Star-Crossed Lovers: A Pony Tale

Time passed steadily and the young fillies grew into healthy young mares, Twilight continued to hunger for knowledge learning the ways of ruling under her mother's kind tutoring. Rainbow Dash grew to be one of the fastest flyers in all of the Pridelands though she also grew a rather large ego she was still loyal to the core. Rarity found joy in her family's business of clothes making and was know not only her sophistication but her wonderful fashions. Fluttershy continued to care for animals, helping them make dens and gather food when she could she was the first pony to talk to when animal behavior was brought into question. Pinkie Pie, though still a hyperactive party pony that loved to make people smile, she also began to learn to make sweets and other food item from a kind couple with two foals of their own. Applejack changed the least out of the six, she still worked her families land without tire with her brother and little sister, their granny did little work due to her age but her mind was still sharp as a thorn. But despite all their changes the girls remained close as could be helping each other and everyone else when problems would arise, each of them baring one element from Starswirls famed Elements of Harmony but the mares were more like family before they even discovered their other connection.

But there was more something dark growing on the horizon, that Zecora knew well, she sat inside her tree house listening at the wind blow gently as she mixed paints and talked with the spirit of Starswirl the Bearded. "Oh Starswirl everyday Twilight grows more beautiful, into a queen that will someday make us all very proud" she lifted her hoof dashing a bit of blue above the heads of a group of painted ponies: one was light blue one the right most edge, one pink, one yellow, one orange, one purple, and one white but then she turned her gaze to the pony she had painted next to them closest tot the light blue painting, this one was dark blue and unfinished, she began mixing her paints again. "But this filly Thunder grows stronger, and Nightmare fills her heart with hate" she dragged her hoof down creating the black stripe missing from the paintings mane then dashing the black across the paintings heart. "I'm very worried Starswirl, things are not going well...no" She mumbled wiping her hoof clean but looking up as she felt a strong burst of wind run through her mane and shaking her gourds. "Hmm? You have a plan?" She questioned watching the gourds shake until one finally fell free from its bunch and hit the ground cracking in two and sitting below the painting one half on Thunder's side the other pointing toward the light blue painting. "What?" Zecora picked up the chucks of gourd then looked at her painting "Rainbow Dash...and Thunder...together? This is the plan?" she questioned softly as she brought the two halves together with her hooves. "Are you crazy? This will never work, Oh Starswirl you've been up there to long your head is in the clouds" Zecora set the broken gourd down and shake her head in disbelief at the suggestion. But the wind picked up again nearly blowing Zecora off her hooves "Okay okay okay okay alright okay!" She gave in trying to remain upright until the wind, hearing her admittance of defeat, calmed once more "I don't think this is going to work, but I trust you, I just hope you know what you are doing!" she added yelling toward the wind that seemed to be leaving her tree home and with it, the spirit of Starswirl.

Meanwhile in the Outlands

Nightmare smirked as she began to circle the strong form of a dark blue mare sitting on top of a small chunk of stone "You are ready" she praised studying the steady ripple of dark and chaotic magic that surrounded Thunder's body "Nice, very nice" she chuckled "You have the same blackness in your soul that Discord had" she noted finally look up into Thunder emotionless eyes that we fixed at a point on the wall beyond staring straight ahead as she sat rigged at attention. "What is your destiny?" Nightmare suddenly asked her smirk growing a little wider at the question.

"I will avenge Discord, take his place in the Pridelands" Thunder responded her voice cold as ice as she spoke, her brows coming down into a hardened expression though her eyes continued to reveal little of her own thoughts.

"Yes, what have I taught you?" Nightmare quizzed continuing to circle the mare still.

"Celestia is the enemy" Thunder nearly snarled on the name alone.

"And what must you do?" Nightmare stopped staring at the mare, waiting almost eagerly for the answer.

"I must kill her" Thunder's words were nearly drowned out at the response of Nightmare followers voicing their approval of her words by stamping their hooves or just yelling with sick joy, Nightmare personally puffed up a little in pride.

