know why I did what I did. I just wanted the senseless fighting to stop. This isn't right. After what we humans have done to your sister, we don't deserve protecting.” Ericka replied and groaned aloud in pain.

The sun princess stared at Ericka now as her eyes glistened and seemed to shake as she stared at her.

“Josh is the real enemy princess. He's the one who foalnapped Princess Luna. He's hiding somewhere in the Everfree Forest. He plans to use your sister's power to create an army of Alicorns.” Twilight said as she stepped past the barrier herself and stood before her mentor.

“How could I have been so blind?!” Celestia exclaimed as she clinched her eyes shut while tears streamed from it and stomped the ground in anger.

“I don't blame you.” Ericka said weakly at which point the Alicorn's eyes snapped wide and stared at the dark blue Pegasus again. “When I lost my sister, I joined the army without a second thought to get revenge for her death. I was so blinded with vengeance that I lost sight of who I was. It took these six to help me rediscover myself. And I will help you find her, that is if you'll let me.” Ericka said as she did her best to sit up despite the fact she groaned and winced as she did so.

“After all I’ve done, after I attempted to destroy your base and take you with it, you...still wish to help me?” The Alicorn asked as tears streamed from her eyes.

“Of course. After all if Pinkie Pie was foalnapped, not even you would stop me from finding her.” Ericka replied as she mustered the best grin she could muster now as the pink mare wrapped her hooves around her and hugged her.

“I have done something unforgivable and lost sight of my purpose in this world for a time. I humbly request your help-No, I beg you for your help.” The sun goddess said as she knelled before Ericka and bowed her head much to everypony's shock.

“Stand up already your highness. I already said I would help.” Ericka replied with a smile as she attempted to stand to all four hooves only to fall to her knees.

“Not in that condition.” The sun goddess remarked as her horn glowed brightly and fired a beam of magic at the dark blue Pegasus which seemed to heal her wounds completely. After she had healed Ericka completely she then refocused her magic at the other six.

“Just when I thought my fate was decided...” Ericka thought to herself trailing off now in her thoughts.

“I was somehow given another chance. I won't let this second chance go to waste!” Ericka thought to herself dramatically as she stared forward now.

Loyalty Part 1

LOYALTY

“LET OUR HEARTS FIGHT AS ONE!”

PART ONE

Ericka flew as fast as her wings could carry her followed closely by Rainbow Dash as she scanned the overhead of the Everfree forest while Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Fluttershy searched along the ground.

“Any sign of them Ericka?” Rainbow Dash asked as her eyes scanned the forest thoroughly.

“Not yet, but we've only been searching for an hour now, I would be surprised if Josh made it that easy to find a base he had been keeping hidden here for this long.” Ericka replied as her mane flailed at the mercy of the turbulent winds as she barreled a crossed the skies.

Ericka, behind you!

The dark blue Pegasus looked behind herself just in time to see a beam of magic sailing strait for her and banked sharply to the right barely avoiding the magic beam, though she could feel the heat that radiated from the magic as it sailed past her back.

Ericka immediately turned about and stared in the direction of where the beam came from at which point her pupils shrunk to their smallest size in shock, unable to believe what she was seeing. Rainbow Dash was soon to follow suit but her pupils didn't shrink, rather she stared on disbelief.

“It's an... Alicorn?!” Ericka exclaimed in disbelief.

“Targets acquired, orders?” The Alicorn said aloud in an almost robotic monotone.

“Orders? From who?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed looking pissed off now more than shocked.

Josh now sat in front of a large monitor screen staring which displayed exactly what the Alicorn was staring at which was none other than Ericka and Rainbow Dash.

“She's alive?!” Josh exclaimed in shock as he stood to two feet abruptly and slammed both hands on the console as he continued to stare at the screen in shock and disbelief. “But that's impossible! There's no possible way she could be flying there now, unless...” Josh remarked as he put a hand up to his mouth and bit it without realizing it as his mind wandered among the possibilities of Ericka's miraculous survival until he abruptly grinned maliciously.

“Why am I even debating this? The final results of years of painstaking research are hovering before them! I have no farther need for her.” Josh said as he sat back down into his chair coolly and clasped his hands together with a smile.

Eliminate them and all who stand in your way, those are your orders project A

“Understood, commencing attack protocol, magic rank; C” The Alicorn said suddenly in the same monotone as it's horn glowed brightly now.

“I'm no unicorn but isn't rank C magic lethal?” Ericka asked with a worried expression now.

“What do I look like, a unicorn?! How the hay am I supposed to know?!” The cyan blue Pegasus replied with the same worried expression.

“Ericka, Rainbow Dash, MOVE!” Princess Celestia could be heard shouting as she darted up towards the two in a vertical climb and stopped just in front of them in time to project a magical shield that blocked the magical attack just in time.

“When...I say move...” Princess Celestia grunted as she used her magical barrier to expel the magic away. “I don't mean to stand there and fly like a couple of ducks waiting to be shot!” Princess Celestia exclaimed as she glared back at the two who exchanged guilty looks.

“S-Sorry Princess, I was in a state of shock until now.” Rainbow Dash replied honestly.

“New target acquired, accessing profile...” The Alicorn said in the same monotone once again and seemed to pause.

“What is it doing?” Rainbow Dash asked with a confused expression now.

“It's acting like... a computer, no, more than a computer...” Ericka remarked trailing off until her eyes snapped wide open in shock with an audible gasp.

FLASHBACK

“Target acquired, accessing profile... Ericka Airfreed, daughter to Margret Airfreed and Richard Airfreed. Orders?” A large robotic creature said in a robotic monotone as it stared at Ericka who lay on the ground staring up at it as she held her little sister in her arms staring at it with rage filled eyes.

“Orders confirmed, commencing attack, energy level; 3” The robotic looking creature said after a few moments, rose its left arm up which transformed into a gun yet didn't fire. “Error...unable to commence attack, assessing cause.” The robotic creature stated in the same robotic monotone.

Ericka's eyes darted around the room and fell upon her father's plasma-grade shotgun. She then lay her sister down and dove for it at which point the robotic creature turned to look in her direction and advance on her.

“Assess this!” Ericka exclaimed, fired one round, pumped the gauge, fired again, pumped the gauge once again, fired again, and repeated this over and over until there was a hole big enough to fit the better half of her body through.

“Error, error, error! Damage critical, support systems faiiillliinng...” The robotic creature said as it's monotone voice seemed to wind down to a slurring crawl until it fell backward as sparks jetted and flew from within the hole Ericka had blown in it with her father's shotgun.

Ericka stood up, shotgun still in hand, walked over to the robotic creature and stared at it noticing the creatures red eyes seemed to still be working as if it was still functioning even slightly. “Welcome to earth.” Ericka said aloud though her tone of voice was rage filled as she fired a round directly at the robotic creatures head blowing it clean off the main body which skipped along the ground with a loud clanging sound and stopped short of her front door which had been blown off its hinges earlier by the creature.

END FLASHBACK

“Profile found, Princess Celestia, Specie, Alicorn, threat level... moderate. Adjusting magic level... Magic level adjusted, commencing attack protocol, magic rank; B” The Alicorn stated aloud in the same monotone as its horn began to glow brightly.

“Ericka, Rainbow Dash, listen to me, Twilight has a lock on a fluctuation of magical energy just southeast of here. They are already on their way check it, meet up with them.” Celestia said aloud as her own horn glowed brightly now.

“But Princess, what about you?” Rainbow Dash asked looking worried.

“I will be fine, now go!” The Alicorn exclaimed at which point Rainbow Dash darted off though Ericka hesitated.

“Be careful Princess, this thing will adjust its power to match yours and possibly even greater. Don't underestimate it!” Ericka exclaimed before following her lover in the same direction.

“Secondary targets escaping to the southeast, commencing anti-escape measures.” The Alicorn said as it turned to face in the direction Rainbow Dash and Ericka were flying towards and fired a beam of magic only for Celestia to appear in a flash of magic and project a barrier which effectively blocked and reflected the magic away.

“You will fight me!” Celestia exclaimed fiercely with a glare at the Alicorn.

The Alicorn simply continued to look past her towards the two Pegasus until they disappeared from its sight. “Secondary targets have escaped, switching to primary target.” The Alicorn replied and turned to face Celestia directly now.

“I don't know what you are, or what your reason for attacking my subjects is, but I will not allow you to harm them! I will issue this one and only warning; cease your assault now and I will overlook your transgressions and bring you in for questioning.” Celestia said sternly as she stared at the Alicorn.

“Commencing attack, Magic rank; B, variant one.” The Alicorn said as if it had not heard a word she had said and fired a beam of magic that seemed to split into five beams simultaneously, soar around the Princess, dart upward, and all sail at her from different directions and hit their mark resulting in a large explosion of magical power and smoke.

The smoke cleared a few moments later however and revealed Celestia unharmed and surrounded by a bright blue magical bubble shaped barrier spell. “Looks like peace talks are out of the question. It's been a few millennium since I have had to use my magic in this manner. I certainly hope I haven't grown rusty.” The Princess remarked to herself with a smirk as if she was attempting to relieve her own tension despite the situation. “Prepare yourself Alicorn, for you are about to see why me and my sister were crowned rulers of Equestria!” The Princess exclaimed as her horn glowed brightly now.

(Play Princess Celestia now)

“Years of painstaking research have all lead up to this point, the ultimate field test.”

“The most powerful Alicorn in Equestria versus my creation...”

“And... here... we.... go!”

At the exact moment Josh had said the word “go” the two Alicorn's spells collided with a massive explosion of magic that shook the very foundation of the skies seemingly. As the smoke cleared Celestia could be seen recovering from the recoil of the blast and assuming her combat stance while the Alicorn did the same thing.

“She's strong...” Celestia remarked quietly to herself as she stared on at the Alicorn whose expression did not change in the slightest.

“Commencing attack protocol, magic rank; B, variant, three.” The Alicorn said aloud at which point it's horn glowed brightly and moments later a beam of magic which was five feet tall and three feet wide sailed at Celestia however just as it neared her, it seemed to split in half in the opposite directions. The beams of magic then made a one-hundred and eighty degree turn and sailed at the princess from both sides.

“It seems to be limited to basic magical attacks despite it's power.” Celestia remarked as she projected yet another magical barrier in preparation to endure the attack.

“Altering casting protocol, switching current spell to variant three, dash, two.” The Alicorn said aloud at which point its horn glowed once again and the beams of magic that were now sailing towards Celestia transformed into magical spears just before they collided with her barrier.

Celestia's eyes widened in shock upon hearing these words as her eyes darted to the left and right witnessing the sudden transformation of the magical beams. “What?!” The princess exclaimed moments before the spears connected with her barrier but instead of exploding seemed to be grinding into her barrier as if to penetrate and destroy it.

Celestia winced at the high-pitched grinding sounds as the spears continued to attempt to penetrate her barrier. “So it's not limited to basic spells as I thought, curses! I'll just have to-?!” Celestia began to say only for a loud cracking sound to snap her focus to her left and right sides taking note of the cracks now appearing now and moments later a loud shattering sound echoed throughout the skies followed an explosion of magical smoke and moments later by the sound of flesh being punctured.

“Target hit, projected damage, lethal.” The Alicorn remarked in the same monotone as it stared on waiting for the smoke to be cleared. However as the smoke cleared only the spears could be seen and though blood was obviously dripping from them, Celestia was not between them.

“Target lost, reacquiring target.” The Alicorn said as it looked around its surroundings only to be blindsided by a magical blast in the form of a five ton sledge-hammer which sent it flying a crossed the skies.

A short distance to the west, Celestia could be seen panting loudly as blood dripped from her sides. “That was too close! If I hadn't teleported when I had I would have been skewered!” Celestia remarked dramatically as she glanced down at each of her sides, “I didn't escape unscathed however...”

The Alicorn then reappeared a few moments later in a flash of magic staring at her with the same emotionless expression. “Assessing damage, Damage; Minimal.”

“Teh!” Celestia scoffed in response to the Alicorn's statement, rose up several feet in the air, channeled magic into her horn, summoned a volley of magical beams which numbered in the hundreds and sailed directly for the Alicorn.

“Activating magic barrier.” The Alicorn said at which point a dark red barrier surrounded the Alicorn just before the volley of magical beams struck creating multiple explosions upon impact.

“Again!” Celestia roared as she channeled more magic into her horn and fired yet another volley of magical beams at the Alicorn's barrier. The princess was sure she would penetrate the barrier this time as she continued to focus all her magic into this attack only her to sense something behind her, turned to look and gasped as she barely manifested a circular flat barrier to stave off the Alicorn's attack with it's hoof. “Duplication magic?!” Celestia exclaimed in shock as she continued to struggle to stave off the Alicorn's direct assault on her.

“Commencing physical support protocol, magic rank B, variant 4” The Alicorn said as it's horn glowed and the hoof that was currently grinding against Celestia's shield transformed into a joust which began to spin quickly as if to drill into her magical shield.

“Physically transforming a part of it's body?! That's taboo!” Celestia exclaimed in both outrage and shock.

Unknown to the princess the other Alicorn was charging strait for her from behind only to hit yet another magical flat shield. “I never forgot about you.” Celestia remarked through gritted teeth as she craned her head around as far as it would go to look behind herself with a glare.

Josh continued to watch this fight from the safety of his observation room.

“She's putting up quite fight. But nothing can beat my ultimate creation. My dear Celestia, you will soon learn that this Alicorn surpasses you in all forms of magic, heh,heh,heh.... HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA!!!” Josh exclaimed as he laughed manically until a screen popped up showing a pony whom he immediately recognized as Pinkie Pie. “Hmm, so they finally found me. It seems I'll have some use for you after all.” Josh remarked as he looked over at another monitor screen which held an unconscious red unicorn with a malicious grin.

Ericka and Rainbow Dash soon arrived at the location that Princess Celestia had spoken of to find Twilight and the others. “Twilight, did you find his base?” Ericka asked urgently as she walked up to the lavender unicorn who nodded in reply.

“But we have a new problem, Pinkie Pie's disappeared. We think she may have rushed into the base ahead of us.” Twilight replied with a worried expression as the dark blue Pegasus and light blue Pegasus walked up to the entrance.

“She was probably worried about Richard and went to look for him.” Ericka replied to which Rainbow Dash made a facehoofing gesture and sighed.

“That mare is going to get herself killed! Come on everypony, lets get moving!” The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed as she dived down through the base door entrance as Twilight looked at Ericka with a serious expression.

“It begins here.” Twilight said as she looked at Ericka whom nodded.

“And ends here.” Ericka replied jumped up and dove into the base entrance.

Author's Note

Here ya go! I'll be working on the next chapter when i have the time to spare!

Loyalty Part 2

LOYALTY

PART TWO

(Let our hearts fight as one!)

Ericka and Twilight landed inside the base only for a vast underground landscape to meet their eyes.

“What is this place?” Rarity asked as she timidly stepped forward up to a small cliff face with a twenty foot drop to a lush grassland that extended for what seemed to be miles.

“It seems that Josh wanted to make sure anyone who found his base had a hard time finding their way into it's depths.” Twilight remarked wisely as she stepped next to the white unicorn and stared on.

“Well we aren't going to find the way into the deeper parts of his base by standing here. Pinkie Pie's already in here looking for Richard so lets get moving!” Ericka exclaimed as she took off from the ground only to be yanked to the ground by the tail by Twilight. “Why did you-!” Ericka began to exclaim agitated only to look up and see a net of magical beams appear above them and gasped.

“Josh wasn't stupid. He has traps set up for both Pegasus and Unicorns in this place.” Twilight remarked as she levitated a small rock on the ground and tossed it up at the net at which point the rock could be seen flying through it as if it was unharmed only to fall into fragments on it's way back down with a clattering sound as the pieces of the rock hit the ground.

“Wow, I was almost frappe'd!” Ericka exclaimed in shock only to receive confused looks from the others and took note of this realizing they had no idea what she was referring to. “It's a term used from my home planet. We have these blenders that... You know what, never mind.” The dark blue Pegasus began to explain only to stop herself when the others looked even more confused than before now.

“Anyways, I guess we're walking.” Twilight remarked as she looked down in an attempt to judge the height.

“And how are we supposed to do that? There's no way we can make that jump without breaking a leg or two!” Rainbow Dash exasperated with an annoyed glare.

“I might be able to conjure a net, but Josh has magical limiters placed all over the place. I don't know how strong the net will be. You can feel it too can't you Rarity?” Twilight asked as she looked to her friend whom nodded in acknowledgment.

“Yes, it feels as if somepony is draining the strength from my horn. I thought they only used these kinds of things in Canterlot prison.” Rarity remarked as she placed a hoof on her horn then looked back at Twilight.

“Can't you levitate us down one by one?” Ericka suggested curiously as she walked up to the three.

