Chapters My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 3
Just like she did every day at lunch period, Sunset Shimmer opened her locker to grab her bag lunch, something she had started grabbing ever since she realized that a cheese and salami sandwich made at home tasted better and was much cheaper than the gruel they served here. She had lived in the human world long enough to realize that humans were omnivores, and after a few months of trying to stay vegetarian and getting sick all the time, she finally gave up and ate meat. At this point, she was unsure if she could ever fully go back to that world, being in this one for so long. She could visit, but this was more of a home for her now than ever before. Besides, she had this world's Twilight to help along ever since the Friendship Games, and that was work enough as it was. She was indeed socially awkward, not sure what living outside her sheltered world was all about, but it could be changed in time. Yet, what this did do was limit the time the other world's Twilight could come and visit, because having more than one Twilight Sparkle running around could be problems, especially since the personalities of each were somewhat different. The other Twilight seemed to agree when she wrote back about the recent events, and knew she would have to time them when her world's Twilight was out of town or something of that nature. Besides, she knew the other Twilight would never need to visit unless there was a real problem to deal with, having explained about the Cutie Map, and thus having her hoofs full in that regard. Of course, Shimmer had to giggle about the "hoofs full" comment, considering that such things were common for Equestria, but would sound odd in common speech here.
All that was about to change, or at least for a short time.
As she started to close the locker, she noticed something glowing. "It's not my smartphone... that's in my pocket," she thought absently, "So, if it's not my smart-phone, the only thing it could be is..."
She smiled excitedly and reached back into the locker, fishing out the large brown book with a familiar symbol etched out on it. Her cutie mark, something she had grown used to not having emblazoned on her flank. The book was glowing slightly, and as Sunset cracked it open, she could see Twilight's familiar writing, but this was not some normal, "Hi, how's your family," kind of greeting. As soon as she opened it, sentence after sentence began to fill the page, and quickly. It went on and on about Equestrian history, and about three pages later, she finally came to her point, saying, "And so, I have been commissioned by Princess Celestia to come over and to see if we cannot find these twins. I don't know where they might be, but you would know them by the fact that they both have the same color hair and love music. It's in their blood. Their names are Quill and Downy Feathers."
After a pause, she said, "Let me know when it is clear to come over. I know it could be hard trying to find them, as they could have ended up anywhere. They were left on the doorstep of a foster care facility, so that makes the search that much harder. If they are not in the town, it could take some heavy records research, though that 'Internet' thingy you showed me the last time I was there was amazing, and could make it a lot easier. We could use something like that here, but as you know, magic dominates here, and we can quickly research in that regard, so we've never needed anything like a World Wide Web. (I keep humoring myself by imagining some really tired spider having had to have woven that!) In any case, it might be like trying to find a needle in a haystack, and believe me, that hurts when you're enjoying your lunch! But, for their sakes, we have to try. They are magical beings as we are, and as you know, magic in your world is more random. Thus, if they ever reach their full potential without having learned to control it, there could be problems. This is why we must hurry and find them. I look forward to reading your answer. Your true friend, Princess Twilight Sparkle."
The words finally stopped, but then another sentence appeared, which read, "Oh, and Princess Celestia wishes you luck, she is proud of you that you have changed your ways, and misses you."
She read that, and a slight tear rolled down her face. That felt good to read, and she dabbed away the tear and composed herself. However, she thought now about the task at hand, and now it seemed incredibly daunting. "Needle in a haystack?" she thought, "More like trying to find a piece of hay in a stack of needles!"
She finished the day and didn't say anything to the others as of yet, because she wanted to be sure that even getting that information from the foster system was even allowed. In fact she started to head downtown and bumped into this world's Twilight Sparkle. After greetings and a good hug, Twilight saw the concerned look in Sunset's face and said, "Hey, what's wrong?"
"Well, I got a communication from your pony counterpart," said Sunset. She then explained the issue and all it involved, adding, "And she has a task for me here, and believe me, it isn't going to be easy trying to find them."
"Tell me about it," said Twilight, "I'm good at tracking things down… Well, you know that already. Anyway, it seems like a neat challenge. It would be like helping myself…I guess."
"You're heling me help you…" pondered Sunset, who then said, "We've just entered the Twilight Zone."
It suddenly struck them both how funny that sounded, considering the involvement of two Twilights in two different universes, and how something like this could pass for an episode of that show. After gathering themselves from their laughing fit, which gathered them some really odd looks from those on the street, who glanced, and then became very interested in what they were doing as the shuffled along. Twilight then asked, "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to try the foster care center," answered Sunset, "I figured that would be best, you know, to try the source."
"Nope," answered Twilight, "That's no good. They would never consider telling a total stranger the status of the pair. You'd have to have a real good reason."
"Great," sighed Sunset, "So, where would we start?"