In the Pridelands

Twilight slowly walked down the path from Pride Rock smiling sheepishly as other ponies wished her luck and complimented her, her friends included though their praise and words had a stronger impact on her. Today was the day she was going to survey the Pridelands on her own, a sort of test to she what she had learned from her mother all these years. Zecora greeted her warmly with a smile gesture for her to go to her mother's side while Philomena and a young owl that Twilight was taking care of named Owlowiscious looked on her with pride. Even Twilight other companion a young dragon, purple with green eyes and matching frills and a light green chin and underbelly, named Spike was present even though the young lizard usually slept until noon if allowed. Cadence stepped toward her first, giving Twilight and affectionate nuzzle and a few words of encouragement before stepping back to rejoin her mate, Shining Armor, who at once began to rub Cadence's swollen belly. "Mom? You have to promise that you won't get in the way, promise?" Twilight said softly, after their adventure in the Outlands and their meeting with Nightmare, Celestia had become very protective of Twilight. Twilight understood why, but she also knew she could learn to rule a kingdom tucked under her mothers wings.

Celestia looked up into her daughter's hopeful eyes before glancing at Cadence, who raised an eyebrow, causing Celstia to sigh "Alright, I promise" she smiled as Twilight bound forward the last bit of space separating them and nuzzled her mother lovingly, causing Spike to burst into tears as Twilight cantered away looking back to give her mother a bright smile before leaping down and out of sight from those gathered to witness the moment. Celestia walking to the edge of Pride Rock to watch her daughter canter out of sight, worry already clouding her eyes.

Twilight walked quietly through some tall grass, not wanting to disturb a grazing herd of antelope, but despite her attempts her back hoof crunched on a stick and she had to leap out-of-the-way to avoid getting any part of her stepped on.

Inside Discord's Former Lair

Blazing and Onyx walked through what appeared to be a large archway of bones, Red following silently behind them, they were here to gather supplies for their plan to get Thunder inside Celestia's herd.

Blazing glanced around in disgust "Ehh... This place is even creepier since the hyenas ran off" he complained idly scratching his leg with a hoof causing both Onyx and Red to roll their eyes and snort at the prima donna. "I'm not scared, okay?" he glared at the two as the leapt down toward their target but just as he spoke steam hiss up through on of the vents causing him to yelp and quickly follow. "I just don't know why we have to be here that's all if Thunder is so special why does she need us?" the batpony had started to walk toward the pair but another hiss of air sent him jumping. "I never even had a chance!" flame burst behind Blazing as he spoke nearly lighting his tail on fire and causing the batpony to scamble toward the pair whimpering as he covered his eyes in fear.

Onyx looked at Red and rolled his eyes again as their sticks were lit by the same sort of flames "That's it" he smirked picking up his stick and Red did the same both glaring at the quivering Blazing.

"Come on" Red growled around her burning stick "Twilight has started her survey, we have to move quickly" she began following Onyx out of the caves while Blazing looked into the hole that had burned their sticks getting caught in the next waves of flame that burst up .

"Ah fire!" he cheered and laughing madly as he hurried to catch up to the others his coat and mane singed and sticking straight up into the air.

Twilight's Survey

Unaware of what was currently coming her way Twilight continued moving through the Pridelands making note of anything she saw that might interest her mother later. She froze as she spotted another herd of antelope, being careful to watch her hooves this time she began to get closer to them. But just as she were about to make them aware of her presence one of them straightened flicking his ear up and looking around and then the entire herd began running around. Curious about what could have spooked them she looked around, her eyes widening as she spotted a pack of Timberwolves, turning tail nearly as fast at the herb she began to run, hearing the pack give chase. She wasn't sure how long she had been running from the pack but once she managed to scare them away with her magic she stopped panting to catch her breath looking around and seeing nothing she knew and unaware she was being watched.

The Outlanders leapt down from their stone perch and began dragging their burning sticks through the tall grass to set it ablaze. Red dragging her stick in a quick straight line before leaping off to light some more grass on fire.

Blazing however seemed to be having a little too much fun on the job, singing "Roasty toast the princess" while he trapped himself in a ring of fire. "Hey it hot in here or is that just me?" he looked around realizing his trap before leaping out of the flames bellowing with laughter.

Onyx took hold of Blazing in his magic looking annoyed "Come on!" he huffed tossing Blazing back toward where they came so that they wouldn't get spotted by Twilight.

Twilight had already began to sense something was wrong, the animals that usually avoided contact were starting to run toward her, looking around them she saw the bright orange tongues of fire eating up the ground, coming straight for her! Turning around again she began to run with everything she had, hoping to avoid the burning flames.