“I can try, but with these magical limiters, I don't know how long my range of magic is. For all we know it could only extend to five feet.” Twilight remarked and sighed.

“Consarn it all! How the hay are we supposed ta' get down thar then?!” Applejack erupted from behind the five stomping the ground in frustration.

Ericka looked about herself taking note of the fact there we three Pegasus, two unicorns, and one earth pony at which point an idea came to her, not the best of ideas, but it was better than standing here doing nothing. “The magical net only extends above us and doesn't go any lower right?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Looks that way but-”

“Then me, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy can use our wings to hover everypony down to safety! And if things get bad or that magical net thingy lowers itself on us, you and Rarity can combine your magic to lower us down to safety right?” Ericka continued cutting off the lavender unicorn mid-sentence.

Twilight placed a hoof on her chin as if to contemplate whether or not Ericka's idea would work or not for a few moments before she smiled at the dark blue Pegasus. “Sounds like a plan to me!”

“Ya sure bout this sugarcube? If these here plan of hers goes south, the lot of us could be in for some hurtin.” Applejack remarked with a worried expression as she walked up to the other five.

“We're fresh out of options A-J, so this plan is going to have to work!” Rainbow Dash replied as she hovered above Rarity and picked her up.

“Rainbow Dash is right Applejack, we have no other options here. We have no idea what we're up against and this area is a unicorn and Pegasus's worst nightmare.” Twilight replied as Ericka hovered above her and lifted her up.

“Ah guess so, but-!” Applejack began to say only to give a panicked jolt as Fluttershy picked her up.

“Um, please don't squirm so much. It's already going to be hard enough for me to carry you. I'm not a very strong pony...” Fluttershy remarked nervously.

“Oh horseapples covered in caramel, this ain't gonna be good.” The farm pony remarked in dismay as her expression became as pale as a ghost and slammed her eyes shut.

...

…...

…......

“Hey A-J, you can open your eyes now!” Rainbow Dash's voice exclaimed followed by the farm pony snapping her eyes open and realized her hooves were on solid ground once again.

“Oh sweet Celestia, thank mah lucky stars!” Applejack exclaimed and began to kiss the ground only for the other five to snicker, giggle, and laugh which caused her to look up and glare at them.

“You wouldn't by chance be scared of heights are you A-J?” Rainbow Dash jeered with a smirk.

“Nah! Ah just don't like it when mah hooves leave the ground is all! It makes meh nervous ya know?” The farm pony replied with a blush which earned more giggles from the five.

“Um, Applejack, that's the same thing as being scared of heights.” Twilight remarked doing her best to not laugh at the farm pony's fear.

“Stuff an apple in it, the lot of ya! They're two very different things!” Applejack exclaimed as she sat on her rump and crossed her arms with a blush looking away from the five whom couldn't take it anymore and broke into spontaneous laughter.

Their laughter was abruptly interrupted however by the ground shaking beneath them furiously and the appearance of stone walls erecting themselves from the ground. The six soon found themselves trapped in a small stone room with a single stone hallway as their only path.

“Another defense of Josh's?” Ericka inquired quietly to Twilight as the six observed their surroundings.

“Possibly, but now we're at a huge tactical disadvantage. Josh most likely knows we're here now. So we're at his mercy.” Twilight replied softly and sighed in dismay.

“If I know Josh, he knew we were here from the moment we set hoof in this place.” Ericka remarked with a scowl as she looked down the stone hallway.

“Lets go everypony. Regardless if Josh knows we're here or not, we have to find him and put a stop to this!” Twilight replied with a confident expression now as she began to walk down the stone hallway followed by the other four with Ericka walked next to her.

“Just out of curiosity, how do you plan on defeating him?” Ericka asked curiously as they turned to the right and continued down the path.

“With the elements of harmony of course.” Twilight replied confidently at which point Ericka stopped and facehoofed. “Is that your solution to everything?” Ericka asked with an annoyed expression and tone to match it.

Upon hearing this, Twilight stopped and turned around to face the dark blue Pegasus. “Of course, nothing in Equestria can beat the elements of harmony.” Twilight replied not sure what Ericka was getting at.

“In case you missed the memo, Josh isn't from Equestria. The elements of harmony may not have an effect on him because of this. Did you even consider an alternate means? Such as offensive magic? Besides according to the books I've read, the elements of harmony require you all to be together to use them and Pinkie Pie is no where to be found. What do you plan on doing if we run into him and we still haven't found Pinkie Pie?” Ericka asked looking at Twilight now whom was at a loss for words.

“I... didn't think of that.” The lavender unicorn replied after a few moments of silence looking down at the stone floor now.

(play Sad symphony now)
“I know that this world of yours rarely sees any form of threat and when one does pop up the elements of harmony are always your ace in the hole, but this isn't like Discord, Nightmare Moon, or Chrysalis! This is a man who is not from your world and is using your world's magic for his own dark ends. We have no idea what he's capable of.” Ericka replied looking at the other five now as well as she continued to speak. “If the elements of harmony don't work, we're going to have to get our hooves dirty and I don't mean with mud. This fight may not have a happy ending and Josh won't show you any mercy. He will kill each everyone of us without a second thought if we give him the chance. You all realize this don't you?” Ericka finished looking from Twilight to Applejack now whom all looked at the stone floor and shuffled their front hooves nervously.

“I-I've never had to k-kill anypony before...” Fluttershy remarked meekly after a few moments silence.

“It ain't like ah didn't think it might come to that Ericka... it's just that ah didn't want to think of killin anypony.” Applejack replied moments after Fluttershy softly.

“Well guess what, you all better start thinking like that. Because in the world I come from, war happens every five years with another planet. It's not pretty, and it never has a happy ending, but we fight and we die because we want to protect the ones we love.” Ericka replied coldly before she turned to walk away only for Rainbow Dash to land in front of her.

“Hey, tone it down a bit honey. You're going to freak everypony out.” The cyan blue Pegasus remarked in a hushed tone only for Ericka to glare back at her.

“No, I won't tone it down! Do you want everypony to die Rainbow Dash? Because if we take another step without being ready to kill whoever comes after us, we're as good as dead! This isn't a fairy tale! This is realty!” Ericka exclaimed and walked past her lover a few feet more before she stopped and sighed.“I wish we had never come here. You all don't deserve this. Your world should never have to see or experience what mine has.” The dark blue Pegasus remarked sadly as Rainbow Dash walked up next to her and placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“Well we are. And even though things look bad.” Rainbow Dash remarked as she walked in front of Ericka, placed a hoof on her chin and lifted it so that her eyes were level with hers. “I wouldn't take back anything that's happened if it meant possibly never meeting you.” Rainbow Dash said with a soft smile as she stared into Ericka's eyes which were glistening now.

Ericka then gently pushed her lover's hoof away, wiped her eyes with a soft sniffle and gave a light laugh. “Damn it Rainbow, you're not making this any easier you know. When this is all over, I'm going to have to leave.” she replied doing her best to smile despite the tears in her eyes now.

“Maybe, but you're here now. So lets go kick some flank and spend the time you have left together, that sound good?” Rainbow Dash replied smiling still.

“Yeah, that sounds good.” Ericka replied managing a wry smile as she wiped tears from her eyes.

“Alright everypony, things are going to get ugly from here on out! I know it's hard to think about but Ericka is right! We can't do things the way we always have. This Josh guy means serious business! So let's bring our A-game! Because if we don't, we'll be pushing up daises in Canterlot cemetery! Got it?!” The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed looking back at the other five and extended a hoof out to them.

“Ah guess we ain't got any choice now do we?” Applejack replied with a smirk as the placed her hoof on top of Rainbow Dash's.

“I certainly hope my mane doesn't get ruined.” Rarity remarked nervously as she placed a hoof on top of Applejack's.

“I-I guess there's no other way around it...” Fluttershy remarked as she timidly placed a hoof on top of Rarity's.

“Lets go kick some ass, erm, I mean flank!” Ericka exclaimed enthusiastically as she placed a hoof on top of Fluttershy's.

The five then looked at Twilight whom was staring at them with an slightly annoyed expression. “Ass, huh?” Twilight remarked as a smirk washed over her face. “Alright, lets do this everypony!” Twilight exclaimed as the slapped her hoof on top of Ericka's. Moments later the four flung their hooves up with a cheer and began to charge down the stone hall only to come to a screeching halt as they entered a wide room filled with holes and dirt piles.

“Um, what the hay is this?” Rainbow Dash asked looking confused at the slightly large room.

“Reminds me of a minefield but there's no way Josh could have access to that kind of technolgy on a planet like this.” Ericka remarked as she walked cautiously out into the dirt field only for a furry brown hand to erupt out of the ground and attempt to grab her by the hoof.

“Gah!” Ericka exclaimed as she flapped her wings on impulse to evade the furry hand while taking note of the magical net just above her head that looked just like the one she recalled seeing earlier.

“You missed!”

“Oh put a diamond in it! I'll get the pony next time!”

“Those voices sound familiar, don't y'all reckon?” Applejack remarked curiously as Ericka landed safely back on the stone floor next to Twilight.

“A little too familiar.” Rarity chimed in with a cringing expression.

“Am I missing something? What just tried to grab me?” Ericka asked in a confused tone.

Twilight sighed aloud and groaned. “Diamond Dogs. We had a run in with them a while back. But why are they here?” The lavender unicorn replied curiously as she looked around the room for a possible safe path but found none.

“Diamond what? Are they dogs made of diamonds or something?” Ericka asked curiously.

“No, they're called diamond dogs because of their obsession with gem stones.” Twilight replied and groaned once again in frustration. “This is going to be a pain in the flank. There's no way a crossed that's not covered in dirt.” The lavender unicorn remarked looking at the other five.

“How is this going to be so hard? We just above the piles of dirt and holes and we're clear right?” Ericka replied still not getting the full picture.

“That simply won't work darling. Diamond dogs are expert tunnelers. Chances are they have a labyrinth of tunnels below us that reach over the entire span of this room.” Rarity said taking a step forward.

“I don't suppose you'll let us pass will you?” Rarity called out curiously.

“Oh no, It's the winy pony! What do we do?!”

“Winy pony?” Rarity remarked with a deathly glare at the dirt floor as her temple pulsed.

“How am I supposed to know?! But if we don't stop them, we don't get those precious gem stones we were promised!”

“Well, we're bucked. If gem stones are involved then there's no way in Equestria they will let us a crossed without a fight.” Rainbow Dash remarked with a groaned and a facehoofing gesture.

“Let me see if I can reason with them.” Ericka replied after a few moments and walked up to the edge of the dirt floor next to Rarity. “Listen to me, whatever Josh has promised you is a lie. He's just using you!” Ericka exclaimed hoping they would listen to reason.

“The two legged creature warned us that you might try and trick us! Well we won't listen! We want those gem stones!”

Upon hearing this Rarity sighed and looked at Ericka. “There's no reasoning with ruffians like these.” The unicorn remarked, closed her eyes, and snapped them open a few moments later with a smirk. “Ah-ha! I knew it!” Rarity exclaimed with a smirk which was met with confused looks from the other five.

“Well as you all know my magic has a knack for sniffing out gemstones, and as I suspected they have a plentiful amount stored below us.” Rarity replied with a confident smirk.

“And that helps us how?” Rainbow Dash asked as she gestured towards Rarity her her right hoof curiously.

“Darling, you insult me! My magic may be limited here but am far from powerless!” Rarity exclaimed as her horn glowed brightly and moments later a faint rumbling could be heard followed by panicked cries from the diamond dogs and moments later a path of diamonds erupted from the ground.

“Well buck meh into zapapple harvest, nice work thar Rarity!” Applejack exclaimed as she darted a crossed the path of diamonds followed by the other four and soon after Rarity.

As the four darted down the path however diamond dogs erupted from the ground next to the both on both sides and began to lunge at the six in an attempt to capture them.

“Keep going, we're almost there!” Ericka exclaimed as they continued to dodge the diamond dog's assault growing closer to the other side of the room with each passing second.

Just as they closed in on the exit however, Rarity gave a high pitched cry as one of the diamond dogs secured their grimy hand around her left hind leg and began to drag her into the ground.

“Not the mane, don't touch the mane, wha-ha-haaa!”

The other five made it to the other side and quickly turned around to their horror as Rarity was dragged underground.

“Rarity!” All five shouted nearly in unison as the diamond dogs dove underground and it soon became deathly quiet.

“Is she...” Fluttershy asked timidly trailing off as if unable to speak the last word of her sentence.

“Don't be speakin nonsense thar surgarcube! She's just dandy, she'll come poppin out of one of their holes any moment now, ah'm sure of it!” Applejack exclaimed looking back at Fluttershy and then back to the dirt floor.

Several tense moments passed now and there was still no sign of the white unicorn.

“No...” was all the lavender unicorn could say in dismay as they continued to stare on.

“It can't be... Come on Rare, don't be kickin the bucket so early now!” Applejack exclaimed though her voice was quieted now as if she was talking to herself more than the others now.

“This can't be happening...it isn't happening...is it?” Fluttershy asked though her voice cracked and shook as she spoke.

“It's happening alright...” Ericka remarked and abruptly slammed her right hoof into the stone wall next to her. “I should have been paying attention to behind us more closely! Now Rarity is...she's.... !” Ericka began to say only for her attention to be yanked to the dirt floor by a faint rumbling.

(play Fighting is magic-Rarity's theme now)

A flurry of gemstones erupted from the ground now followed by Rarity whom landed on the dirt floor her mane looking worse for ware but physically she was just fine.

“Rarity!” The five shouted once again but this time it their voices were filled with relief and joy.

“Take that you ruffians!” Rarity exclaimed with a triumphant grin.

“Come on Rarity! Let's get out of here!” Twilight exclaimed as she rushed out to her friend only for a paw to reach out of the ground and grab her right hind leg which was hit with a gem stone which shot from the ground and hit the hand causing it to release it's grasp on the lavender unicorn.

“No, I must stay here and contend with these ruffians! Go on, I'll catch up!” Rarity exclaimed as Twilight darted back to the safety of the stone floor and looked out at her friend.

“But Rarity-!” Twilight began to say only for the diamond dogs to erupt from the ground and lunge at the five at which point another flurry of gemstones erupted from the ground blocking their path.

“Do not argue with me Twilight Sparkle!” Rarity exclaimed and fired several gemstones from the ground at the diamond dogs whom retreated underground to evade this attack by the white unicorn.

Ericka looked at Rarity and immediately understood. “Let's go Twilight. She can handle things here. We have to find Josh and put an end to this!” Ericka exclaimed as she placed both front hooves on each of Twilight's shoulders and looked her in the eyes.

The lavender unicorn hesitated but eventually looked back at Rarity. “Don't you go and get yourself hurt okay?!”

Upon hearing this Rarity gave a slight bow and smirked. “Darling, the only thing I'm worried about now is my mane, it's simply atrocious!” The white unicorn replied which was met with a smirk from Twilight who quickly ran down the stone path followed by the other four.

“Now then, you diamond dogs owe me a trip to salon and then some!” Rarity exclaimed as her expression became pissed off and determined as dirt paths ran along the ground towards Rarity...

Author's Note

A grim reality no pony has wanted to face has been brought to their minds now in this chapter...

Loyalty Part 3

LOYALTY

PART 3

(Let our hearts fight as one!)

As the five made their way down the stone hall in a brisk run, Twilight slowed down and eventually stopped as she looked behind herself with a worried expression.

Ericka soon realized that Twilight was not running beside her anymore, slowed down to a halt, turned and looked to see the lavender unicorn still staring down the hall. “Twilight? What are you doing? Come on!” Ericka called out as she rushed back to her friend and placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“Did we make the right decision? I know Rarity is more than capable of handling herself but...” Twilight began to say but trailed off with a sigh as she lowered her head with a frown.

Ericka sensing the lavender unicorns worry for her friend smiled softly as she turned Twilight to face her. “I understand you're worried about her, so am I. But we can't let that slow us down. Sometimes we just need to have faith in our friend's own strength. As long as we have faith in Rarity, she'll come through and meet up with us in no time.” Ericka said as she patted her friend's shoulder gently.

Upon hearing this a smile washed over the lavender unicorns face as she smiled, closed her eyes, and sighed once again before opening them to look at the dark blue Pegasus. “Thanks Ericka, you reminded me of one of my own lessons in friendship that I nearly forgot about.”

“No problem. Now lets catch up with the others, they might wonder why we are hanging behind if we stand around here any longer.” Ericka replied with a smile just before she turned about-face and dashed down the stone hall closely followed by Twilight.

Their sprint to catch up with the others was soon grinding to a screeching halt as they stopped just behind the other three whom were standing in place. “Hey, what's the deal? Why have you all stopped running for?” Ericka asked curiously as she looked past them only to see the reason and gasped.