"Aha!" answered a confident Twilight, now knowing they were entering her realm, "Come with me. It starts with going to my house and going into the web on my computer. Trust me: when I was trying to track things down with the others, I had to do some digging. Believe me, I had to put some good virus filters on the system, considering where I had to go to find things."
"What are you talking about?" asked Sunset.
"You shall see," answered Twilight, "Let's go to my place and get our homework done. We can get started after that."
At her place, they did their homework and Sunset was invited to stay for dinner. After a good meal, they went to Twilight's room and got to work. She fired up her computer as Spike barked and happily leaped into her lap as she got to work. Twilight then said, "Well, the best thing we can start with is a name search. With names like Quill and Downy Feathers, I would not think that common, and should narrow the search down a bit. Let's start there."
She got up a good search engine and typed in the name. Very quickly hits came in, and the majority were references to entries involving these two names in a social networking site. "There you go," stated Twilight, "These days, if someone does not have an account there, you have to wonder what ancient world they must live in."
"Careful," said Sunset, "Remember, they could have doppelgangers in this world, so what you see may be them, but not the two we're looking for."
"Good point," she answered, "So we'll see how many pages are dedicated to those names."
She brought up the site in general and then brought up the names. There were three pages involved: one for Quill, one for Downy, and one for the pair together. "Hmm…" pondered Twilight, "Well, that does narrow it down a bit, but what I find interesting is that there is only one page for each one alone, and one for the pair. You would think there would be at least two for each and two for them as a pair, if that's what they wanted to do. Okay, let's look at the individual ones first and see what their profiles have to say."
After bringing them up, they found each of the individual ones, and quickly realized they had this world's two. They were twins and related, but each one had their own pages with their own interests. They both played music, but both were looking for musical careers: together if they could, but individually if needed. They both did like and play, but their musical tastes were different. "Why are you focusing on the music thing?" asked Sunset.
"Think about the parallels between your old universe and this one," answered Twilight, "Indeed, this world's pair do want to play, but they are more focused on careers in music, and have different tastes. Though they are twins, I think each one has enough of a stable social life and a solid home to be less codependent."
"Lost me there," said Sunset.
"Okay, look at their profiles," answered Twilight, having set up two different tabs for each, and going back and forth, "They both have a stable home, live with their folks, are in another state, and are pretty social, looking at their friends lists. If they were in foster care, it would reflect that, and for some reason, I would think that, considering who we are looking for, the pair would be more codependent, being that they are both the only blood family they have. I would think they would be very close. Here, they are close, and do want to play music. However, because they have a good social base and have their own groups of friends, they are less codependent, and therefore have formed their own personalities and tastes. They both express music careers, but solo if need be, and that backs up my theory. I think that's why there are only two pages for them alone. If the page where it is the two of them has all the same information, then we're at a dead end, and the pair we're looking for hasn't gotten into social networking."
With that, she went to the one where it is the two of them, and though the pictures were the same, the way they had the page, you would think them completely different people! They had flowers and peace signs in the borders, and they looked like two throwbacks from the 60s. "Whoa, that's different," said Sunset, "Never would have thought this."
"Well, I think we have them, but let's look at their profile," Twilight answered as she clicked on it, "Let's see… Hmm… Yep, it has to be them! Mentions being orphans, in foster care, and does not list a certain home. They both seem to have the same tastes in music, and… Let me see…"
She went to the photo section, and it shows them in a few different homes, but the majority of them seemed to be when they were kids and pre-teens, and they seemed to be in a house where the pair were hippies themselves. There were pictures of them playing and singing, dressed similarly to their most recent pictures, and then with their foster parents, and having a ball doing it. There were a lot with laughter and smiles, but those are the only ones where such happiness was expressed. The others showed them depressed and bland, but still playing. Indeed, they'd been all over the state, but seemed to end up back at the care center again and again. Twilight then said, "So, by this, it seemed most of their time was with this couple, and they seemed very happy there. I just wonder why they didn't remain there. Yet, it also seems no one adopted them, so they are still in the foster care system."
Looking at it, she then said, "And it seems they haven't made any comments in it for a few months, and they were at this previous address, but there is no way of knowing if they are still there."
"Well, drop a note or something," said Sunset, but Twilight countered and said, "Not just yet. We need to know more about them before we do. They don't know who we are and, besides, what would we tell them? We'd have to befriend them first, and I think it would be better if we did that first in person, rather than seem like we're stalking them. We have to find out more. Let's see, do they mention this place…"
She looked to see when they were with this couple and then followed the places where they had been. She noted the last known whereabouts the page had to offer, copied the page and circled the town where they had last been. She then said, "Now, we get shifty."
She made sure her antivirus was up to date and then clicked on a box on her desktop. It brought up a page Sunset had never entered before, and Twilight entered a code. After a few moments, a search engine came up that, again, was foreign to Sunset. Twilight then said, "Get ready. We're going into the deep web."
"Deep web?" asked Sunset, confused.