Nightmare and Thunder sat high above the flames watching their handy work come to life "The plan is in motion, go!" she ordered without looking, not that she had to because Thunder was already leaping into the flames ready to play her part.

Back at Pride Rock

Celestia's nerves were stretched to the breaking point, Twilight should've been back by now she paced the outcrop of stone anxiously while Philomena and Cadence tried to ease her fears.

"Don't worry Celestia, she'll be fine what could happen?" Cadance, though worried herself, didn't let it show for Celestia's sake, but as Celestia turned to respond she gasped her eyes turning into tiny pin pricks of color. Cadence turned but then greatly wished she hadn't, rising toward the sky was a thick black smoke.

"No, No! Twilight!" the queen yelled "Philomena, Rainbow Dash, fly ahead, find her!" Celestia order bounding off Pride Rock as fast as she could manage, the other, who had also been waiting for Twilight's return, assure Candence they'd bring her home then followed their queen.

Twilight

Twilight was trying so hard to avoid the flames but it seemed everywhere she turned there was only more of it, and the panicking animals were little help either, she had to be careful or one of them would hit her. She continued to run, her body growing weak for inhaling the smoke and coughing when she spotting a small stone platform, and desperate leapt for it, her hooves digging into the crumbling surface as with one last burst of strength she pulled herself up and at once flopped to her side.

Thunder walked toward the unconscious form of Twilight Sparkle and saw her stir, briefly making eye contact before falling unconscious once more. Thunder turned her head back with a hoof glancing around briefly before pulling her onto her back, she wouldn't be able to fly with the added weight but she was fast enough even without her wings. And soon Thunder leapt from their stone haven, which was quickly becoming covered flames as well and began running through the blazing trees. She skidded slightly to a halt as a limb fell from one of the trees and into her path, growling slightly she turned and leapt from a cliff, losing Twilight as they fell into the water below. Thunder surfaced briefly, just long enough to see Twilight going under the water, a slight moment of panic filled her eyes before she took a deep breath and dived under as well surfacing moments later Twilight held tightly in her teeth, though gently enough not to break the skin. Thunder grunted beginning to drag the princess toward shore, unaware of the eyes in the sky. Philomena spotted and at once turned flying back toward her master with the news. Thunder finally made it to dry land dropping Twilight on safe ground, who began to cough to try to rid her lungs of not only the smoke but water as well.

Twilight groaned, her eyes opening slowly "Where am I?" she managed to ask not yet having the energy to get up from her laid down position but she did move her eyes to look at the pony who was now her rescuer.

"You're safe, in the Pridelands" Thunder informed her a cocky grin appearing on her face as though she knew just what this meant and enjoyed it.

"The Pridelands?" Twilight sat up suddenly, spotting Thunder's cocky grin and glaring "I don't need to be rescued who do you think you are?" She stepped toward the other mare, who backed up leaving space between them even as she scoffed.

"I think I'm the one who just saved your life" Thunder replied a look of shock and disbelief on her face at Twilight's reaction.

"Look, I had everything under control" Twilight began to counter but Thunder interrupted her with a cocky snort.

"Not from where I'm standing" Thunder's response with only served to make Twilight angrier.

"Then move downwind" She replied starting to turn and walk away but Thunder, growling a little to herself leapt in her path and when Twilight would try another route Thunder would cut her off again still smirking that cocky smirk.

Finally having enough of their little game Thunder straighten cocking a brow at Twilight "What are you doing?" she asked watching as Twilight's face turned from anger, to confusion, and finally to recognition.

Twilight smiled a little easing from her tense crouch, finally recognizing the mare who stood before her "Thunder?" She asked to which the mare smiled but their reunion was interrupted rather quickly.

"Twilight!" Celestia bound into sight her horn glowing with magic as she stared Thunder down, Rarity racing over with the other element bearers to make sure Twilight was alright. "No more surveys for you not ever" the worried queen declared making Twilight's eyes widen slightly.

"But I was doing just fine, even before Thunder-" Twilight began, but Celestia's stunned voice cut her off.

"Thunder?" The two stood their ground, magic flowing between them, waiting for one to make the first move while Rarity tried to calm them both down.

"Hey you, how dare you save the queen's daughter" Zecora called, finally managing to distract them from what would've easily became a fight.

"You saved her? Why?" Celestia studied Thunder with distrust, her horn humming in case she needed to fight after all.