“What in Celestia's name...?” Twilight asked in shock as she looked past the four to see a vast area with no ground in sight other than a few large flat ground surfaces hovering in mid-air as if suspended by magic.

“It also doesn't look like that magical net is present now either. What in god's name is going on here?” Ericka asked aloud as she flew a few feet out hesitantly.

“Ericka!”

The dark blue Pegasus heard Rainbow Dash's panicked cry, looked in the direction she was pointing which was down and saw a large dragon flying straight for her mouth gaping as if to swallow her whole. “Holy hell!” Ericka nearly screamed as she took a steep vertical climb mere moments before the dragon's mouth snapped shut a few feet away from her tail.

“Shit,shit,shit!” Ericka could be heard cursing as she flew as fast as her wings could carry her which was barely enough to keep a few feet away from the dragon's maw which was constantly attempting to snap down on her.

“Rainbow Dash, wait!” Twilight exclaimed as the cyan blue Pegasus erupted off the stone floor directly for the dragon ignoring the lavender unicorn's call to halt her.

“Hey, scales for brains!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she sped at the dragon so fast that a rainbow streak could be seen streaming from behind her now. “Back the buck off from my fillyfriend!” The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed as she dove under the dragon and Ericka and proceeded to uppercut it with a hoof which caused it to halt mid-flight as it's head jotted up and down from the impact.

Mere moments after the dragon recovered from the impact it roared at the cyan blue Pegasus whom gulped loudly. “Eh-heh...suddenly I’m having a case of Deja-vu...wah!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she sped away from the dragon. Fortunately for her, unlike Ericka, she is much faster and put a fairly large gap between her and the dragon.

“Rainbow Dash, Ericka, this way!” Twilight exclaimed at the top of her lungs hoping the two would hear her at which point Ericka and Rainbow Dash looked over at the lavender unicorn and immediately darted in her direction.

“Ah think it's about barbecue them!” Applejack exclaimed as she pointed a hoof at the dragon which seemed to be taking a very large inhale at the moment.

“Not good! Ericka, Rainbow Dash, hurry!” Twilight exclaimed frantically to the two Pegasus as they neared her and the others.

Rainbow Dash of course by passed Ericka quickly but soon stopped to turn about and look at her lover whom was flapping her wings as fast as she could and while she was moving fast, there was no way she would make it in time. Realizing this, the cyan blue Pegasus darted back to Ericka, scooped her up mid-air and sped back to Twilight and the others as fast as her wings could carry her. “Remind me to give you some flight speed training when this is over.” Rainbow Dash remarked with a smirk to her lover as they landed safely on the stone ground only to see the dragon exhale a torrent of flames that sailed straight for them.

“Everypony behind me!” Twilight exclaimed to which the other four obeyed without question.

“By stars of twilight and the light of the moon, the providers of our beautiful nights, the givers of stars, the conveyers of the gentle moon's light...” Twilight began to say reciting a spell.

“Wait, she's saying the spell vocally? Can't she just cast it with horn?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Well ya, but a unicorn's magic is ten times more powerful when they recite the spell vocally in its entirety and with these consarned magic limiters in place she needs all the power she can get. Ah just hope she has enough time because that fire is getting mighty close now..” Applejack replied as the lavender unicorn continued to recite the spell.

“I call upon your magic to protect everypony, lunar curtain!” Twilight exclaimed as she finished reciting the spell and her horn began to glow so brightly that magical sparks could be see sputtering from it now and moments later seemed to explode with a purple magic that morphed into a large flat magical circle which held itself in place in front of the five mere moments before the torrent of flames impacted with it.

Even though the magical shield was protecting them from the fire itself, the five winced in pain as the intense heat from the flames pelted them mercilessly. “I'm sorry everypony, this was the best I could conjure with the magical limiters in place! Just hold on a little longer, it's almost over!” Twilight exclaimed as she continued to focus magic into the barrier to reenforce it.

The flames soon dissipated along with the intense fire only to have the dragon snap on the barrier with its mighty jaws shattering much to Twilight's shock being a mere foot from it and let out a startled audible gasp as the barrier shattered before her eyes and quickly followed the other five as they darted back into the stone hall a short distance to avoid being eaten alive.

Twilight panted loudly now looking thoroughly exhausted as she lay on her chest and stomach.

“N-Now you see why I am so scared of dragons!” Fluttershy exclaimed though her voice was high-pitched as she spoke.

“Oh put a hoof in it shy...” Rainbow Dash remarked as she caught her breath from the terrifying encounter.

“I-I thought Spike was the only dragon in Equestria till now. This surely puts things in perspective.” Ericka remarked aloud as she looked down the hall to see that the dragon was no longer there.

“Spike is a rare breed of dragon. Nothing like that thing in there.” Twilight remarked as she finally stood to all four hooves breathing relatively normally again. “Fluttershy, is there a possiblity you can talk to it and get it to let us pass?” Twilight asked curiously to the quivering yellow Pegasus.

“Wh-What? You want me to try to talk to that big scary dragon? There's no way I can do that!” Fluttershy exclaimed as she slapped both hooves over her face and continued to shake like a rattlesnake tail.

“Here we go again...” The cyan blue Pegasus remarked with an eye-rolling gesture.

“Again?” Ericka asked curiously looking to the farm pony whom was sighing.

“We had a run-in with another one of those consarned dragons awhile back and Fluttershy here was so plum terrified of the thing that she refused to confront it until we were all hurt a bit and she got a might upset with the varmint and was able to talk it down.” Applejack replied as she lay on the stone floor and sighed.

“B-but that one didn't blow fire!” The meek Pegasus chimed in causing Ericka and the farm pony to look at her.

“She's got a point thar Twi, no sense in her getting roasted alive while tryin to talk it down. Lets try to think of somethin else.” Applejack suggested which was met with an aggravated groan by the cyan blue Pegasus. “What the hay's got your tail in a knot?”
“Gee, I don't know A-J...maybe it has something to do with that dragon blocking our path and a certain yellow Pegasus being a chicken.” Rainbow Dash replied, the sarcasm so thick in her voice it could be cut with a knife.

“Now cut that out right this cotton pickin second, ah want to get to findin this Josh character a might bit mahself but ya don't be seein meh throwin potshots at mah friends because we hit a bump in the road do ya?!” Applejack exclaimed her temper rising.

“I'm not throwing any potshots, I’m just stating what I'm seeing.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied snootily as she sat in her rump, crossed her arms, and looked away from the farm pony whom could be heard grinding her jaws together so hard it could be heard by everypony.

“Uh, Rainbow-” Ericka began to interject until the lavender unicorn silently put a hoof up to her mouth and shook her head silently. “But-” Ericka replied only for Twilight to shake her head again wisely and quickly dragged her by the tail several feet away via her magic before she turned to face the dark blue Pegasus.

“You've never seen these two get into one of these types of arguments have you?” The lavender unicorn asked curiously.

“I've seen them argue plenty of times. How's this any different?” Ericka replied annoyed not getting the full picture.

“That's because Rainbow Dash has been doing her best not to get into one of her signature quarrels with Applejack since she began dating you. She told me herself that she didn't want you to ever see this side of her. Those two are so close that we thought for the longest time they were dating behind our backs and not telling us.” Twilight replied and sighed as she looked over at the two mares whom were getting more heated by the second.

“Wait, how the hell does them being so close mean anything about them getting into a hoof-fight?” Ericka asked confused now.

“It's hard to explain, but the best way to put it is, the two know each other so well that they aren't afraid to get into a hoof-fight to drive their point home if they feel strongly enough about it when they get into an argument. But they always stop before things get too serious and usually spend the next day laughing it off as if they had a friendly sparing match or something. And anypony who tries to stop the two usually ends up getting hurt. I learned this the hard way and got a hoof to the jaw three weeks after I had become friends with them. Like Fluttershy, her and AJ go back many years, not quite as much as her and Fluttershy though.” The lavender unicorn explained the best way she could.

“But even so, this is hardly the time to be fighting! We're chest-deep in enemy territory right now!” Ericka exasperated.

“Actually I think it's best to get this out of their system now than at a critical point when we need them most. These two have been hostile with each other since we got in here.” Twilight replied much to Ericka's shock.

“You mean the crack about Applejack being afraid of heights?” Ericka asked to which Twilight nodded.

“That's how it always starts.”

“But why would she be hostile with Applejack for?” The dark blue Pegasus asked still not quite getting the full picture.

As if to answer her question a few choice lines from the two mares caught Ericka's attention.

“You leave Ericka out of this!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed feeling her temper reach it's breaking point.

“She's not even a real mare! You saw her! She's one of those consarned humans in those fancy magic devices! You shouldn't even be datin her! It's plum wrong!” The farm pony shot back.

“Don't you dare say another bad thing about Ericka! Especially after what she's been through!” Rainbow Dash roared at the top of her lungs as she rose up and stomped the ground in front of her so hard it echoed throughout the stone hall very loudly.

“Oh but you can say what ya want about Fluttershy, is that it?!” Applejack shot back.

“I can say what I want because it's true! She's a chicken!” Rainbow Dash roared as she took a threatening step forward.

“And what ah'm sayin ain't any less true! She's a human, not even our own specie!” The farm pony roared back at which point Rainbow Dash rose a hoof and thrust it forward to clock the farm pony a crossed the jaw.

CRACK!

Twilight was the first to gasp in shock followed by Applejack and Ericka was soon to follow as she placed a hoof over her mouth in surprise with a wide-eyed expression. At the very last moment Fluttershy had jumped between the two and had taken the hoof to her left jaw full force yet for some reason she didn't flinch, cry out, or even wince. She just stared back at Rainbow Dash whose face became horrified upon realizing who she had hit yet for some reason she couldn't retract her hoof. It might be the sheer shock of what she had just done or some other reason but regardless, Fluttershy continued to stare at her with a saddened yet hurt expression not moving her hoof away.

“Is that all you think of me Rainbow Dash? A coward?” Fluttershy asked quietly yet her voice was filled with a deep sadness.

The cyan blue Pegasus attempted to muster the words to say this wasn't true but the only thing she could mutter were whimpering sounds as tears formed in her eyes, her hoof still seemingly lodged against Fluttershy's left cheek where a bruise could now be visible.

“I see...” Fluttershy replied her voice still filled with a deep sadness as she moved Rainbow Dash's hoof from her cheek, turned and began to walk down the stone hall.

“Fl-Fluttershy? Where the hay you goin?” Applejack managed to stutter out as Fluttershy walked towards Ericka and Twilight now.

“I'm going to go and talk to the dragon.” The yellow Pegasus replied simply without turning to face the farm pony.

“That's crazy talk! Y'all be roasted alive before ya even get close enough for it to hear a word! Don't let anythin this featherbrain says about ya get to ya Fluttershy!” Applejack exclaimed hoping she was talking sense into her friend.

“But she's right, I'm the only one who can reach it. And it's time I learned to face my fears.” The yellow Pegasus replied spreading her wings in preparation to take off.

“Are you sure about this Fluttershy? There might be another way around this.” Twilight said looking very concerned for her friend now.

“I'll distract it long enough for you four to get by, with luck I'll be able to reach it within a short time and meet up with all of you.” Fluttershy replied seemingly ignoring everything the lavender unicorn had just said and took off.

“Fluttershy wait!” Rainbow Dash nearly shrieked finally managing to bring words back to her vocal cords, but sadly it was too late as Fluttershy had already taken off and was out of earshot now even for a near scream by the cyan blue Pegasus.

With the present event not at the front of her mind anymore, Ericka was able to properly process what Applejack was upset about. It was Ericka's turn to be upset now as she walked up to the farm pony and glared at her.

“So that's what you've been breathing down Rainbow Dash's neck about for the last few days? Me not being a born pony like you?” Ericka asked looking at the farm pony whom felt like a royal heel now.

“Jealousy I can deal with, but prejudice? Applejack, I expected better from a pony who looked like she was raised on proper principles. You think just because I was not born a mare, I don't deserve love? I don't deserve a choice in who I want to be with because I'm I'm not really a pony in your eyes? I'm going to tell you something, something that up till now only the princesses knew of. A request I asked of them that they could not grant, do you know what that is Applejack? Go ahead, guess.” Ericka continued and stopped now as if expecting an answer. The dark blue Pegasus's voice now was cold but at the same time full of hurt.

“A-Ah got nothin.” The farm pony stuttered awkwardly after a brief silence.

“I asked the regal sisters if they could make me a mare, permanently.” Ericka replied at which point Applejack's expression went slightly wide-eyed along with Twilight whom said her name softly in empathy of her. “That's right, I asked them to get rid of my humanity. Something that until I met the six of you, I valued above all things. To put things in your perspective, that would be the same as asking them to turn one of you into a human being. Casting away your equine heritage for a human form. I don't regret asking that of them, and I would still go through with it if I could, do you know why?” the dark blue Pegasus asked once again pausing as if expecting an answer but instead continued speaking a few short moments later.

“Because I saw found something in your world that I couldn't find in the human world, something that until I came here, I didn't even realize was missing from my kind until I experienced it myself. It was a genuine caring for your fellow pony, it did not matter if you knew them or not, you would extend a hoof without a second thought. My other reasons however can be considered selfish. But regardless, what I found here that I never knew until I came here, was friendship...” Ericka said trailing off as she turned to look at Rainbow Dash whom was standing on all fours now listening intently to what she was saying. “And love.” she said as her eyes glistened looking at Rainbow Dash now but turned stern and cold as she looked back at the farm pony.

“So say what you like, I'll be out of your mane soon enough anyways. But even when that times comes, I will forever treasure this part of me. The part of me that is and will always be...”

A pony

Ericka spoke these last two words softly but even so, she may as well screamed them into the farm pony's face due to the impact they had on her now.

“Ah-Ah had no idea.” Applejack replied looking stunned by this short speech.

“Of course you didn't, how could you? This was something not even Rainbow Dash knew till now. Now let's get going, Fluttershy is risking her life this very moment to let us get by.” Ericka replied as she hovered over Twilight and lifted her up.

“Actually, I think it would be a better idea if you carried Applejack.” The cyan blue Pegasus remarked as she walked over to Ericka whom set Twilight down upon hearing this and looked at her. “Are you sure that's a good idea?” Ericka asked with an annoyed glare at the farm pony.

“Better you than me.” Rainbow Dash replied as she hovered over Twilight, lifted her up and began to carry her.

“Fine.” The dark blue Pegasus replied though she didn't like the idea any better than Rainbow Dash, they had a job to do. Ericka hovered over Applejack, lifted her up, and began to fly behind Rainbow Dash a short distance.

As the four flew they could see a faint yellow blur in a distance flying as fast as she could to evade the dragon. Among the four, Rainbow Dash clenched her eyes shut as tears flowed from them and pressed on.

Don't you dare die Fluttershy...you're stronger than that!

As Ericka continued flying on Applejack suddenly spoke up. “Listen, uh, Ericka, ah didn't mean to sound prejudice and all, it's just ah was bein a jealous mule. Ah really don't think any less of ya as a pony or a human for that matter.” Applejack said attempting to make amends with the dark blue Pegasus for her outburst a short while ago.

“It's fine Applejack.” Ericka replied simply but the farm pony continued on.

“No, it's not. Ah was totally wrong for talkin that way bout you. It's just that ah... ah sort of had this crush on Rainbow and all and well, you sort of jumped in the middle of mah life suddenly and it felt like you stole her from meh. Ah could help but feel jealious. It's not like we we're datin and all, but ah wanted ta'. Ah was just too afraid to say anythin.” Applejack continued and sighed.

“Applejack, I've known you have been jealous for a long time now. It's fine, really it is.” Ericka replied but the farm pony continued on.

“No, it's really not. Ah was being foalish and-”

“It's okay Applejack, I forgive you, just drop it already!”

“No, it's not! ah-”

“Applejack, how far does a pony need to fall for them to reach terminal velocity?”

“...”

“Exactly.”

“Sorry, nerves getting to meh and all...” The farm pony finally said after a few moments of awkward silence.

“I know.” Ericka replied simply as they landed next to Twilight and Rainbow Dash and continued down the hall only for the cyan blue Pegasus to stop in her tracks and look back.

“Rainbow Dash, come on, we don't have time to be dawdling.” Twilight said looking back at Rainbow Dash who's gaze was fixed on the open space behind them.

“Honey?” Ericka asked curiously as she walked up next to her lover and looked at her with a concerned expression.

“I'm going.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied simply.

“But Rainbow, we need you here. Who's going to carry Twilight or Applejack if we come to another gap like that?” Ericka asked looking at the cyan blue Pegasus.

“I'm sorry fillies, but I have to. It's my fault she out there now. If she died, I would never forgive myself.” Rainbow Dash replied as she clinched her eyes shut and more tears streamed from them.

“Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy is stronger than she looks and she-”

“No she's not! She may look like she handle her own, but she can't! I know her! She'll put on a brave face and carry on, but she's not like us!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed cutting off the lavender unicorn mid-sentence as tears flung from her eyes as she whirled herself around to look at Twilight.