"The web we normally access is limited; the tip of the iceberg, as it were," answered Twilight, "There are far more places to go that are cut off from the standard web, because it is a place where people communicate who don't want to be seen doing so. It is a seedy place; it's 'that part of town' in the World Wide Web where you don't go after dark. It has many places that deal in quite illegal stuff, but as long as we don't go there, we won't catch the attention of the FBI, of whom I am certain are trolling the place trying to catch said crooks. However, there are also places where I can get data when I need it that would not really be questioned, but are not quite all that easy to access in normal channels."
"That seems…creepy…" answered Sunset, trailing off uncertain about the things her friend was getting into, but Twilight then said, "Don't sweat it. It was the only place I could ask questions about researching your school and my search for the odd activities at Canterlot High and be taken seriously. Honestly, what I was looking for would get me laughed out of standard circles on the standard web. Here, I can find kindred spirits. Now, let me just…"
She trailed off as she was looking over a few things, and then said, "Ah, here."
She clicked on an icon, and up hopped a page of someone known as "Hacker Jim." She had to enter a few codes, and then found herself in a special page that most folks seeking him probably could not access unless they knew them as well as Twilight seemed to know this Jim. They began to communicate, and indeed, they seemed very sociable. After a few pleasantries, she then said, "Well, you said you'd pay me back for the data on dimensional travel theories I came up with, and now's that time. I need you to hack into our town's foster care center and tell me all you can find about a pair of fraternal twins: brother and sister, named Quill and Downy Feathers."
"Ten-four," came back the answer, and Sunset then said, "Dimensional travel? What did you tell him about…?"
"Don't sweat it," she answered, "I didn't tell him it was actually possible, just gave him some data about how to detect certain energies and how to trace them, but that I had come up with no conclusions, but many odd happenings. Don't worry, though. He's halfway across the country, so he won't be snooping around here anytime soon."
After a few minutes, an answer came back, and he said it was something that might have to run most of the night, so she should contact him the next morning. "You're going to have to stay the night," answered Twilight, "This could take some time."
Sunset sighed, but said, "Well, I only have an empty place to go to, so that's not a problem. I'll go get a few things and be back.
The next morning, Twilight was up before Sunset and already on her computer. She printed out the data Jim had got her, and it ran for some pages. Sunset was up soon after and saw Twilight looking over the pages. "What do you have there?" she asked.
"I have their files," she said, "I knew Jim could get in without being detected. Let's get ready for class and read while we eat breakfast."
As they ate and read, it seemed that Jim was successful in getting all their details. It seems they were left on the doorstep of the foster care home with only a note that they were Quill and Downy Feathers, and a plea to give them a good home, as well as a hint that they would be back someday to retrieve them when they could take care of them properly. "Too bad that was never going to happen," said Sunset sadly, considering what the other Twilight had told her. She read on, and it seemed that they were bumped around from home to home, but they were the longest time with the couple that seemed like the hippie couple, from age five to eleven. At eleven, they had to go, because a situation arose where they could no longer take care of them, and that's where it seemed to get rough. They had a total of four different homes in that time in three different cities, multiple school transfers, and some those homes did not seem all that happy. Then Twilight gasped and said, "Oh, this is kismet!"
"What's up?" asked Sunset, just finishing the last page Twilight handed her.
"They've just recently returned to the home, in town…" answered Twilight, who trailed off as she read some more, "…YES! They're being transferred to Canterlot High as of today!"
"Magic!" answered Sunset, "It has to be magic! If they are really unicorns like me from my world, and it seems that I and your double are both looking for them, could it be that our magicks reached out and drew them to us in some odd way?"
"After what happened at the friendship games," answered Twilight, "Anything is possible."
They made some calls to the other girls, and they all agreed to meet up at the statue. Meanwhile, Sunset wrote about all they had found out, but she also wrote, "Don't come over just yet. We have to befriend them first, gain their trust, and then find some way of telling them that won't get them thinking we've flipped our manes and also convince them to cross over. It's not over yet. We have some work to do here. Your friend, Sunset Shimmer."
They met and Sunset filled them all in on what was happening. Pinkie then said, "Oh, you shouldn't have gone through all that trouble. You should have asked me!"
They all stared at her as Pinkie then said, "Principle Celestia took me aside yesterday and asked us to meet them and introduce them to everyone and give them a tour of the school. She thought we'd be the best ones for the task."
They all stared at her, and then Twilight and Sunset face palmed and realized they should have started with Pinkie. Of anyone, she knew the most about everyone in the school, considering she truly knew everyone and knew their interests, as she always had the nicest birthday gifts for them that matched what she knew about them. She always threw the best parties or gatherings, depending on what the birthday boy or girl desired. They all laughed, and got ready to meet the newcomers.