"I humbly ask, to join your herd" Thunder sat up straight stepping back as Celestia stepped forward, her horn flashing.

"No, you were banished with other Outsiders" Celestia said as she continued to advance until Thunder spoke again.

"I have left the Outsiders, I'm a rogue, judge me now for who I am, or an I to be blamed for a crime I didn't commit?" Thunder challenged, making Celestia pace as she tried to think.

"Mom, you owe her my life" Twilight intervened "we're in her debt, and royal protocol demands that all debts be paid" now sure that their friend was safe the other element barers began to study Thunder, they too remembering their old friend from so long ago
.

"My father's law will prevail, for now I reserve judgement, we'll see who you really are" Celestia glance at the mare before turning back and heading toward Pride Rock.

Thunder glanced toward the element bearers who gave her a happy smile in return as the followed Celestia back toward their home, no one noticed the way that Thunder's smirk widened as she walked behind Celestia.

The group reached Pride Rock at nightfall and began entering the main den the herd usually slept together here, except for those who were going to give birth soon like Cadance who slept in a lower den with Shining, he refused to leave her side this close to birth, Thunder watched a few of the ponies entering the main den before trying to follow but a sharp glare from Celestia made her turn and seek shelter in the shadow of a pile of stone near the side of the outcrop.

Twilight watched her for a moment, sending the others inside she walked over giving the mare a smile "Hey uh...." she lost her words a moment when Thunder turned to look at her "thanks for saving me today" she finished lamely looking surprised when Thunder snorted.

"What sort of unicorn are you anyway princess? You almost got yourself killed out there" Thunder rolled her eyes a little sitting up to look Twilight in the eyes. "You wouldn't last three days on your own" she added smirking at her.

"Oh and I suppose you could teach me?" Twilight challenged with a raised brow her expression cool and calm.

Thunder chuckled "Uh yeah...I could teach all six of you" Thunder boasted starting to walk toward the edge of the outcrop hear Celestia call for Twilight.

"Coming!" Twilight shouted back before smirking and leaping in front of Thunder "Alright, I'll gather the girls at dawn, impress me" her smirk widening a little at the surprised look on Thunder's face as Twilight walked into the main den.

Thunder watched her retreating back, now recovered from her surprise, flashed to her usual smirk, and chuckled lightly "I look forward to it" she nearly purred, watching as she disappeared from sight.

Nightmare and Onyx watched the display on a branch of a tall tree that faced the outcrop of Pride Rock, Nightmare with pride and Onyx with disbelief.

"Did you see that, she let her go! If that were me-" the unicorn began his horn pulsing with magic Nightmare gently cut him off, mostly because they had to whisper to not be detected.

"Hush" She whispered "The fire rescue worked perfectly and Celestia fell for now the closer Thunder gets to the others... the closer she gets to Celestia...and once she has Celestia alone!" Nightmare blasted a branch behind Onyx with her magic smirking widely.

Celestia, currently unaware of her life hanging in the balance was having nightmare. She ran to the end of a cliff hearing her father's voice calling for help, he was there clinging to the edge looking up at Celestia barely managing to hold onto the rock and dirt under his hooves. "Father!" she cried but unable to get her magic to work she laid down reaching down to try to grab his hoof, to pull him to safety. She looked back still reaching down hearing an evil laugh there was Discord, watching them struggle and laughing gleefully about it. "No!" Celestia turned back to her father and reaching out as far as she could "Dad, just a little farther..." she groaned their hooves nearly touching.

"Gotcha!" Discord said grinning evilly and holding her in place "Trust me" he purred causing Celestia's eyes to widen to turn back to her father, who was slipping down the edge of the wall crying out her name as he finally lost his grip and fell down to the moving shapes below.

"No!" She screamed before turning her furious eyes on the bane of her dream "Discord!" she growl, but he merely continued to laugh at her, suddenly his face began to morph, taking the form of Thunder causing Celestia to gasp "Thunder?" but Thunder didn't respond, still laughing she smirked before releasing her grip off Celestia's hoof and sending her screaming after her father.

Celestia woke panting looking around wildly for any sign of danger, but things were quiet looking over she saw Twilight fast asleep with her friends, still panting the white mare relaxed slightly seeing her daughter safe laying her head down and closer her eyes to try to get some more rest.