“Rainbow, you need to have more faith in your friend's strength. Fluttershy will be fine.” Ericka replied placing a hoof on her lover's shoulder.

“No...she won't. I'm sorry!” The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed and erupted off the stone floor and down the hall before anypony could stop her...

Author's Note

Tensions get tense in this chapter and hidden feelings are revealed!

Loyalty Part 4

LOYALTY

PART 4

(Let our hearts fight as one!)

(play Sadness now)

AAAHH!

The pained cry by the yellow Pegasus could be heard seemingly by no pony as she hit one of the large flat surfaces with a loud thud and skipped along the ground like a pebble being skipped a crossed a lake for several feet before rolling to a stop.

Fluttershy's body was scratched, bruised, and was bleeding from her face and right eye, legs and sides, but she stood up regardless with a pained grunt, stumbled slightly and glared at the dragon through her good eye. “I-I'm not afraid of you! Just listen to me! You don't have to do this!” Fluttershy shouted as the dragon landed in front of her rose one claw up and swiped at her knocking her several feet away and rolling to a stop just on the edge of the stone platform.

The yellow Pegasus stood up once more, this time struggling even more so than the last and stumbled once again as she stood to all fours.

At this exact moment Rainbow Dash was flying through the wide-area frantically searching for her friend. She finally spotted her as the yellow Pegasus stood at the edge of the floating stone surface and doubled her speed as she moved full throttled to her friend's side. “Hang on Fluttershy, I'm coming!” Rainbow Dash shouted at the top of her lungs which yanked the mare's attention in Rainbow Dash's direction only to not see the claw coming down which knocked her clear off the stone surface.

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash shrieked in horror as her friend sailed off and began to plummet to her death.

The cyan blue Pegasus's speed tripled now as she clasped her wings together and dive bombed for her unconscious friend. Rainbow Dash soon opened her wings and began to flap them as fast as she could now growing closer to Fluttershy by the second now.

“Come on shy, open your wings!” Rainbow Dash shouted hoping she could hear her as she grew close enough now that she could touch the mare's tail with her hoof now but we just out of reach to scoop her up. “Just... a little... more...!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as if she was talking to her wings asking them to put a little more effort into flapping to catch her friend.

The ground that was seemingly non-existent ground in this area could be seen now, growing more visible by the second and Fluttershy was still just out of scooping distance. “Luna blast it all, Open your bucking wings or you're going to die!” Rainbow Dash shrieked the tears in her eyes flowing freely now from her eyes and behind her.

“Uhh....R-Rainbow?” Fluttershy said as her good up fluttered open looked under herself, gave a terrified gasp, turned herself upright, and gave a mighty beat of her wings allowing the cyan blue Pegasus to catch her and lay her on the ground safely.

“You look terrible. This is all my fault! If I hadn't been such a featherbrain and called you a chicken, you wouldn't have run out here and gotten hurt like this!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she hugged her friend tightly tears flooding from her eyes now as if somepony had left the water running in them.

“I-I'm fine, really.” Fluttershy replied bravely and attempted to stand on all four hooves only to fall to the ground with a pained cry.

“No you're not! Don't try to act brave in front of me Fluttershy, I know you better than this! It's okay to say you're scared!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she laid down next to her friend and placed a hoof on her cheek.

Upon hearing this the yellow Pegasus's brave face shattered and was replaced with one of pure terror and sadness. “I-I'm sorry Dashie! I tried to be brave, I really did!” She sobbed as she wrapped her hooves around the cyan blue Pegasus.

“And you were, it's okay to be scared and brave at the same time. Just do me a favor, next time I call you a chicken, slap me so hard it'll send my wing feathers flying.” Rainbow Dash replied doing her best to put on a smirk despite how guilty she felt now.

Slap!

Ow! I didn't mean now!

The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed as she held her sore cheek looking at her friend who smiled back at her and the two broke into spontaneous laughter.

Their laughter however was cut short as the dragon finally caught up with the both of them and landed on the ground growing fiercely at the two. “O-Oh my!” The yellow Pegasus exclaimed looking at the dragon now as did Rainbow Dash.

“Horseapples, this doesn't look good!” Rainbow Dash remarked under her breath as she stood in front of Fluttershy to protect her.

Unknown to Rainbow dash, Fluttershy was standing to all four hooves and stepped in front of her. “Please listen to me! I know you can understand me! This isn't right! I know you're upset and angry but if you let us go, I promise once we stop Josh, we'll find you a nice cave with a lot of gems for you. How does that sound?” Fluttershy said looking up at the dragon.

The dragon however rose its right claw up as if it had not heard a word she said and swiped at her which sent her flying past Rainbow Dash much to her own horror and landed on the ground a short way.

Rainbow Dash immediately rushed to her friend's side and lifted her limp body up. “Fluttershy? Shy, say something!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she shook her friend in an attempt to wake her.

Fluttershy!!!

At the exact moment of Rainbow Dash's shriek Twilight, Applejack's elements began to glow brightly.

“What in tarnation?!” Applejack exclaimed as she stared down at her element.

“One of us is tapping into the elements of harmony's magic. But who?!” Twilight asked in shock and awe as she stared at her crown.

“What do you mean? Tapping into the elements of harmony's magic? I thought you could only do that rainbow magic beam thingy or that rainbow shield I saw awhile ago?” Ericka asked shocked by this sudden turn of events.

“The elements of harmony represent the greatest of friendships in Equestria. As bearers of the elements of harmony, our bond is what makes the elements magic so powerful. Our ability to use the elements of harmony isn't limited to using it in unison like we do, but it's what makes us the most powerful. For for one of us to be tapping into the elements so strongly either means that one of us is using all her strength to protect another.” Twilight replied.

“Rainbow...” Ericka said softly and immediately took off from the ground down the stone hall.

“Is it just meh, or do these consarned Pegasus seem to have a knack for flyin off without warnin?” Applejack deadpanned followed by a sigh.

Twilight soon was to follow Ericka down the stone hall at full gallop.

“And now ah'm sittin here talkin to mahself... does everypony hate mah guts now or something?” Applejack remarked and sighed as she lay on the stone floor with one hoof under her chin with an annoyed expression.

“Oh my! What's this?!” Rarity exclaimed as she looked down at her element looking worse for ware but faring well against the diamond dogs.

Pinkie Pie awoke with a start in her cell deep within Josh's fortress and looked at her element of harmony which glowed brightly while Josh stared at her through his monitor looking surprised. “The others are coming for me... I knew they wouldn't let that meanie pants Josh get away with foalnapping me!” The pink mare whispered to herself with the first smile she had since she awoke in the cell.

“What the hell is going on?! My magic readings are off the scale and that pink mare's little trinket is part of the source!” Josh exclaimed until he had an epiphany. “She's an element of harmony?!” Josh exclaimed in shock as he stared at his monitor screen. “But if that's the case than that means...”

(play new revelations now)

The others coming for her could also be elements of harmony!

As Josh exclaimed these words from the safety of his lab, a glyph could be seen under Rainbow Dash's hooves now with a lightning bolt symbol in the middle of it rotating under her clockwise at a semi-fast pace as her element of harmony glowed so brightly it was nearly blinding to the dragon.

“No pony...and I mean NO PONY hurts my friends!” Rainbow Dash shouted at the top of her lungs, erupted off the ground at which point the glyph vanished and tackled the dragon head on at which point the dragon gave a pained cry as the cyan blue blur connected with its body and moments later was sent flying a crossed the skies for a short distance until it hit the ground as Rainbow Dash landed on the ground at which point the glyph reappeared under her.

The dragon quickly recovered from this blitz attack by the Pegasus, stood up, and took an inhale in preparation to blow flames at her and Fluttershy.

The exact moment the cyan blue Pegasus noticed this attack motion she erupted off the ground again dove down and uppercutted the dragon with such force that it literally lifted the two ton dragon off the ground a few feet before it's head snapped up in recoil of Rainbow Dash's attack. “Swallow those flames you over grown lizard! You aren't going to be blowing any while I'm here!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she stood in place several feet from the dragon.

The dragon stared at the cyan blue Pegasus now. Growling fiercely at the mare who just foiled two of its attacks. It then lunged at the cyan blue Pegasus to which Rainbow Dash took off from the ground to evade the attack only to receive a swift strike from its tail which sent her flying to the ground with a loud thud and giving a pained cry as her body hit the ground.

“Lucky....shot!” Rainbow Dash groaned as she stood back to all four hooves wearily as the magical glyph reappeared under her.

Lucky shot or not, the dragon managed another and another strike against the cyan blue Pegasus. This one-sided battle was quickly turning in the dragon's favor. “What the hay is going on here?! It's like this thing is smart enough to adapt to my attack pattern or something!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed in frustration only to see a display screen appear next to her.

“Exactly! I was wondering where the source of these massive magical readings were coming from! Even with my magical limiters in place your able to display such great magic with that little trinket. So you're one of the elements of harmony huh? Fascinating!” Josh exclaimed as his face appeared on-screen with a wide grin.

“Yeah! I'm the element of loyalty and don't you forget it! Who the hay are you?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed looking back at the screen now while the dragon stood stationary.

“Oh my, where are my manners? I'm professor Josh and this is my underground base.” Josh replied with still grinning as the cyan blue Pegasus’s eyes flashed into a glare.

“You're the mule who foalnapped Pinkie Pie! Give her back!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she lunged at the screen only to phase through it after which it disappeared and reappeared behind her as she stood back up and turned around to look at it again.

“So that's the little pink horse's name eh? Come and get her if you can.” Josh replied followed by a maniacal laugh.

“Count on it!” Rainbow Dash shot back with a glare.

The screen then disappeared once again and reappeared next to the dragon. “I have no use for the blue horse but that trinket around her neck is very valuable to me. Dispose of the mare how you wish but do not break the trinket.” Josh said to the dragon and moments later the screen disappeared and the dragon gave a mighty roar.

“So it only listens to him. Horseapples! Now I feel even worse for sending Fluttershy in here.” Rainbow Dash remarked looking back at her unconscious friend then back to the dragon whom was preparing to attack again.

“Come at me, scales for brains!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as glyph below her flashed brightly and moments later the cyan blue Pegasus erupted off the ground just as the dragon lunged at her missing her completely as did it's tail this time around.

Rainbow Dash continued her vertical climb until she was far away from the dragon. “It's time to give this dragon a taste of what I'm best known for!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed confidently as she dive-bombed at the dragon full throttle now pushing against the sound barrier as she picked up tremendous speed.

The dragon looked up at her now and began to inhale in preparation to blow flames at her. “Almost...there...!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed through a strained voice as she neared the dragon.

Meanwhile Ericka and Twilight where far above them now on one of the stone platforms. “Where are they?! You don't think they were....” Ericka asked trailing off looking around as Twilight and her searched around.

“No chance in Tartarus. Besides, my element is still glowing brightly which means Rainbow Dash is still alive and well.” Twilight replied until she spotted a yellow feather on the stone ground. “Ericka! I found one of Fluttershy's wing feathers!” Twilight exclaimed as she rushed up to it and levitated it in front of her with her magic as Ericka rushed to her side.

“It's stained with blood...” Ericka remarked fearing the worst for the yellow Pegasus now.

Suddenly the very foundation of the area they were in shook violently. “What in Equestria?!” Ericka exclaimed as she struggled to maintain her hooving as she looked over the edge as did Twilight to see a Rainbow colored shock-wave below them. They could barely see it, but it was still visible from their point of view.

“I'd know that signature rainbow shock-wave from anywhere! Rainbow Dash is down there!” Twilight exclaimed at which point Ericka quickly lifted Twilight up and began to dive down as fast as she could towards the source of the rainbow-colored shock-wave.

About fifteen minuets later the two made it to the ground below and quickly spotted a dragon that looked like it had been hit by a freight train but alive, a bruised but standing Rainbow Dash, and an unconscious, bruised, and bleeding Fluttershy.

Ericka quickly rushed to Fluttershy's side and examined her. While she was no expert at pony physiology, she at least knew enough to properly examine the mare.

“Is she....?!” Rainbow Dash asked allowed as tears flowed down her cheeks.

“She's alive but only just. Twilight do you know any healing magic?! She needs medical attention now if she's to survive another five minuets!” Ericka exclaimed looking at the lavender unicorn.

Without a single word Twilight rushed over to Fluttershy, focused magic into her horn and coated the yellow Pegasus in a soft purple light. “I don't know much, but this should at least stabilize her. I need complete quiet while I concentrate.” Twilight replied as she continued to cast her healing spell on the wounded Pegasus.

Tense silent moments passed now and all Rainbow Dash could do was look at her wounded friend as she lay there, fighting for her life. It was becoming too much for the cyan blue Pegasus to bear.

“Fluttershy...”

FLASH BACK

“Wah!” A small yellow Pegasus exclaimed as she nearly fell off a cloud only to be grabbed by the tail at the last second by a cyan blue rainbow maned Pegasus.

“Yesh, you're such a klutz. No wonder the teacher paired us together for our first day of flight school.” The cyan blue Pegasus remarked with an annoyed groan.

“I-I'm sorry.” the yellow filly replied as she looked back at her.

“Don't be sorry, just be getting better at flying okay? Anyways, name's Rainbow Dash, what's yours?” Rainbow Dash asked with a smile.

“F-Fluttershy.” The Yellow Pegasus stuttered slightly.

FAST FORWARD FIVE YEARS LATER....

“Hey, watch out!” A brown Pegasus exclaimed as he barely dodged Fluttershy whom immediately fell out of the skies.

“Ahhhhhhhh-eh?!” Fluttershy began to cry out in terror only to snap her eyes open to see Rainbow dash holding her mid-air.

“Can't even recover mid-flight after five years of flight School? Lame...” Rainbow Dash remarked with a sigh.

“I-I'm sorry.” Fluttershy replied meekly.

“How many times do I have to say it Fluttershy? Don't be sorry, just get better at flying okay?” Rainbow Dash replied as she let go of the yellow Pegasus whom hovered in front of her.

“B-But I'm not so great at flying...” Fluttershy replied looking away ashamed now.

“Ugh... You're going to make me look after your flank for the rest of my life, aren't you?” The cyan blue Pegasus replied sounding annoyed but smiling just the same at her friend.

“N-No! I'll get better at flying, I promise!” Fluttershy exclaimed as she made a hoof-pumping gesture as if to attempt to boast some muscle in her front legs.

“Guess I have no choice then. You can rely on me when things get rough okay?” Rainbow Dash replied seemingly ignoring the yellow Pegasus boast.

“B-But I just said I'd get better at flying! You don't have to look after me for the rest of your life Dashie!” Fluttershy exclaimed at which point the cyan blue Pegasus blushed and blinked twice.

“D-Dashie?! That's such a lame nick-name!” Rainbow Dash replied looking away with her arms crossed in an attempt to hide her beat red face. “Just for that, I’m going to follow your flank for the rest of your life! Let's see how long it takes you to get tired of me saving your flank.” She remarked still looking away.

“B-But-!”

“No buts to it! You're stuck with me, deal with it.” Rainbow Dash said cutting off the meek Pegasus and finally turned her face to look at her revealing a large grin on her face.

The yellow Pegasus hesitated for a few moments longer before a smile washed over face. “Th-thanks... Dashie.”

“Ugh! Stop with the lame nick-name or I'm gonna start calling you shy!” The cyan blue Pegasus exclaimed blushing once again.

“I don't mind.” Fluttershy replied with a soft smile.

“Soooo lame!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a double facehoofing gesture to which the yellow Pegasus giggled...

END FLASHBACK

Tears could be seen streaking down the cyan blue Pegasus's cheeks now as her eyes remained clenched tightly shut while her font legs quivered violently. “You always relied on me to protect you shy... but look at you now... I failed to keep my promise!”

Ericka looked at her lover and knew she was hurting more than any of them now. She didn't know what to do, what to say, so she did the only thing that came to mind. She wrapped her hooves around the Pegasus and held her tightly to which Rainbow Dash immediately wrapped hers around her lover.

“First you... Now shy... how many of our friends are going to nearly die or worse before this is over?!” The cyan blue Pegasus whispered into Ericka's ear her voice cracking as she spoke.

“I know what you want me to say, but I won't sugarcoat it, we most likely won't make it through this without being critically injured or worse.” Ericka replied softly and sighed.

“It's not fair... Fluttershy doesn't deserve this!” Rainbow Dash whispered back her voice nearly above a whisper now.

“None of you do, it's my fault this is happening. I came here, I played his ginny-pig, I lead the princess straight into Josh's clutches.” Ericka replied softly as she held her lover tightly.

“That's not true! You didn't know he was using you!” Rainbow Dash replied pushing her lover away just enough to look into her saddened eyes now.