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 4
Once they were inside, Principal Celestia brought the girls into her office, where the newcomers and Vice Principal Luna awaited them. The pair was an interesting sight. They had the hair color pony Twilight told them they would have, and their choice of dress was interesting as well. Quill was wearing jeans and a denim jacket, rainbow colored tie-dye shirt, with a few strings of peace beads and a peace sign medallion, with high top sneakers. His hair was collar length and unkempt, as if a comb never had the chance to grace his path. He also wasn't all that big a kid; he looked like he weighed no more than 140 pounds soaking wet. Downy, however, had well-kept hair, that hung down straight to the middle of her back, tied into a pony tail, save for the locks of hair that were left to hang in the front to frame her pretty face. She, though, was a bit of a waif, looking no more than 120 pounds herself. Around her head was a headband decorated with artificial daises, which seemed to accent things well. She was wearing a navy blue floral print dress with a high frilly collar, cinched at her waist with a black thin leather belt, with the skirt to her ankles and trimmed like her collar. Her sleeves belled out gracefully at the elbows, and were also trimmed the same. However, the ensemble was broken up by the fact that she was wearing blue Chuck Taylor high top sneakers. Along with their book bags, (both of which looked like they had seen better days,) they each had a guitar case. They both looked like they were preparing to follow the Grateful Dead on tour than for class. However, it was their countenances that were interesting the more. They both looked like they were a bit sad, Quill looking at the ground as if he had no right to look at them or anyone, but Downy grinned just a bit, but still with sad eyes, flashing the peace sign in the way someone from the 60s would have done it. They were a pair.
Applejack, ever the one not to judge a book by its cover, smiled and said, "Howdy, y'all! Glad to see ya joinin' the rest of us Wondercolts."
Rarity, however, found their ensembles interesting, and she said, "Ooh, how retro! Indeed, it seems basic but timeless," and her mind began to run about how to spruce them up, but not killing the style they seemed to like. Fluttershy just waved with a smile that seemed to match Downy's but without the sad eyes, and kind of stayed half hidden. Yet, Rainbow Dash was taken back a bit at first, thinking, "Really? Who dresses like that anymore!" but then pondered the guitars and figured that they, or even maybe at least Quill, could jam a good Hendrix by the look of him, so started to warm to them a bit more. However, Pinkie Pie, ever the one to throw caution to the wind, jumped up between them, one arm around each shoulder, squealing out, "Oh, it's so cool to meet you two! It's great to have you here, but you need to smile more. It's more fun that way! I deal in smiles, and we have to turn up the angles of those mouths."
They both had a shocked look on their faces, though only briefly, but did start to grin a bit and laugh a touch, seeing how open Pinkie was, and seemingly not judgmental. Sunset smiled and laughed a bit, happy they had Pinkie to aid in this. It seemed to Sunset that these two had a thick shell in which they lived, but if there was anyone that could get them out of it, it was one Pinkamina Diane Pie. Pinkie saw the smiles and said, "Aww… I knew you had smiles in you! Downy broke the ice further by gently saying, "Oh, such a happy and free spirit! I dig it so much!"
Quill did seem laid back, while Downy reminded them of how Fluttershy might be if she were not so, well, shy. "Well, of course my spirit is free!" said a surprised Pinkie, "Besides, I didn't know you could put a price on a spirit anyway!"
That did it. The pair started to laugh with everyone else, and Celestia smiled and let go a sigh of relief. She knew she had picked the right group to help with this. However, the only one that seemed to be saying nothing was the Twilight of this world. She was looking at them and analyzing things. She was hoping the information she had gotten and the conclusions she had drawn were right. Pinkie then said, "Hey, It'll be Friday in a couple of days! We can have a party to welcome the newcomers, even a sleepover!"
"Not a bad idea," added Applejack, "We can use my place. The barn'll be free, and we can set up in there, and be as loud as we want!"
The pair was surprised, and Quill then said, "You mean, you really WANT us at a party?"
You could have heard a pin drop at that point. Rainbow Dash then said, "Well, why would we not? I mean, I know we just met, but you haven't given us any reasons not to, so why not?"
Before they could answer, Celestia said, "Oh, look at the time! We should get this tour started. Um, Quill, Downy, could you wait outside for a moment?"
They both nodded, grabbed their things, and went outside. Luna then said, "Girls, we need to explain what's happening here. Please, have a seat for a moment."
Once they sat down, Luna continued and said, "I am not sure you are aware of this, but the two of them are in the foster care system."
"So?" answered Rainbow Dash, sounding a bit confused as to why any of that would matter.
"Well, you have to understand about them," added Celestia, "They've been in and out of people's homes, and not every home was good to them. There was one, but even that did not last, sadly. They've had it hard."
"Hey, losin' parents is hard," said Applejack, "Trust me, I know."
"Well, I would understand your hurt," answered Luna, "But at least you had a chance to know your parents. They never knew theirs. They were left on the doorstep of the orphanage."
That statement was followed by the sound of air going through teeth and an "Ooh" sound. Fluttershy worked up the courage to interject and said, "Have they been abused at all? That would be so sad…"
"Well, not really," said Celestia, wondering how to word it, "I mean, they haven't been beaten, if that's what you mean. But, some of the homes they've been in really didn't seem to put much care or attention towards them, while others would have kept them in a loving home if they had had the ability to do so."
Sunset remembered their page on the social networking site, and remembered the pictures where it seemed they were the happiest, and it now made sense where they got their look and attitude. Luna then said, "However, middle school and high school have not been easy for them. You see, first of all, they've had to transfer from school to school, so it makes it hard for them to make lasting friends. Secondly, some, but not all of the schools, don't look upon foster kids too highly. Because of a few bad kids in the system, they give a bad reputation to foster kids as if they are all troublemakers."
That caught Dash's attention. She piped up and said, "Hey, that's not fair! They didn't ask to be in this situation!"
Celestia sighed and answered, "I know, but it is what it is, and it is not fair…you're right. Yet, some kids take advantage of this and start problems with them. If the foster kid retaliates, then no matter who instigated, then right or wrong, the foster kid seems to always get the blame, depending on the school and the point of view of the principal. By the way they hold themselves, it seems they have gone through that."
"Man, that sucks!" spat Dash, and Fluttershy then said, "But, they seem so nice. Why are people so mean?"
Luna cut in and said, "This is why we asked your help. It's not really as much that they find it hard to make friends, it's more they are afraid to get close to anyone. They are either afraid to lose them by being transferred, or being used by others who would take advantage of them."
Twilight then added, "But, since I've been here, I haven't seen that with Canterlot High."
"Exactly," said Celestia, "And we give everyone a fair shake, regardless. Yet, that does not mean that it might not happen."
Applejack thought about it and then said, "So, what y'all are sayin' is that ya want us t'look after them and make sure no one tries to get stupid with them?"
"Exactly," answered Luna, "And at least be of those to whom they can come if they need help. They need someone they can trust."
"You may absolutely count on us!" said Rarity, "We shall remain ever vigil."
"Yeah, and we can watch out for them, too!" added Pinkie.
That caught a laugh from everyone there, but Pinkie shrugged her shoulders, not certain what the joke was. Celestia said, "I have had the teachers set aside the classwork you'll be missing today to aid our newcomers, so, don't worry about missing class. Stay close to them and have fun."
They all nodded and headed out to meet their charges.
When they came out, they were both sitting in chairs and tuning their guitars. When they saw the girls, they put them away and stood up. Sunset handed them to small slips of paper and said, "These are your lockers and the combinations to them. Let's start there and then we'll show you around."
They nodded and followed them. Once they stowed their gear, they still had their guitars, (seeing that they could not fit them into their lockers,) and followed. They got the grand tour, seeing everything there was to see, and each girl took over when there was something that involved their personal interests. They also used that time to show them where some of the clubs met, and what was available to join. However, what seemed odd was that neither of them were speaking or asking questions. They were not sure why, but they figured that it might not be until lunch when they could get into some casual conversation and get them to open up some more. With the trust issue being what it was, they knew they were dealing with damaged goods, and they had to treat them with kid gloves. Yet, what was running around in both Sunset's and Twilight's brains were how to be sure this was the pair, and if so, how did you tell them what the deal was. How could you tell them what they really were, how to convince them of the truth, and then get them to not only leave all this behind, but to adjust to new bodies and ways of doing things? All Sunset could conclude at that point was, "Princess Celestia, you really gave me a hard challenge!"
However, why the challenge? Why did she even care? She had been banished from Canterlot Castle, and she wondered if she would ever be welcome back in Equestria. However, she remembers the message Celestia of that world sent her, and wondered, "Has she forgiven me? Has she…" but she shook her head and realized that could never happen. She did too much damage. There was no way back. Besides, she had been here too long, and she wondered if she could handle it over there again. Nonetheless, she did figure this: if she could help with this, maybe she could at least get that Celestia to see her in a better light, and maybe, at the very least, be allowed back into the castle, even though she would never get to be her student again.
At lunch, they stopped off and grabbed their sack lunches the center made for them. It was nothing elaborate: basic ham sandwiches, generic potato chips, juice boxes, and not much else. Rarity saw what they had and said, "Oh, how can you keep up your energy like that? Here…"
She went up and bought an apple for each of them and said, "Here's some natural energy for you."
They were surprised and reluctant to take them, as Downy said, "Please, that was your money."
"Oh don't be silly," insisted Rarity, "In fact, if you ever need more for your lunches, never hesitate to ask. I shall see what I can do for you."
Fluttershy saw that and said, "Oh, never think that you are not worth someone's help. No one is ever worthless."
Both of them blushed hard, genuinely moved that anyone was showing that kind of care for them. However, it was kind of sappy for Rainbow Dash, and she piped up, "So, with those guitars, I bet you could rock out. I already play lead in our band…"
Quill brightened and said, "You have a band?"