“That's not entirely true. I suspected he was up to something for a long time but I let myself ignore it because I didn't want to stop being with you. It was selfish of me, if I had acted on my instincts from the beginning, this all could have been avoided. That's why this is my fault.” Ericka replied as tears gently streaked down her cheeks yet she never made an audible sob, her face never broke, she simply looked at her lover with the same saddened eyes.

“Don't you dare try to put the weight of this on your shoulders alone! There's no way you could have predicted this would happen!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed completely forgetting the lavender unicorn's request for quiet.

“I don't expect you to understand. It's not the first time someone's death or injury was my fault because I failed to act on my instincts.” Ericka replied as she let go of her lover and turned to look away from her.

Slap!!!

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened in shock as she stared at Ericka whom lay on the ground now after being swiftly slapped to the ground by Twilight Sparkle herself whom glared at her while her horn continued to cast its spell on Fluttershy.

“Don't you dare blame yourself for this! If you do.... then I'll never be able to forgive myself!” Twilight exclaimed as tears streamed down her eyes. “I-I ignored one of my greatest lessons in friendship the day I turned you away when I found out what you really were. Never lose faith in your friends.... that's the lesson I ignored! And because of that, you were reduced to a hallow husk of your former self!” The lavender unicorn exclaimed as she looked at Ericka whom stared at her in shock.

“We're in this together and each of us holds a share of the blame for what's happening. So don't blame yourself solely because...” The lavender unicorn said trailing off on purpose as she extended a hoof to Ericka.

“That's what friends are for! We each will share your burdens, even if it's not our fault.” Twilight finished with a smile as Ericka reached out and allowed the unicorn to help her to all four hooves.

“Thanks Twilight.” Ericka replied as she smiled back at the lavender unicorn. “How's Fluttershy?”

“The worst is past now but she needs time to rest.” Twilight replied with a soft smile as she looked back at the yellow Pegasus whom while still looked to be in bad shape, looked far better than she did a short time ago.

At this exact moment a flash of magic appeared in front of the three revealing Richard. “Richard! You're okay!” Ericka exclaimed and began to rush to him only for Twilight to stop her with her right hoof.

“Something's off.” the unicorn remarked wisely and cautiously.

At this exact moment a display screen appeared in front of the four revealing Josh's grinning face. “Hello everypony! Oh, I said everypony, did you hear me?! You horses are starting to rub off on me I think, haha!” Josh jeered with a smirk followed by a light laugh.

“Shut the fuck up you egotistic prick. Why the hell are you showing your face?” Ericka asked the man, the hostility towards Josh so thick in her voice it would choke him if it were breathable.

“Aw, you're so mean Ericka! And here I brought you all a playmate too!” Josh replied feigning a hurt expression as he spoke.

“Playmate?” The cyan blue Pegasus interjected as she stepped beside Ericka and looked over at Josh.

“Oh, and you'll be happy to know I’ve removed the magical limiters in your area, so you all can have loads of fun!” Josh exclaimed his feigned hurt expression turning into a joyous one as he made gesture with his arms and hands as if he was tossing some invisible gift at the three.

“Okay, this guy is either one horseshoe short of a full set, or he's being really sarcastic!” Rainbow Dash remarked with a skeptical look at the man.

“Both.” Ericka replied simply not bothering to look back at the cyan blue Pegasus to respond.

“So mean! Humph! Then I'll just leave you four to have fun then! Ta-ta!” Josh replied at first with a feigned hurt expression followed by a wide smile and a waving gesture before the display screen disappeared.

With Josh's aggravating presence now gone, the four turned to look at Richard whom stared at them. “Richard...are you okay? He didn't brainwash you did he?” Ericka asked looking worried now.

“No. I'm fine but I can't let you pass either.” Richard replied though his voice sounded slightly saddened.

“Why not? What's wrong?!” Ericka asked not sure of what the problem was until it finally dawned on her.

“He promised to let her go...if I did what he said. So you see, I have no choice!” Richard exclaimed as his horn glowed brightly now.

“Pinkie Pie...” Ericka said softly catching on now.

“Ericka, Rainbow Dash, go! He only needs to fight one of us! Go rescue Pinkie Pie and stop Josh!” Twilight exclaimed as she stepped forward her horn glowing brightly as well.

“I'll carry Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash said as she quickly scooped up the unconscious mare and took off from the ground.

“Richard no matter what happens, I just want to say... Thank you for being at my side for all these years, it really meant a lot to me.” Ericka said with a warm smile at which point Richard's composure was suddenly shaken as she nearly lost his hooving from the sudden compliment with a shocked expression for a moment.

“Same here Ericka.” Richard replied with a warm smile back at her a moment later.

Ericka then took off from the ground and followed her lover back up to the stone hallway...

Author's Note

Pain, regret,and drama fill this chapter but don't let that turn you away! :)

Kindness

KINDNESS

(Give me the strength to protect the ones I love!)

“Holy horseapples! Is Fluttershy okay?!” Applejack asked as she immediately stood up upon seeing the two Pegasus as they landed near her and lay Fluttershy down whom was still unconscious.

“Her life's not in danger anymore at least.” Ericka replied looking at the farm pony as she rushed over to Fluttershy's side.

“It's all my fault... I caused her to get like this.” Rainbow Dash remarked guilty as she looked away now.

“Darn tootin it's all your fault! Best be glad she's not in worse shape after what ya said to her! Why ah outta-”

“Now is not the time to be tossing blame or getting bitter with one another! So shut the buck up Applejack and listen for a few minuets!” The farm pony exclaimed with a glare looking back at the cyan blue Pegasus now only for Ericka to cut her off and glare back at the farm pony.

“Richard and Twilight are being forced to fight right now because of Josh holding Pinkie Pie hostage! We need to find Pinkie Pie and that psycho as quickly as possible.” Ericka finished looking at the farm pony whom quickly quieted herself.

“Ah'm hopin you won't expectin Fluttershy to walk the whole way.” Applejack remarked looking back at the sleeping yellow mare.

“Of course not. That's why I was hoping you would look after her while me and Rainbow Dash run ahead.” Ericka replied feeling slightly insulted by the farm pony's assumption.

“Ah can do that. Just be careful, the both of ya.” Applejack replied to which the two nodded and flew ahead.

Richard and Twilight stood staring at each now, neither one making a move. “I hope you realize that I'm not doing this because I want to, but I won't hold back either. Josh will know if I do.” Richard said looking at the lavender unicorn now.

Upon hearing this Twilight let out a dejected sigh. “Are you sure it has to be this way? Josh is most likely pitting us against each other in hopes that we kill one another, you realize this right?”

“Of course I do! I'm not an idiot. But until Pinkie Pie is safe and sound, I have no choice. So let's do this.” Richard replied as his horn glowed brightly.

“Fine.” Twilight replied as her horn glowed brightly as well.

(Play magical combat now and repeat as much as desired)

Twilight was first to make her move with her signature teleportation magic, disappearing in a flash of magic and reappearing right behind Richard already in the middle of a magical charge and fired it moments later to which Richard saw at the last possible moment and cast a magical barrier protecting himself and countered with a magical beam of his own to which Twilight teleported to evade.

“He's not half bad for a human in a unicorn's body.” Twilight remarked to herself as she reappeared above him in preparation for a magical volley against the red unicorn.

“You'll have to do better than that Twilight Sparkle!” Richard exclaimed as he looked above at Twilight his horn glowing brightly.

Just as Twilight was about to cast her volley she sensed a great deal of magic being concentrated from above, turned her head to look in to the northeast of herself and gave a startled gasp. “He concentrated that from all the way down there?!” The lavender unicorn thought to herself dramatically and quickly teleported to evade the beam only to reappear and see yet another magical beam dead in front of her and cast a protection spell around her at the last second, barely staving off the second attack.

“Okay I stand corrected, he's very good for a human in a unicorn's body!” The lavender unicorn remarked to herself as she turned around to cast a volley of magical beams at Richard only to not see him standing behind her. She then looked up to see the red unicorn above her with up to five concentrated balls of magic floating around him and gave a shocked gasp as he sent them soaring strait for her.

Twilight had no time to dodge this attack nor conjure a shield so she was hit with the blunt of the attack giving a pained cry as it connected with her body followed by another as her body hit the ground a few feet away.

“I thought you're special talent was magic? Or are you holding back? I already told you to come at me with your full strength! Because if you don't...!” Richard exclaimed as he focused magic into his horn and sent a volley of magical beams at the lavender unicorn. “You'll be dead before Ericka and Rainbow Dash find Pinkie Pie!”

“He's dead serious... I just thought he was throwing witty banter around in case Josh was listening in.” Twilight thought to herself as she conjured a magical circular shield in front of her to protect herself from the volley of magical beams.

“Fine, I won't hold back anymore!” Twilight exclaimed as she conjured over twenty magical balls of magic around her much to Richard's shock, but instead of soaring at him like his had, they all began to fire magical beams of magic at him.

The red unicorn was suddenly put on the full defensive now shielding himself from some of the beams while using teleportation to evade others. “Damn, guess I should be careful for what I ask for!” Richard thought to himself as he continued to evade and shield himself against the magical beams.

Twilight then fired the balls of magic at the red unicorn which were still firing their own magic at him as they attempted to collide with him and exploded upon impact with the ground as he evaded them. “Too much for you Richard?” Twilight shouted beaming with pride at her magical skill as the red unicorn continued to struggle to evade her attacks.

“Not at all! I'm just getting warmed up!” Richard exclaimed as he disappeared in a flash of magic, reappeared above her, conjured a short dagger on his hoof and dove down at the unicorn.

Twilight conjured a barrier to stave off the red unicorns attack but as she looked at him through her barrier, she could see it in his eyes. The eyes of a desperate stallion wanting to protect the mare he loves so badly that he's willing to kill to protect them. Richard than focused magic into his horn and channeled it into the dagger increasing its strength ten fold. This was made obvious by the sudden crack that appeared on Twilight's barrier to which she closed her eyes and sighed. “If this fight drags on for too long, we really will end up killing each other...”

Celestial seal...release.

Princess Celestia gave a startled gasp now as she hovered in the skies having narrowly evaded the Alicorn's attack. “What is that unicorn thinking?! I placed that seal on her for her own safety! She's not ready to control that much magical power!” Celestia exclaimed sensing her pupil’s action and then sighed. “Has the fight below gotten that bad?” Celestia asked herself aloud worriedly.

Shatter!

The lavender unicorn's barrier crumbled beneath the brute force of Richards attack only for to his own shock and surprise to connect directly with the bottom of Twilight's hoof yet it did not pierce it or cause her to bleed. “You really do intend to fight me to the death don't you?” Twilight asked softly though her voice sounded saddened as she asked this with her eyes still closed and facing the ground.

“I already told you, I have no choice!” Richard exclaimed as he channeled magic into his horn.

“Then neither do I.” Twilight replied her voice still saddened as she looked up at him and opened her eyes revealing them to be seemingly blank with a bright white magical light radiating from them. At this exact moment, a triangular glyph with the symbol of Twilight's cutie mark appeared under the lavender unicorn's feet.

“By the light of my cutie mark, through the hidden strength sealed long ago, I call upon my magic...” Twilight began to say trailing off as Richard teleported away from her to a safe distance.

“Is she vocally reciting a spell? I thought unicorns didn't have to do that?” Richard remarked curiously as he fired a magical beam at the lavender unicorn yet all Twilight had to do was raise a hoof and a circular magical shield appeared instantly blocking the attack with ease.

“Twilight... Sparkling... Light...” Twilight said as her horn began to glow so brightly that the magic radiating from her horn now was roughly five tens the width and height of her horn while magical sparks shot from it rapidly.

Richard finally managed to finish focusing magic into his horn and fired a large magical beam which scaled to be ten feet high and five feet wide.

FIRE!!!

The lavender unicorn shouted at which point her horn seemed to explode enveloping her in it as it continued to grow in size and height. Richard's magical attack was overpowered as if it were nothing as the magic from the lavender unicorn continued to expand.

“Oh....shhhiiiiiit!” Richard exclaimed as he turned tail to run only to be seemingly consumed by the magical light which continued to expand.

Meanwhile in Josh's laboratory, all of Josh's systems were displaying overload errors and spontaneously crashing from attempting to register the amount of magical output in the area now.

“What the fuck, what the fuck, what the fuck, what. The. Fuck?!” Josh exclaimed in both shock and outrage as he attempted to bring his systems back online. “Where the hell is the source of this tremendous magical power coming from?! Is it the elements of harmony?! No it can't be, the pink horse's trinket isn't glowing. Then what the hell is it?!” The scientist exclaimed as he brought up his surveillance monitors to see every single area in his underground base.

Upon opening the surveillance monitor of the area where Twilight and Richard were fighting his eyes widened in shock. He then double checked the last place his magical sensor systems detected a large spike of magic before they overloaded and crashed and couldn't believe his eyes. “There's no fucking way... a single damned horse can't have that much magical power! Celestia or Luna maybe, but a mere unicorn?!” Josh exclaimed in disbelief of what he was seeing just before his monitor began to crackle and then became static as the light grew close to it.

“That's it! Magical limiters back on! I'm not having that damned purple horse destroy half my base!” Josh exclaimed in outrage as he pressed a few buttons on his console.

It was then that Josh's proximity alarm went off and another monitor popped up on-screen showing Ericka and Rainbow Dash quickly closing in on his position. “Damn it, they've already found me?! Confound these ponies, they drive me to insanity!” Richard exclaimed slamming a fist on his console in frustration.

“What's wrong meanie pants? You're plans being foiled by my friends?” Pinkie Pie said to Josh knowing he could hear her with a smirk.

“How the hell would you know? You have magical telepathy or something?!” Josh retorted with a glare at Pinkie Pie's monitor.

“No silly, you turned the speaker on to my cell.” The pink mare replied followed by a giggle.
Josh then promptly pressed the button to shut off the speaker. “Damned pink horse... be glad I still have some use for you.” Josh remarked with a scowl as he walked through a door and down to Pinkie Pie's cell.

The light that was seemingly enveloping the area suddenly vanished with a flash revealing an unconscious Richard and Twilight whose eyes returned to normal seemingly suspended in the air till now and landed back on all four hooves. “I lost control again...” The lavender unicorn remarked guiltily and looked over at Richard whom while looked worse for ware, was breathing. “Josh re-enabled his magical limiters which saved me and Richard though I doubt that was his intention.” Twilight remarked as she walked over to Richard and sat beside him.

I'll need to ask the princess to apply her seal on me again when we get back...

Ericka and Rainbow Dash stopped just short of a steel door and nodded to one another. “You ready Rainbow? Remember, we can't play nice. It's kill or be killed from here on out.” Ericka replied with a serious look in her eyes.

“Only if it comes to that.” The cyan blue Pegasus replied confidently though Ericka could tell she wasn't fond of the idea of killing somepony much less anything living for that matter.

CRASH!!!

The steel door was bucked clear off its hinges through the combined efforts of both Pegasus and cautiously walked into the room. “Where the hay is he? You think he ran off like a chicken?” Rainbow Dash asked looking around the seemingly empty control room.

“Doubt it.” Ericka replied as she walked up to the console and began to press buttons though it was obvious from its design that it wasn't built for ponies so it made it difficult for Ericka to press singular buttons though she had a basic idea of how the console worked.

“You know how to work this thing?” The cyan blue Pegasus asked as she walked up next to Ericka whom was bringing up monitors and small windows on-screen.

“I have a good idea. We worked with consoles similar to this on my home planet, though this one is far more advanced by the looks of it. Ah-ha! Found it! This should even the playing field!” Ericka exclaimed confidently as she pressed a few buttons on the console and moments later big bold red letters displayed on-screen.

ANTI-UNICORN DEFENSES DISABLED

ANTI-PEGASUS DEFENSES DISABLED

“What did you do?” Rainbow Dash asked clearly unable to read the human language on-screen at the moment.

“Oh right, you can't read English. I disabled the magical limiters and those annoying magical fields that stopped us from being able to fly more than three feet off the ground.” Ericka replied with a triumphant smile.

“Awesome! Now that lame human has nowhere to run!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she did a quick areal back-flip in celebration of her lover's actions.

“We're not done yet, we still need to find Pinkie Pie.” Ericka replied as she continued to press buttons on the console bringing up different monitors until she stopped. “Oh, this looks useful!” Ericka remarked with a smirk.

“What did you find?!” The cyan blue Pegasus asked curiously.

“A wide-scale teleportation device. All I need to do is input a few location codes, define it for equine specie only, and... press!” Ericka replied and a mere second later Twilight, Richard, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity appeared in the room with a slight flash.

“Wait, if he had this thing all along, why didn't he just use to throw us in some deathtrap or something?” Rainbow Dash asked looking slightly confused.