"Sure," said Dash, "We call ourselves the Rainbooms. I play lead licks, but we could always use a couple of rhythm instruments. We can really rock out!"
Quill pondered it and then said, "Well, my sister and I are really keen in studying music. We've studied the masters, and I really dig Bach, but I can't say we really 'rock out'. I mean, our tastes are more into folk music and harmony groups of the 50s and 60s: the Everley Brothers; Peter, Paul, and Mary; Pete Seeger; Simon and Garfunkel; the Mamas and Papas; Beach Boys; Crosby, Stills, and Nash… that kind of thing."
"Um…oh…" said Rainbow Dash, now knowing their musical tastes were colliding. However, Pinkie said, "Oh, that's sounds so cool! Could you play us some?"
They looked around and then Downy said, "Are you sure? I mean, wouldn't it be disturbing other people's lunches?"
"Nah…" said Pinkie, confidently, but Sunset cut in and said, "Well, maybe we can go outside for the last half hour of lunch and let you play."
Where there was two semi-depressed teens before now turned into excited people, almost as if they had transformed right in front of them. It was then that Twilight whispered to Sunset, "Wait… Remember what happens when you all get to playing and singing?"
Sunset pondered, and then said, "You mean, if they have that Equestrian magic, they might do the same?"
"It's worth a try," she answered back, "If it happens, we KNOW we have our two!"
Outside, they pulled their guitars, checked to see that they were still in tune, and then muttered between themselves, figuring out what to sing. Then Quill said, "Okay, we'll do that one."
With that, they ripped into the Everley Brothers song "Walk Right Back." As they played, they became rather joyful, and started to play and sing with relish. What was interesting about them was the fact that they were in perfect sync and harmony with one another, seeming to know what the other was thinking, able to anticipate what the other was about to do and play. They seemed as one entity. The girls were moving to the music, and when they were done, applauded wildly, as did the small crowd that seemed to gather around them. When they first came outside, they had mixed reactions from all those around, but now everyone seemed to be warming to them. Dash, though, didn't applaud, but did say, "Well… It was good… You know, for what it was…" trying to keep up her cool girl image, but inside having to admit that they were REALLY good! Even with their style, they were better at singing and playing than anyone in school, including the group. She would have to figure out how to incorporate their sound into the band. Besides, if they were the studies she guessed them to be in music, they just might improve their sound. People called for more, and they then cut into Dylan's "The Times They Are a 'Changing." This, they sang with some conviction, and finished the session with "The Sounds of Silence." The students were floored, and very enraptured with what they were singing, as if they were casting a spell over them. However, what Sunset and Twilight were hoping to happen did not manifest itself. Twilight whispered and said, "Nothing happened."
"Maybe things weren't right yet," answered Sunset, "We'll give it more time."
After putting the guitars away, Rainbow said, "Hey, I know you're style's different, but maybe we could include your style and make a new sound."
Downy smiled and said, "Groovy!" which took Dash back a bit, seeing their lingo was indeed an anachronism. Dash then asked, "So, what can you all play?"
"Well, I play guitar, banjo, and acoustic bass," answered Quill, and Downy said, "Guitar, autoharp, dulcimer, and keys."
"Autoharp and dulcimer," answered Applejack, "Well, I ain't heard anyone play those good fer a long time! Be nice to hear 'em."
The pair now looked like their hearts were racing, as if treatment like this was not all this common, and they were being overwhelmed. Sunset then said, "We can talk about this more later. For now, we can go to the library and get to work on those assignments we were given. We'll be practicing later on, so we can iron all that out."
Twilight then whispered, "Good you did that. It looks like they were about to go into sensory overload."
Sunset rolled her eyes and realized Twilight was right. She had heard of killing with kindness, but she was not sure that this was what was meant by that.
Later that day, they were in the music room, ready to practice, and Twilight then said, "So, you say you've studied the masters. How much into music are you two?"
"Very," said Quill.
"We've had a skill for music ever since we can remember," added Downy. Quill took over and said, "Yeah, we just love music, and we hope to use it to help underprivileged kids get somewhere in life."
"We just wish to spread the message of peace and love," added Downy on top of that.
"Peace and love?" responded Fluttershy, "Oh, that's so good!"
"Yeah," added Quill, "We abhor war and violence of any kind. We'd rather not fight."
Dash was going to share her hopes of joining the Air Force one day and joining the Thunderbirds stunt team, but hearing that may not sit well with them, seeing that they both turned out to be peaceniks. Downy then said, "Somehow, we've always found music to be a peacemaker. It always seemed to calm a hostile situation at the home."
That caught Twilight's and Sunset's attention. Step by step, they began think they did have the right ones. Quill then said, "It's hard to admit this, but, well… We've had few friends, and things ain't always been good. So, when things weren't always that good, Sissy and I spent a lot of time playing and singing."
"Well, that explains your skill," answered Twilight.