“Probably because he wanted to screw with us and use creative ways to kill us. Let's just be thankful he was dumb enough to underestimate us.” Ericka replied as she turned around to look at the other five and gasped in shock at Richard's condition.

“How the hay did we get here?!” Applejack exclaimed looking around herself in confusion.

“He's injured but alive.” Twilight remarked as Ericka quickly looked over Richard's body.

“Yesh, you sure went all out against one another didn't you?” Ericka remarked followed by a relieved sigh.

“You could say that...” The lavender unicorn replied though she did her best to hide her guilty expression as she said this.

“Fluttershy's still out?” Rainbow dash asked with a concerned expression as she looked at her yellow friend.

“Yeah, though she's doin just fine by the looks of it.” Applejack replied with a smile.

Suddenly a monitor appeared on-screen showing Josh's smiling face. “Congratulations ponies! His first sentence sounding happy and then his expression and tone became morbid and ticked off looking.“You've successfully pissed me off.”

“Glad we did something right.” Ericka replied with a smirk to which the other five gave soft giggles upon hearing this.

“So in celebration of this turn of events, I have a wonderful surprise for you!” Josh continued his expression becoming happy again as spoke as if ignoring Ericka's remark as the screen panned over to a velvet red curtain. “And behind curtain...number... one!” Josh exclaimed enthusiastically as if he was a game-show announcer as he yanked the curtain down revealing Pinkie Pie chained to the wall unconscious. “ We have the hyperactive pink mare, Pinkie Pie! This mare gives a whole new meaning to the term, bouncing off the walls and is the love of Richard's life!” Josh continued keeping his game-show announcer act going as he enthusiastically spoke.

“Pinkie Pie!” Ericka exclaimed as she stared at the pink mare with a worried expression.

The screen then panned over to yet another velvet curtain. “And behind curtain... number... two!” Josh exclaimed as he yanked down the velvet curtain revealing Princess Luna herself unconscious and caged in the same cell Ericka recalled seeing her in prior to be nearly killed by Josh. “We have the lovely and beautiful Princess of night, Luna! This Alicorn carries a yarn of history longer than my arm and was once the dreaded and feared nightmare moon!” Josh continued at which point the screen panned to him. “And what lovely prize do we have for these two lovely contestants?” Josh said grinning ear to ear as he made a gesture to his left with both hands pointing a single finger on each one at which point the screen rushed over to reveal a strange-looking device which to Ericka looked like some sort of canon.

“An invention of my design! This baby here can reduce anything to ash in ten seconds flat! But sadly it requires ten minuets to charge up. Disappointing I know...” Josh exclaimed enthusiastically yet ending his statement on a seemingly feigned sad note. He then walked over to the side of the device and pressed a few buttons on it before he turned to look at the screen again. “So here's the fun game I have planned for you all. You have ten minuets to save one of them while leaving the other to a very ashy end!” Josh said at which point the screen panned back over to show Pinkie Pie and Princess Luna.

“Who do you save? The love of Richard's life or the princess of the night?!” Josh could be heard saying at which point the screen rushed back over to show the scientist in front of the canon again. “Not enough time to save them both sadly...” Josh said with a feigned sad expression and made a grandfather ticking sound along with a gesture with his hands as if his fingers were pendulums.

“Don't do it!” Twilight exclaimed dramatically but Josh ignored her completely, turned around, and pressed a single button on the cannon's console. “The timer starts now! Good luck everypony! Ha,ha, ha!” Josh exclaimed followed by a maniacal laughter before the screen disappeared and was replaced with a large numeral timer which was counting down from ten minuets.

“Why that no good rotten varmint! How dare he make us choose between them!” Applejack roared looking completely outraged while Twilight looked as if she was on the verge of tears as did Rainbow Dash.

Ericka stared at the timer now seemingly stunned by this turn of events...

Author's Note

Dat cliffhanger....*epic lower lip-bite while wearing shades*

The voyage into a world unknown

PONY

CHAPTER 1:

THE VOYAGE INTO A WORLD UNKNOWN

A young woman sat in a state of the art space ship as it cruised through the endless stars towards a planet that the government had been studying for years.

“You excited Ericka?” A young man asked excitedly who sat next to her.

“Excited to have my mind shot into an alien creature? Thrilled.” Ericka replied in a sarcastic tone. This was the last thing she had wanted to be doing with her time. Sadly for her though, orders came from the top brass and only a fool would ignore them, unless they wished to be court-marshaled with a dishonorable discharge.

“You better start warming up to the idea soon private! Because we'll be strapping you into one of those devices a few short hours after we arrive.” A man whom wore several badges of significance said as he walked in.

“Yes, commander Stillborn.” Ericka replied in the best enthusiastic tone she could muster.

A few moments later a woman in a lab coat walked in looking at the group. “Alright, I've been charged of informing you on the creatures you will be inhabiting and the world in which you will be observing. My name is Amanda, but you can call me Amie for short.” Amie said in a stern tone as she walked up and pressed a button on the console which caused the computer screen to flicker to life and show images of what Ericka thought were horses.

“This creature you see on screen now is the dominate specie on the planet. They appear to have human like intelligence despite their equine appearance and even have a thriving society on this planet despite the fact that there isn't any kind of breathable gas on the planet.. This however creates many questions that we need answered. They don't speak any language that our technology can decipher to this date, so we have no idea how they communicate though many have theorized that their language is based on body movements. Secondly, due to their obvious physical limitations we need to learn how they were able to build such advanced structures like this.” Amie continued as she pressed a button on the console which changed the image on screen from the equine creature to that of a vast and large castle.

“Whoa! That place is huge!” The young man remarked in a shocked tone.

“Yes it is, Private Richard. That is why we are having you and two others infiltrate their society to study how they managed it, among other things. As I was saying however, their race has built many structures and also splits into three other sub specie.” Amie replied as she pressed a button on the console which caused the screen to change from the image of the vast castle to displaying three images of the equine specie except with physical differences between them being wings, a horn, and one specie even having both. “As you can see there are three variants of these race. This variant appears to have feathered wings and is able to fly about in this planet even though there is no wind to support flight..” Amie said as she pointed to the winged equine then pointed to the horned one. “This variant of this specie seems to have advanced telekinetic abilities which allow them to alter an objects appearance and lift heavy objects up. We have theorized that that the material on this planet is native to them or possibly apart of them. We have yet to pin down a factual explanation however.” Amie said in a matter-of-fact tone as she pointed to the horned specie, then pointed to the winged and horned specie.

“This variant of their race however is the most perplexing of them all. Only three of this type of creature appear to inhabit this planet and furthermore from what we have learned, are the alpha creatures of this society. Every other creature on this planet seems to obey them. Though we don't know much about them, we do know that they have the greatest telekinetic ability of any of the horned variant of this race and best flight ability of any of the winged variant of this race.” Amie said as she pressed a button on the console which caused the image to display an apparent overview of one of their towns.

“Your mission is this, study the race as one of them. Learn how they do what they do and above all, seek out answers to these questions, How this race thrives when they have no sun or moon orbiting their planet which are vital for supporting any kind of life, why a sun and moon appears on the planet when standing on it's surface even though there are none orbiting the planet, how they are able to change the appearance of objects on their planet even though it is scientifically impossible, how they are able to even breath when there is no gas to support life on their planet, and lastly, how great their military power is if they have any at all.” Amie said as she pressed a button on the console which caused an image of the horned, winged, and normal looking equine creatures.

“But Amie, if they don't speak any kind of language that we can understand or decipher, then how are we support to interact with them?” Ericka asked curiously.

“Excellent question, Private Ericka. Years of painstaking research have lead up to us being able to artificially create three of the race's variants. Sadly we have yet to be able to successfully create the dual winged and horned variant. Regardless, we will be using the latest in human technology to beam your mental conscienceless into these artificially created creatures. While your mind is within them, you will be able to understand their language and fully use every one of the creatures inherent abilities. At least by theory.” Amie replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

“And if we can't?” Richard asked curiously.

“If you are unable to use the creatures inherent abilities, then you could possibly learn by watching the others.” Amie replied then looked at Ericka whom had a hand raised at the present time. “Yes, Private Ericka?” Amie asked as she looked at the woman.

“I couldn't help but wonder. On the diagrams you showed us, I saw a small image on the side of their body. Do all the creatures on this planet have them?” Ericka asked with a curious expression now.

“That is one aspect of their race we have little or no information on. We do not know why they do, but we know that no image is the same on each creature. Though not all of them have it, primarily their young do not display them. It may be something that develops as they mature into adulthood. We however do not know why or how this occurs. Though that is not the point of this study, if you wish to seek information on how they obtain them, you are welcome to. The artificially created creatures do not have them however. We are unable to replicate how they appear due to how little we know of that mystery among their race.” Amie replied with a frown.

“I see.” Ericka replied in a understanding tone. “I guess that's something I’ll learn once I am able to communicate with them.” Ericka thought to herself. Though she had no interest in obtaining one, she couldn't help but wonder what the images on their sides represented.

“Your mission will begin once we land in eight hours, I suggest you get some sleep. You'll need it.” Commander stillborn said as he stood up and left the room followed by Amie.

“I don't know about you, but I’m bushed. See ya in eight hours Ericka.” Richard remarked as he stood up and left the room which left the woman alone to her thoughts.

“I guess I should get some sleep myself, but I can't help but wonder, what is it about those images?” Ericka thought to herself as she gave once last glance behind herself to the screen which showed the creature. It appeared to be a pink creature with a puffy tail and hair and on it's side, looked like balloons to her. “What could it mean?” Ericka asked herself once more before she left the room and went to sleep.

EIGHT HOURS LATER...

Ericka's eyes flickered open wearily as she sat up to the beeping of her alarm clock. The woman then reached over and shut the alarm off, stretched, and yawned before she stood up and went to the ship's bathroom.

Once in the bathroom she removed her uniform,bra, and panties, and stepped into the shower. Having spent many years in the army, Ericka was a slender yet well built white woman with cherry blond hair and modest breast size. At the age of twenty-three she was in the prime of her youth or at least that's how she saw it. Though still single, she preferred it that way.

Ericka reached forward, pushed a small button in the shower and water burst from within the hose nozzle above her which quickly soaked her hair and body. She then reached over for a small bottle labeled “Derp-clean bodywash”, squeezed a small amount onto a cloth she had picked up and began to scrub her body with the cloth making sure to get every part of her body. She then put the cloth down, picked up another bottle labeled “Do-well hair cleaner”, squeezed some of the contents onto her head, and proceeded to scrub her hair clean.

After she was satisfied with the amount of lather she achieved she rinsed her hair clean, shut off the shower, stepped out, wrapped a towel around herself, and stepped out into her room to dry off. She quickly dried herself off, put her uniform on, and walked into the main deck only to be greeted by her commander.

“Always the prompt solider, I like that about you Private!” Commander Stillborn exclaimed with a wide smile at the young woman who simply saluted at him.

“We'll be entering the planets atmosphere in one hour, commander.” A woman said in a proper tone as she walked into the main deck room and saluted the commander.

“Very good Lieutenant Greenwich.” Commander Stillborn replied then turned to look at Ericka once again. “Where is private Richard?” Stillborn asked curiously as she looked about.

“I'm not sure Commander. Shall I go check?” Ericka replied in the same proper tone.

“Please do Private. The last thing we need is a tardy solider.” Commander Stillborn replied, turned away, and walked into the pilot's quarters.

“That lazy ass is probably sleeping still.” Ericka remarked to herself in an annoyed tone as she walked back into the resting quarters and knocked on Richard's door.

“I'm awake! Give me a few minutes!” Richard's voice exclaimed from behind the door.

“Hurry the hell up! We are set to land in about a hour!” Ericka exclaimed back and began to tap her foot impatiently as she crossed her arms.

Moments after she had said this however the door swung open revealing the solider who smiled sheepishly at her. “Sorry about that Ericka. I guess I overslept a little.” Richard said with a chuckle.

“Why does that not surprise me? Three years we've been in the same squad together and you still can't get up on time. I won't always be around to cover for your ass you know.” Ericka replied in a slightly annoyed tone as she looked at the man who continued to smile sheepishly at her.

“Yeah, I know. Say, any word on which types of the specie we will be inhabiting?” Richard asked as he walked down the hall along side of Ericka.

“You're really stoked for this aren't you?” Ericka asked in a mellow tone.

“Of course! I don't know why you couldn't be! This is like stuff from those science fiction comics they have on earth!” Richard replied enthusiastically.

“Yeah, well keep in mind, this is for research only. We aren't here for a thrill ride.” Ericka replied as they entered the main deck room again and sat in a couple chairs.

“Just because we are researching them, doesn't mean we can't have fun. Come on Ericka, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity we are getting here that no other will get! Live a little!” Richard replied enthusiastically once again as he gave her a playful swat to the back only for Ericka to grab him by the arm and twist it behind his back.

“Touch me again, and the only time you'll be able to use this arm ever again is while in that alien creature's body.” Ericka said in a threatening tone as Richard winced and groaned under her grip.

“Okay,okay! I get it! No touchy!” Richard exclaimed in a pained tone upon which point Ericka released the man from her hold.

“See that you remember that.” Ericka replied with a glare as the commander walked into the deck room.

“Something the matter privates?” Commander Stillborn asked in a stern tone as he looked at the two.

“No sir.” Ericka replied quickly as she looked at the commander and replied quickly to this question.

“None at all sir.” Richard replied in a slightly pained tone as he flexed his arm in an attempt to subdue the straining pains in it.

“Good, we land in twenty minutes make sure you are properly seated.” Commander Stillborn replied in the same stern tone as he turned to sit down himself.

TWENTY MINUTES LATER...

The ship entered orbit and landed a short time later in a deep and dense forest within the planet. Ericka and Richard both gasped in awe as they left the spaceship with oxygen masks on. Just as Amie had said, this planet was full of life and to Ericka looked beautiful.

“Welcome to Planet E! I'm professor Josh and I’ll be in charge of making sure you two get properly into your little equine bodies!” A whom wore a large lab coat exclaimed enthusiastically as he walked up to them.

“Nice to meet you Professor.” Ericka replied as she shook his hand.

“Now then, I’m sure you both can't wait to see which variant of the specie you will be inhabiting, so lets be on our way to the V-M-R room!” Professor Josh exclaimed, turned around, and lead them to a large building that seemed to have been constructed in recent months.

The professor walked up to the front door, pressed several keys on a numeral pad, put his eye up to a scanner, and said the words “Professor Josh” into a microphone before the door finally opened up and showed them in.

“Security is rather tight here for a facility on a planet full of creatures who don't speak the English language.” Ericka remarked in a curious tone as they stepped into a large room and gasped.

“Ahem, allow me to present the winged specie, and the horned specie. Marvelous aren't they?” Professor Josh remarked in a proud tone.

Ericka looked at the two equine creatures which seemed to be sleeping. Her focus then turned to the winged specie and gasped in awe at it.

“Is it real?” Ericka asked in a stunned tone as she looked at the creature. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

“What kind of question is that? Of course she's real!” Professor Josh replied in a annoyed tone.

“I'm sorry professor, she?” Richard asked curiously taking note of the fact that he had said the word”she” in his reply.

“Yes it is female. How the hell do you think these creatures reproduce? Laying some kind of egg inside an unsuspecting creature and let it explode out of their chest?” The professor replied in an annoyed tone before she turned to look at the screen which lay just beside the containment tube. “Her vitals are perfectly normal. Good!” Professor Josh remarked with a satisfied expression before he walked to the other containment tube and looked at it as did Richard and Ericka as well.

“So how do you determine which ones are male and female? Do you just lift the tail and check the pluming when you made them?” Richard asked curiously as he looked at the horned equine.

“Naturally we control which gender the creature will be during the embryo stages. Honestly, didn't you study biology at all?” Professor Josh replied in annoyance as he pressed a few buttons on the console before he walked over and spoke with a fellow scientist.

“He acts as if we should know all about this alien specie.” Richard remarked under his breath to Ericka in annoyance.

While she agreed with him she was too stunned by the creature that slept soundly before her eyes to respond. She had never thought she would ever see something so wondrous. She expected them to look weird looking like the one she saw in the diagram on the ship.

“Well, shall we prep you two for your first time in one of our V-M-R machines?” Professor Josh asked with a smile now which caused the woman to snap her gaze from the equine in the containment tube and look at him.

“Lets do this.” Ericka replied with a smile.

For the first time since she got assigned to this mission, she actually looked forward to being one of those creatures now.

Little did she know her journey was only beginning into this new world....

A Pinkie Pie promise

A PINKIE PIE PROMISE

Ericka raced a crossed the town to the spot she recalled seeing Rainbow Dash in, stopped and looked around. “Where is she?” Ericka thought to herself curiously.

“Just great...” Ericka remarked aloud in a sour tone about five minutes later as she sat there waiting.

“Who you waiting on?” A voice asked.

“Rainbow D-GAH!” Ericka began to see only to suddenly realize that Pinkie Pie was suddenly standing right next to her when she wasn't a mere second ago which caused her to jump up in shock. “Can you ever not sneak up on a pony?!” Ericka asked between fast breaths in an annoyed tone.

“Your a strange pony Cloudkicker.” Pinkie Pie replied with a wide smile.

“So I'm told...” Ericka replied as her breathing finally regained a normal pace and looked up again.

“You looking for Rainbow Dash?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously which yanked the Pegasus’s attention back to the pink pony.

“Yes, do you know where she is?” Ericka asked in a hopeful tone as she looked at the pink mare intently now.

“Hmm...” The frizzy maned mare replied as she placed a hoof on her chin with a look of deep thought, though to Ericka, it looked like the pink mare's brain had just broken as she looked at Pinkie Pie's ridiculous expression.

After a few more minutes Ericka gave a dejected sigh. “This is a waste of time.” Ericka replied as she turned about face to walk away only for the pink mare to have somehow appeared right in front of her again which caused her to fall on her rump in surprise. “Wh-What the hell are you? A unicorn?!” Ericka exclaimed in a shocked tone as she once again took a few moments to steady her breathing again.

“No silly, I'm a earth pony!” Pinkie Pie replied enthusiastically.

“Could have fooled me...” Ericka remarked under her breath followed by an annoyed sigh. “Listen, Pinkie, I'm grateful for the welcome party, but I'm trying to find Rainbow Dash. So can you help me find her or not?” Ericka asked in the most polite tone she could muster despite her annoyed state at the moment.

“I think the better question is, can you find yourself?” Pinkie Pie asked as she leaned in so that her face was mere inches from Ericka's.

“Wh-What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Ericka asked in a confused tone.

“Not sure, it just sort of came to me, kind of like my pinkie sense, but this is the first time something like this has happened.” Pinkie Pie replied with a confused expression now.

“Wait, pinkie sense? What the hell is that?” Ericka asked still trying to figure out what Pinkie Pie meant by her previous question.

“My pinkie sense tells me when things are going to happen before they do, like if my tail twitches, it means something is going to fall.” Pinkie Pie replied resuming her usual cheery expression now.

“Wait, so your psychic?” Ericka replied curiously as she stared at the pink mare now.

“What's that? You sure as hay say a lot of words that I don't understand. Like what is this hell you speak of?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.

“Who boy, and here I thought I would be the only one asking questions.” Ericka replied as she ran her hoof along her face. “Okay, so hell is the place that, um, bad ponies go when they die. So when I say, what the hell, it's an expression that makes me wonder where the hell you got that question from.” Ericka replied in a matter of fact tone.

“Oooohhh, you mean tartarus!” Pinkie Pie replied a understanding expression now. “But um, you still haven't told me what this Psy-mic thing is.”

“It's psychic, and it means you can see into the future or read pony's minds.” Ericka replied and let out another sigh. “This is going no where and the longer I sit here wasting time with idle chatter, the less chance of have of finding Rainbow Dash before the sun sets and I have to return to my human body.” Ericka thought to herself in an annoyed tone.

“Twitchy, twitch!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed suddenly as she now held her tail and looked up.

“Wait, doesn't twitchy tail mean...” Ericka remarked aloud, looked up, gulped, and groaned.

KER-SPLASH!

“Fuck my life...” Ericka remarked aloud in a dismal tone as she sat on the ground covered in whip-cream.

“This just isn't your day is it?” Pinkie Pie remarked with a giggle as she poured water over Ericka's head as the dark blue Pegasus sat in Pinkie Pie's bathroom tub filled with hot water.

“Who the hell delivers whip-cream by air anyways?” Ericka asked aloud in annoyance.

“A a lot of stuff is delivered by air, it just so happened that Derpy Hooves was one of the Pegasus ponies delivering that cargo of whip-cream.” Pinkie Pie replied as she handed Ericka a bar of soap which slipped off of her hoof into the tub. “Still having trouble holding onto stuff with your hooves?” The pink mare remarked with a smirk upon seeing this.

“Yeah, I’m still adjusting to all this. I'm not exactly a normal pony you could say.” Ericka replied as she dipped her hooves into the tub and attempted to grab the bar of soap only for it to slid off her hooves no matter how much she tried.

“You're telling me, if I didn't know any better, I’d say you weren't even a pony!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed which caused Ericka's chest to go ice cold despite being in a tub of hot water only for the pink mare to burst out laughing a few moments later. “But that's just plain silly!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed a few moments after her outburst.

“Yeah, funny ain't it?” Ericka replied in an uneasy tone with a soft nervous laugh to match her uneasy expression.

Ericka then looked at Pinkie Pie as the pink mare walked about the bathroom. “She seems so innocent and carefree, and in some ways, she knows me better than I know myself.” Ericka thought to herself as she let out an audible sigh. “I've been lost for years now, hiding it from even myself. Ever sense my family was killed....”

FLASHBACK:

“What are you going to do now Ericka?” A man dressed in a form black suit asked as they stood in front of three caskets.

“I-I don't know. I've lost my mother,father, and little sister.” Ericka replied with a sniffle as she wiped fresh tears from her eyes.

“You could always continue sell your paintings for a living.” The man replied.

“Are you fucking kidding me? My family was the secret to my inspiration. Without them, I can't even bring myself to lift a brush again.” Ericka replied and let out a sigh.

“What about the army then?” The man replied in a suggesting tone.

“Why would I join the army?” Ericka asked in an annoyed tone with a glare at the man.

“Well, they often go on interplanetary missions, who knows, maybe you'll be able to find the aliens who killed your family. They after all, did escape.” The man replied.

“So avenge them?” Ericka replied curiously.

“Something like that.” The man replied with a smirk.

END FLASHBACK

“A lot of good joining the army did me. I spent years in it and not once did we encounter the aliens that attacked our planet...” Ericka thought to herself after recalling that painful event of her past.

“Are you okay Cloudkicker?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously which snapped the dark blue Pegasus out of her thoughts and looked at the pink mare.

“Y-yeah.” Ericka replied though it was clear she wasn't by the few tears that streamed down her cheeks.

“Lost your family too eh?” Pinkie Pie remarked aloud which caused Ericka to go wide-eyed and stare at her.

“Wait, how did you-Oh right, your pinkie sense. So you lost your family too?” Ericka replied as she began to say one thing, stopped mid-sentence upon realizing how she figured it out, and replied with her statement followed by a sigh.

“Yeah, my family disappeared about five years ago, but no pony ever found them. I know I look like I’m happy and chipper a lot of the time, but sometimes, it's hard for even me to keep a smile on my face when I think about them...” Pinkie Pie replied and for the first time ever, Ericka witnessed a frown appear on the pink mare's face.

To Ericka, this look didn't suit her. It seemed so much unlike her. Yet at the same time, she understood. Like her, she would put on a brave face and carry on. No matter how bad things became. Ericka was finally starting to realize that there was more to this pony than simple jokes and parties.

“Hey, what happened to that wide smile I always see on your face?” Ericka asked in a soft tone as she reached a hoof out and placed on Pinkie's cheek while water dripped from her hoof onto the floor.

“It sort of left me for a little while.” Pinkie Pie replied in a saddened tone.

Ericka stared at the pink mare frowning as well now. “I've got to do something to cheer her up, but what?” Ericka thought to herself in a determined tone. Then it came to her...

WHAH!!!

SPLASH!!!

The pink mare's head popped out of the tub after being yanked into it by the dark blue Pegasus and stared at her in confusion. “Looks like your all wet.” Ericka replied with a smirk as she splashed some water at the pink mare who used her hooves as a shield to block the splashes of water though now she was laughing and giggling as she began to splash back a few moments later.

A full out water splashing war ensued between the two ponies now as they laughed and giggled at one another for some time. “Okay, okay! I give in! You win!” Ericka exclaimed between laughs as the pink mare assaulted her with waves of water from all four hooves now.

“Yeah! No pony beats Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed triumphantly with a smirk.

“You remind me a lot of my little sister.” Ericka remarked aloud with a smile.

“Your little sister? You had a sister? Does that mean your memory is coming back?” Pinkie Pie replied in a hopeful tone.

Ericka hesitated in answering this question however. If she did say it was coming back, it might jeopardize her amnesia act. After a brief moment of thinking she thought of an answer. “A little bit.” Ericka replied with a smile.

“That's super great news!” Pinkie Pie replied with a wide smile that Ericka new and recognized.

“Looks like she's back to her old self.” Ericka thought to herself in a relieved tone. Looked down to grab the bar of soap without thinking and managed to pick it up this time.

However at this exact moment she felt a familiar sensation and passed out on the spot and opened her eyes again to see herself back in her human body. Ericka's expression suddenly went panicked as she sat up.

“Put me back in! Do it now!” Ericka exclaimed in a panicked tone as she stared at the professor.

“I-I can't! The system suddenly went haywire! I don't know what happened, some kind of power surge by the looks of it!” Professor josh exclaimed in a panicked tone.

“This is very bad! I was in the middle of a conversation with one of them! How soon can you get it back online?!” Ericka exclaimed in a panicked tone as she walked over and looked at the professor.

“F-Five minutes, ten tops!” Professor Josh exclaimed as he frantically pressed keys on his keyboard.

Roughly about five minutes later, the system was finally online again and Ericka was sent back to her pony body to see a very pale and worried Pinkie Pie standing over her in the bathroom now.

“Y-Your alive! I thought you were dead!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she hugged Ericka tightly.

“Wh-What do you mean?” Ericka asked in a worried tone.

“Y-You had no pulse, and you weren't breathing. What happened?” Pinkie Pie asked in a worried tone.

“W-Wait, I had no pulse and wasn't breathing?” Ericka replied in a shocked tone.

“Y-Yeah! I was just about to go get Twilight and the others when you came to.” Pinkie Pie replied still wearing her worried expression.

“They told me that these creatures were self supporting lifeforms, that they would be living and breathing on their own! Did the professor...lie to me? Is there more in this body than just my consciousness when they put me in that machine? No, that's ridiculous, it's not like they are streaming my soul into this thing....is it? No, that's stupid, that's not even scientifically possible.” Ericka thought to herself though she couldn't shake the notion then looked at Pinkie Pie who was paler than she already was.

“Your not really a pony...are you?” Pinkie Pie asked in a soft tone.

“Oh shit! She read my mind!” Ericka thought to herself in a panicked tone as she stared at Pinkie Pie sharing the pale expression that the pink mare wore.

“P-Pinkie, can you keep a secret?” Ericka asked the pink mare.

“Y-Yes.” Pinkie Pie replied in a soft tone.

“Can you promise me that you won't tell anypony?” Ericka asked in a soft tone.

“Of course I can! I'll even pinkie pie promise and pinkie pie never breaks a pinkie pie promise!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed enthusiastically.

“Thanks Pinkie.” Ericka replied with a warm smile.

“Just one question though, Why did you tell me all this?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.

This question halted Ericka in her thoughts causing her to look at the floor. Just why had she told her? She could have easily covered it up. And now she had carelessly risked exposure. She then looked at Pinkie Pie whom was smilingly widely again.

FLASHBACK

“Do you always have to smile like that?” Ericka asked in an annoyed tone as her little sister jumped around her having just startled the hell out of her.

“Of course I do! After all, if I smile, then everyone else will smile. And I love to see people smile!” Ericka's little sister exclaimed enthusiastically.

“Wait, how is you smiling going to make everyone else smile?” Ericka asked skeptically.

“Easy! If someone isn't smiling, then I’ll find a way to make them smile!” Ericka's little sister replied with the same wide smile.

“You're a weird little girl.” Ericka replied with a smirk.

“And your even weirder!” Ericka's little sister countered with a smirk of her own and a few moments later the two broke out laughing.

END FLASHBACK

“I guess it's because you remind me of my little sister, she loved to see people smile, just like you.” Ericka replied finally.

“Well your sister sounds like an neat pony!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a smirk.

“She really was neat.” Ericka replied thoughtfully.

“Well that explains a lot about you Cloudkicker! Guess I got my work cut out for me!” Pinkie Pie replied as she hopped around the dark blue Pegasus.

“What work?” Ericka asked curiously in a confused tone.

“Teaching you how to behave like a pony of course! I don't know what a human is, but I know it's not a pony which means you don't know how to be a pony, which means you don't know how to have fun, which explains why you can't fly or don't have a cutie mark, which means-mumph!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed only for Ericka to shove a hoof in her mouth.

“Okay,okay, I get it! You want to teach me how to behave like a pony so I blend in right?” Ericka remarked in an annoyed tone.

“No silly! I want to teach you how to act like a pony so you can have fun!” Pinkie Pie replied enthusiastically.

“Either way, I appreciate the help Pinkie Pie.” Ericka replied after a few moments with a soft smile.

“Oki, doki, loki! First thing, first! Teaching you how we speak!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a smirk.

“First the princess and now Pinkie Pie...Geez! I really suck at this under cover gig.” Ericka remarked aloud to herself quietly as she followed the pink mare to her bedroom.

Love is in bloom- Part 1

LOVE IS IN BLOOM

PART ONE

Ericka woke up bright and early, walked out of Twilight's home, took a deep inhale through her nose, and exhaled through her mouth. “Spring time. My favorite time of the year.” The dark blue Pegasus remarked with a content sigh as she looked about the town from the front of Twilight's house.

Birds were flying about, colts and fillies were playing in the streets, and the mare even caught sight of a stallion who was flirting with a few mares. “Wait a second...” Ericka remarked aloud realizing just who that stallion was.

“Hey! Knock it off, you pervert!” Ericka exclaimed from a far as she flew up to Richard whom just stared at her.

“What's wrong Cloudkicker, jealous that I’m not flirting with you?” Richard jeered with a grin.

However in the next moment Ericka had grabbed one of Richard's hind legs with both of her hooves and began to twist it. “If I was jealous you'd know it!” Ericka exclaimed with a crimson red blush as the unicorn tapped the ground in front of him repetitively.

“I give, I give! I'm sorry! I can't walk on three legs you know!” Richard exclaimed in a pained tone and a few moments later Ericka released him and glared at him.

“Geez, and I thought you would only do that elsewhere.” Richard replied watching his words carefully now as he rubbed his right hind leg now while sitting on the ground.

“What in tarnation is goin on over here?” Applejack asked as she walked up to the two.

“I was just teaching, um...” Ericka began to say only to trail off as she did not know the fake name Richard was using.

“Stiffhorn.” Richard pipped up at this point.

“Stiffhorn? Really?! Ugh, you're such a pervert!” Ericka thought to herself with an eye rolling gesture.

“Stiffhorn, I was just teaching Stiffhorn here, not to be such a pervert to other mares.” Ericka remarked aloud.

“So y'all know one another?” Applejack asked curiously.

“Well, yeah sorta. I met him a few short days after I got into town, but I’m terrible with names.” Ericka replied sheepishly and gave the red unicorn a subtle kick with her hind hoof to give him the cue to speak up.

“Uh, yeah. I've known Cloudkicker for awhile though we haven't spoken much since we stopped dating-OW!” Richard said with a grin only to get a swift hoof to the backside and looked up to see the dark blue Pegasus whom had a look on her face at the moment that made Richard glad looks couldn't kill or he would dead on the spot.

“Well that's a pity, ah know not all couples work out and all, but it's nice to know you two stayed friends and all.” Applejack replied with a smile.

“Yeah, we stayed friends alright.” Ericka replied doing her best to smile despite the fact that she wanted to pummel the shit out of Richard about now for that line of bullcrap.

“Be it far from meh to lecture ya on hoof rasslin as meh and mah big brother get into quite a few matches ourselves bein brother and sister and all, but ah reckon doin it in the middle of town isn't the best place to be provin who's stronger.” Applejack replied as she tipped her hat to the two of them and walked away.

“Used to date? Seriously?! Give me one good reason why I shouldn't pound your skull in right now!” Ericka exclaimed as she raised a hoof up in a threatening manner to the stallion.

“Hey, I had to think of a good reason as to why you would be twisting my leg like that and that was the best I could come up with! I just helped you cover your flank, be grateful.” Richard replied with a glare of his own as he stood to all four hooves and walked away.

Ericka simply gritted her teeth and growled under her breath as the stallion walked away. “When I get back to my human body I’m gonna beat the snot out of you for this!” Ericka thought to herself in a pissed off tone.

“What's got your tail in a knot?” Pinkie Pie asked as she walked up to Ericka and took note of her current mood.

“That blasted pervert Stiffhorn, that's what!” Ericka exclaimed and gave a agitated snort from her nose before walked past the pink mare.

“Oh him? Heh, I met him when he first came into town.” Pinkie Pie remarked which caused Ericka to halt herself in her tracks. “Wait, you met him already?” Ericka asked stunned.