"Well, we're very close," said Downy, and Applejack indeed could see that, thinking it cute that Quill referred to Downy as "Sissy." Quill then said, "We practiced all kinds of harmony, and we had a pair of foster parents who taught us our instruments and taught us songs and harmonies. We just kept practicing it and studying music after that. We even went as far as getting forehead to forehead, nose to nose, just so we can watch each other's mouths and time our singing, how we shape words, that kind of thing."
Now everyone was impressed, and Dash had to ask. "So, is there any rockin' numbers you know?"
Quill shrugged as he put his guitar around him, saying, "The closest thing we would have are some Beach Boys numbers we know."
"Well, we can try that," answered Dash as everyone took their places. She then said, "Odd way you wear those guitars."
The pair had them slung about chest high while Dash had them low in the common style of modern-day rock bands. Downy then said, "It's more ergonomic. The way you are holding it you risk carpel tunnel syndrome."
"Told you," said Twilight, looking at a now groaning Rainbow Dash, as if the two had talked at length about this. Applejack then said, "So, whatcha all have in mind."
Quill then said, "Do You Wanna Dance."
"Not really," answered Pinkie, "We just want to play."
"I think he refers to the title of a song, darling," interrupted Rarity, "Yet, I am not familiar with it."
"Well, first, I need you on piano, not keytar for this," added Quill, now acting like he was in charge, showing he was in his element now, "And for the rest of us, key of A, 4/4 time, standard blues progression, improvise on the harmonies best you can, and…" looking back at Pinkie and Dash, "Try to keep up."
They both got a look on their faces as if someone said something surprising to them, wondering if they were just insulted or not, but Quill didn't give them time to think as he shouted, "…2,3,4…Do you wanna dance…" and ripped right into the song. They stumbled for about half a bar but caught up quickly. They really started to kick it…
…and then it happened.
As they were playing, it was not only that they were catching on real fast, it was almost as if the song was playing itself, as if the playing of the pair were lifting them in the way a good wind will help and eagle soar effortlessly over the sky. Where they had a bit of trouble learning to sing harmonies in the past, they found it easy, and now the sounds of the music was pounding down the hall, catching the attention of the other students in their clubs, and drawing them in. Before long, they had a small crowd who were now applauding as the number ended. Downy then said, "Bye, Bye Love?"
Quill smiled and nodded, saying, "Okay, again, key of A, rockabilly, 4/4, but a bit bouncy."
He played the opening intro chords, and the two jumped in, singing with relish, Downy on the upper harmony. As they played, everyone started to pony out…including Quill and Downy! Her hair got a bit longer and she got the ears, and Quill seemed to get the colonial look kind of pony tail and ears as well. However, even though this was a common sight for anyone going to Canterlot, it was not for Quill and Downy, but they were so into their playing that they did not notice what was going on. The room also seemed to be filling with moving colors that seemed to be accenting the music. This settled it for Twilight and Sunset; they had their pair! The only question now was, how do you tell them?
After the session, the twins had to get back to the home and asked the girls to come as well so that the home could meet them and get contact information for the party. As they walked, however, Twilight and Sunset hung back a bit and talked, Sunset asking, "Why did it not happen until this afternoon?"
"Well, you said it yourself," answered Twilight, "when you explained how magic works in this world. Maybe it took the right catalyst. Like…"
"…the magic of friendship?" Sunset finished with a smirk and glance at Twilight, "Maybe that's it."
Adding to it, Twilight, then said, "And maybe because they haven't had as much till now that it never manifested itself."
"We'll have to bounce that off your pony counterpart," answered Sunset to that, "And I'll give her a timetable to come over."
"Won't that pose a problem?" asked Twilight.
"Actually, that might be the thing to convince them," responded Sunset, "Nothing better than to have solid proof."
"Let's work out a proper plan," said Twilight, "How about we aim for the party?"
"Sounds like a plan," answered Sunset, who then pulled out the book and started to write, "Dear Twilight. We have found them! I need you to come over in a couple of days. We're going to have to break it to them easy, because there is the believability factor involved, and your presence with the Twilight over here may be just what they need to get them convinced. Write back soon, your friend, Sunset Shimmer."
She closed the book and began to try to anticipate all that could go wrong. For some reason, she anticipated Murphy 's Law rearing its ugly head, and the last thing they needed is for the twins to freak out and avoid them altogether.
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 5
After their session with the Rainbooms, any worries about them being used or abused by the students at Canterlot were quickly removed. Their skills as musicians and singers were phenomenal, and because of the magic contained within them, they were causing to happen in a random fashion, and in the way that pony Twilight had told Sunset the Bardics were capable of. They had a calming and visual aspect, and they had taken effect there. Normally grumpy and confrontational students were calm, happy, and very willing to hang out with folks there. More and more, they were proving to be exactly what she and human Twilight had suspected of them: they were the ones for whom pony Twilight searched. They had no problem getting into classes, and they proved themselves good studies. They were not geniuses, but were above average. Yet, when it came to music, that is where their genius showed through, proving the pair were both staunch musicologists. They had musical theory down pat, and no matter the genre of music, they could put it all into musical terms as well as how and why certain aspects of the music interlocked in it. Still, they had their preferences, and their little lunchtime practice sessions in the schoolyard always attracted a crowd. Even Celestia and Luna came out that next day, hearing about what they could do. Now that it seemed like the session with the Rainbooms unlocked their power, they could do this now whenever they played and got really into it.