“Yep!” Pinkie Pie replied with a chipper smile.

FLASHBACK

“Where were you Ericka? I waited for thirty whole minutes before I headed back to base.” Richard said in a curious tone.

“I got held up. How the hell did you manage to get a detailed report on their reproductive behavior anyways?” Ericka asked curiously with an expression to match it.

“Oh, about that, well, um, lets just say it was a first hand experience.” Richard replied in a nervous tone before he abruptly walked away from her as Professor Josh walked up to her.

END FLASHBACK

“Did he, well, you know, make a move on you?” Ericka asked curiously trying to watch her words carefully.

“Make a move?” Pinkie Pie asked in a confused tone to which Ericka made a facehoofing and groaned loudly.

“Ugh, did he try to have sex with you?” Ericka asked strait out this time.

Upon hearing this question, the pink mare's face went beat red and she pulled what Ericka would see as a Fluttershy stunt as she suddenly hid behind her mane. “Maybe...” Pinkie Pie replied in a meek tone.

“I don't mean to get into your personal life Pinkie, but I have to ask, did he succeed?” Ericka asked in the most thoughtful tone she could muster.

An awkward silence ensued now which made Ericka even more concerned. “Maybe...” Pinkie Pie replied after a few more moments of silence.

“I'm going to pound his skull into the ground.” Ericka remarked aloud as she walked past Pinkie Pie whom bit onto her tail.

“Wait! I consented, he didn't do anything meanie pants to me!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in the same meek tone.

“That's not the point Pinkie.” Ericka replied as she continued to walk forward dragging the pink mare along now. “He doesn't care who he does it with, nor does he care if knocks a mare up or not. Hell, I don't even know if he realizes he can!” Ericka thought to herself in a pissed off tone.

“Don't hurt my coltfriend please!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed in a hushed tone which caused the dark blue Pegasus to halt in her tracks and stare at her in disbelief. “You two are dating?!” Ericka asked incredulously.

“Y-Yeah, we have been for the past year or so.” Pinkie Pie replied once again in a meek tone.

“What has he told you about himself?” Ericka asked curiously.

“A bunch of stuff. Like how he can came a far off land, that he works part time in another town and that's why he can't be with me all the time. And a bunch of other stuff too.” The pink mare replied after she let go of Ericka's tail.

“All lies...” Ericka thought to herself and sighed aloud. “Alright, I won't pound his skull into the ground, but I am going to have a talk with him.” Ericka replied in a much calmer tone.

“You know him?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.

“Yeah, sort of. We've spoken a few times and know each other fairly well.” Ericka lied. She knew him a whole lot better than that, but he covered her flank so she figured she may as well return the favor.

“Geez! Can you ever talk to me without inflicting some kind of psychical harm?!” Richard exclaimed in a pissed off tone as he rubbed his shoulder which had just be hit hard by the dark blue Pegasus.

“You're dating Pinkie Pie and you slept with her? Why the fuck didn't you tell me this?!” Ericka exclaimed in an outraged tone.

“You don't see me asking you what you do with your personal life in this world do you?” Richard countered to which Ericka resisted the urge to sock him again.

“She doesn't even know the real you! How can you call that dating if you are telling her nothing but lies?!” Ericka exclaimed in a pissed off tone.

“What's it to you anyways? I know your pals with her but you know we won't be here forever!” Richard retorted getting rather pissed off himself.

“Do you even give a flying fuck about her?” Ericka asked as her wings tensed up and she ground her hooves into the ground.

“I...” Richard began to say only to trail off.

“Well, do you?!” Ericka exclaimed as she continued to grind her hooves into the ground.

“I don't know!” Richard exclaimed as Ericka rose a hoof to him.

“You've been dating her for a freaking year now! How can you not know?!” Ericka replied still glaring at him.

“It's not that simple! I mean yeah, she's a nice mare and all and I guess I do kind of like her, but it's just not that simple. We're not really ponies Ericka, we're fakes in a world full of the real thing. How can we let ourselves become attached to one of them and not wonder when the last time we are going to see them will be?” Richard asked as he looked at her.

“You can't lie to her forever Richard. She needs to know the truth at some point. I don't know if you really care about her or if you just see her a fuck toy or what, but if you really do care about her, then tell her about the real you. Not some fake made up you, the real you.” Ericka replied in a calm yet serious tone.

“But that would jeopardize the mission.” Richard replied and stared at her for a few moments and realized by how she was behaving at this point what she had actually done. “You've already told one of them, haven't you?” Richard asked in a serious tone.

“Yeah, I have. And you know what? She doesn't care. She accepts me for who I am.” Ericka replied in the same serious tone that Richard now spoke in.

“Have you lost your mind?! Do you realize just what would happen if they chose to expose you?! The mission would be compromised and our base along with everyone in it would be put in danger!” Richard exclaimed semi-panicked.

“Pinkie would never do that and I trust her!” Ericka exclaimed to which Richard went wide-eyed.

“You told her everything?” Richard asked stunned by this new set of information.

“More or less.” Ericka replied simply.

“You've taken this friendship thing way too far Ericka. Nothing and I mean nothing is worth jeopardizing the mission.” Richard remarked aloud in stern tone.

“Fuck the mission! I couldn't give a flying shit what Stillborn or the others think! They don't know shit about this world or the ponies in it! I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life! I have friends here, real friends! Do you know what I had to do in order to convince them I knew what I was talking about?! I had to use a fucking jet diagram and lie my fucking ass off in order to convince them that Pegasus are somehow just like jet planes! Because if I told them the truth, then our mission as you call it, would have been over already!” Ericka exclaimed as she huffed and puffed at Richard.

“Ericka...” Richard remarked in shock unable to say much more.

“Now you can go to Stillborn and the others if you want, tell them I fired off my mouth to Pinkie Pie, but ask yourself this; Will I ever see Pinkie Pie again? Is she really worth losing over this? Do I want to spend as much time with her as possible before I have to leave her? Ask yourself these questions Richard and think hard. I just hope for Pinkie Pie's sake that you make the right choice. Because she really does care about you a lot.” Ericka finished, turned around, and walked away.

“Ericka, wait!” Richard called out which caused the dark blue Pegasus to halt in her tracks and turn to face him.

“What is it?” Ericka asked simply.

“Does Pinkie...does she really care about me as much as you say?” Richard asked curiously.

“Well yeah, she was literally holding me back by the tail in order to keep me from pounding the living snot out of you for sleeping with her.” Ericka replied and allowed a smirk to wash over her face as she said this.

Several hours had past now and storm clouds were barreling in now as had been scheduled but that didn't stop the dark blue Pegasus from forgetting about this and running as fast as she could towards Twilight's house as rain poured on her. “My mane, my mane, my mane!” Ericka exclaimed frantically as she ran past Twilight whom giggled upon hearing this.

“Okay, Rarity the second.” Twilight jeered with a smirk to which Ericka flung her mane at her which soaked the purple unicorn. “I guess I deserved that.” The purple unicorn said with a smirk before her horn glowed and dried herself off with her magic.

“They really outdid themselves this time.” Twilight remarked just before she closed the door.

“I guess so.” Ericka replied as she sat down and used her hooves to straiten out her mane the best she could.

“Here, it's far easier to do with magic.” Twilight remarked aloud as she used her magic to levitate a comb and began to brush the dark blue Pegasus's pink mane.

“Thanks Twilight, it really does make me wonder how Applejack puts her mane in that braid every day with her bare hooves since she's an earth pony.” Ericka replied as the purple unicorn continued to brush down her mane.

“It can be quite the challenge from what I’ve read.” Twilight remarked aloud.

“Challenge? It's practically impossible!” Ericka exclaimed at which point the two mares burst out laughing.

“Speaking of challenges, I heard Pinkie Pie is dating a stallion you dated before. Must make you a bit jealous knowing your ex is with another mare.” Twilight said as she combed her mane.

“Me jealous? Of him? Ha!” Ericka exclaimed without thinking.

“Uh-oh. A not so nice break-up?” Twilight remarked in a concerned tone.

Upon hearing this Ericka gave an annoyed sigh. “Damn you Richard...” Ericka thought to herself dismally. “Not really bad, but things just weren't working out.” Ericka replied.

“It's nice to hear that your memory is finally coming back.” Twilight replied as she continued combing her hair.

“What? Oh yeah, well I've been remembering a whole lot of stuff as of late. A lot of it is still foggy though.” Ericka replied and bit her lip unknown to the unicorn.

“Well, with luck you'll have all your memories back and you can tell me where you came from.” Twilight replied as she continued to comb the dark blue Pegasus's mane.

“Yeah, that part is still very foggy.” Ericka replied and sighed.

“Don't worry, it'll come back soon. I'm sure of it.” Twilight replied with a smile as she set the comb down and sat next to her.

POUND,POUND,POUND!

The loud pounding at the door caught both mare's attention and Twilight stood up, walked over to the door, and opened with her magic to see a soaking wet Fluttershy huffing and puffing.

“Fluttershy, what in Equestria are you-”

“It's Rainbow Dash! I think she's in trouble!” The yellow Pegasus exclaimed cutting off the unicorn before she could finish her sentence.

“Why didn't she just move her cloud home? Can't Pegasus' do that?” Ericka asked in a panicked tone as the three ran through town towards the cyan blue Pegasus's house as the rain and wind pelted them.

“Normally yes, but Rainbow Dash can be stubborn at times and knowing her she would probably refuse to move it thinking her home could take it.” Twilight replied as the two neared the spot where the cyan blue Pegasus's home was except a torrent of clouds, rain, and lightning stood in it's place.

“Oh this is very bad! You don't think she's still up there do you?” Twilight asked in a worried tone as three looked up.

“Oh dear, I hope not!” Fluttershy chimed in.

“That formation of clouds...” Ericka remarked aloud as she recalled it.

FLASHBACK

“Of course I figured out it was a prank, what do you think I am? A foal?” Rainbow Dash replied in a hurt tone with a sniffle.

“Then I don't understand, why are you like this?” Ericka asked confused yet still concerned.

END FLASHBACK

“I don't think she left her house.” Ericka said in a serious tone as she spread her wings preparing to take off.

“Cloudkicker, you aren't possibly be thinking of going in that are you? You haven't even finished your flying lessons with Rainbow Dash yet!” Twilight exclaimed in a panicked tone as Ericka went into her take off pose.

“I'm not going to just sit back and hope she got out in time! Fluttershy feels the same way and that's why she came to us for help!” Ericka replied rearing her hind end up.

“Okay, but just don't do anything stupid and think before you take off okay?” Twilight replied in a worried tone.

“I always do...” Ericka replied not looking away from the skies now and took off from the ground in a steep climb.

“Oh, m-my!” Fluttershy exclaimed in a shaky tone as Ericka disappeared into the storm.

Ericka struggled against the wind and rain as she flew through the storm trying desperately to find any sign of the cyan blue Pegasus's home. “Ahh!” Ericka shrieked out in horror as she lost control and began to flail at the mercy of the storm but recovered and resumed searching for Rainbow Dash's house.

“Dashie! Rainbow Dash! Can you hear me?!” Ericka called out as she continued to struggle against the storm. “Eep!” Ericka exclaimed as a streak of lighting jetted past her and would have struck her dead on if she hadn't banked to her left moments before. “I'm going to get myself killed before I can find her at this rate!” Ericka thought to herself however at the very moment this thought caused another to shoot through her mind.

“What will happen to my human body if I die while I’m in this body? I'll just pop back into my human body won't I?” Ericka thought to herself in a scared tone. The truth was, she didn't know. Josh never told her what would happen if her pony body was killed. This very thought nearly froze the dark blue Pegasus in fear.

“I can't go back now! Come on Ericka! If you can fight a freaking alien invasion on your home planet then a stupid storm is nothing compared to that!” Ericka exclaimed aloud to re-enforce her courage and continued to fight against the storm.

Fortunately for Ericka, the cyan blue Pegasus’s home came into view a few minutes later though it looked far worse for ware and it was more than obvious the storm had been tearing it apart. Ericka struggled to get to the landing part of her cloud home and struggled even more so to not be blown clear off it as she moved one leg at a time towards Rainbow Dash's door which surprisingly, was still intact.

“Dashie, are you in here?!” Ericka called out at the top of her lungs in hopes of being heard over the storm as she stepped inside. Though she was no longer being bombarded by the rain and wind in here, the entire structure seemed to toss and tilt at random which made it very hard to keep her balance as she walked through the house.

“Rainbow Dash! Can you hear me?!” Ericka called out once again. Maybe she had actually left before the storm got bad? What if she risked her life for nothing more than a gut feeling that was wrong?

A faint whimpering however proved her gut was right on the mark and staggering across the rolling floor she made her way to the cyan Pegasus's bedroom. Rainbow Dash was huddled in a corner looking positively horrified as tears streaked down her cheeks.

“Dashie, thank goodness you're okay!” Ericka exclaimed as she rushed over to the cyan blue Pegasus's side.

“It's come back for me...” Rainbow Dash muttered which could barely be heard over the storm outside.

“What's come back for you? Listen, we need to get you out of here!” Ericka exclaimed as she attempted to lift the Pegasus up only for her to recoil and stay in her spot.

“I-I can't leave or it'll get me...” Rainbow Dash replied seemingly not looking at her now but rather the floor.

It was now clear to Ericka that she wasn't about to budge and she was frozen in fear. “On your hooves solider!” Ericka exclaimed in a fierce tone which managed to snap the cyan blue Pegasus gaze in her direction.

“Wh-What?” Rainbow Dash asked in a shaky tone.

“I said, ON YOUR HOOVES SOLDIER!” Ericka roared at the top of her lungs which startled the cyan Pegasus into allowing her to help her up to all four hooves.

“Now, follow me!” Ericka exclaimed in the same fierce tone to which Rainbow Dash obeyed.

As they neared the door however, the cyan blue Pegasus froze once again. “I-I can't!”

Ericka turned to face her and realized she was going to have to get her to move somehow. “Come on! We need to get out of this house! If we stay in here we're as good as toast!” Ericka exclaimed urgently but the cyan blue Pegasus refused to move.

“It'll get me, I can't!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed fearfully.

“Are you a Pegasus or not? Because what I see before me is a cowering, pathetic, little foal! Now, move those hooves!” Ericka roared which managed to startled the cyan blue Pegasus into moving again.

Once outside the wind and rain once again pelted the dark blue Pegasus but she didn't care. She had a friend to save. “Follow my lead and don't fall behind!” Ericka exclaimed at the top of her lungs and took off from the cloud to which Rainbow Dash followed.

Ericka once again struggled against the wind and rain though this time she made sure to check to make sure Rainbow Dash was keeping up with her.

“I- I can't do this! It's going to get me!” Rainbow Dash shrieked as lightning streaked past the two nearly hitting them.

“Oh no you don't! No pony gets left behind on my watch! Now get those puny little chicken feathers you call wings into gear and keep up!” Ericka roared as she looked behind herself hoping this was enough to encourage the cyan blue Pegasus to continue following her.

“She's been up there for nearly a half hour, is she going to be okay Twilight?” Fluttershy asked in a worried tone as the two continued to look up at the storm as it raged on.

“Of course she is.” Twilight reassured the yellow Pegasus but to be honest, she wasn't sure herself.

“What if she...doesn't come back? What if we find her laying in the dirt somewhere and she's not breathing? What if-mmph, mmmph!” Fluttershy began to say only for the purple unicorn to literally shove her hoof in the yellow Pegasus's mouth.

“You're not helping!” Twilight exclaimed annoyed as she glared at the yellow Pegasus.

However a moment later, Fluttershy ripped Twilight's hoof from her mouth and pointed towards the sky. “There she is! And Rainbow Dash is with her!” Fluttershy exclaimed joyfully.

Twilight yanked her gaze in the direction of Fluttershy's hoof and sure enough, Ericka was flying out of the clouds followed by Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy and Twilight ran to the spot where the two landed at and Fluttershy hugged Rainbow Dash tightly.

“Oh Rainbow Dash, are you okay?! Are you hurt?!” Fluttershy asked in a urgent tone.

“I'm fine Fluttershy, but if Cloudkicker hadn't found me and made me move my flank, I probably wouldn't be.” Rainbow Dash replied as she smiled at Ericka who simply smiled back at her.

“Cloudkicker, that was rash and stupid! I told you not to do something stupid and think things through!” Twilight exclaimed in a lecturing tone at first but her expression lightened as she hugged the dark blue Pegasus tightly. “But I’m glad you didn't listen to me!” Twilight exclaimed joyfully.

CRACKLE-THOOM!

“Gahh!” Rainbow Dash shrieked froze up and fell onto her back.

“Lets get out of this storm before it scares Dashie to death.” Ericka remarked in a worried tone as she helped the cyan blue Pegasus to her hooves and the four ran back to Twilight's house to dry off.