Interestingly enough, none of the students questioned it, considering all they had seen at Canterlot High up to this point. They were well aware of an alternate dimension, though they knew little of it. It is a little hard to conceal the fact when you have someone open up a cache of magic she knows nothing about or how to control and almost causes the universe they are in to crumble and collapse into the other. Sunset often pondered the disaster it would have caused, and the confusion. She imagined what would have happened if they had failed to stop it. Any humans that somehow managed to survive it would have an extremely hard time of coping with their new environs, and many ponies might have seen them as monsters and started to attack them out of fear, an attack of which Celestia would have put a stop to in time, but not before tragedy. It would have been catastrophic to both worlds. Therefore, when the twins started to do these things, it was no big deal, and actually made them more welcome with all the students. The seven that had befriended them were now becoming closer and closer to them, but there was still an issue.
Though they were not confrontational with others, (indeed, considering both were pacifists, and did not like violence or fighting,) and though they were willing to talk with others, it always seemed that there was only so close they would go. Knowing their past, the seven knew that they both had a hard time blending in, and also were reluctant to trust anyone considering how they had been burned in the past. They wanted to make friends, but they did not want to get so close that, if they were uprooted yet again, they would not hurt, or hurt others as much. This was something that both Twilight and Sunset knew would be an obstacle, and using her book like a journal, wrote pony Twilight to make sure she understood exactly what she faced when they tried to convince them of what they really were, and that they needed to go back there. In order to convince them, they had to get close to them, and in order to do that, they would have to break through somehow and get them to let them get that close.
That evening, they decided to go get a bite to eat and do their homework at the local eatery the students used as a hangout. By the time they were done, it was dark outside, and they were heading back to the home with the twins. As they went, they passed by a club that was being used as a hangout for the jocks of the A&M college that was in the town, the same one to which Big Macintosh had won a football scholarship to play nose tackle for the school. (Because it was an A&M, Mac loved the fact that he could play football and learn some of the business side of agriculture to better run the family orchard with his sister.) By this point, others had split off, and now it was just Applejack, Dash, and the twins, and a few of the players were standing outside and spotted the girls. "Yeehaw," shouted one, "Now aren't they pretty things!"
Another said, "Hey, girls, let's get together and maybe we can give you an advance in college education!"
Rainbow Dash wanted to react, but Applejack said, "Cool your jets. They's just big muscleheads."
However, one group of three spotted Downy, and one of them got a gleam in his eye. He nudged his buddies and they began to follow the girls. They ended up in a darker part of the town, and that's when the three came out of an alley. The bigger of them said, "Hey, hippie girl: let's turn on, tune in, and drop out."
The girls stiffened and Downy got real close to Quill. He then said, "Ah, I get it. Hey, why not ditch your skinny boyfriend and get with a real man."
The others were unsure of what to do, but Rainbow Dash was not about to tolerate this any further. Hearing that, she said, "We'll keep that in mind. And when a real man shows up, let us know!"
She then motioned for the others to try to go around them, but they stepped up and blocked their path, the main one sneering and saying, "Hey, you haven't given me a chance to prove your manhood."
Rainbow Dash was beginning to tense up, knowing this was going to turn ugly, and said, "Leave us alone, or I just might let your manhood know what pain is!"
Downy was pleading, "Please, no fighting! This won't help!"
Quill got in front of her, and though a pacifist, he was not going to let anything happen to his sister without a fight. The jock saw the gesturing and laughed hard, saying, "And just what do you think you're going to do?"
With that, he grabbed Downy's arm, and then swiftly found Dash's foot in a place he would have rather preferred it did not land. He dropped to the ground, groaning in pain, snarling through his teeth, "Get them!"
Dash was getting ready for the next one, taking a martial arts stance, but Quill and Downy grabbed Dash and called for everyone to just run, and run they did. The remaining two took off after them while the third managed to regain his feet and follow, though a bit slower as the pain wore off. Panic began to set in, and they finally made a wrong turn down an alley. At this, the three caught up and slowed down. They were not going anywhere. At this, they now had no choice but to fight. Quill and Downy were behind Applejack and Dash, with Quill staying in front of Downy. "Really?" said their ersatz leader, "Don't make me laugh."
However, the pair proved formidable, moving fast and being able to dish it out well, even causing a black eye in one of them. Yet, sheer size and strength overcame them, as they finally got fed up with the resistance and belted Applejack and Rainbow Dash with their full strength. Even that was too much for the girls, who then crumpled to the ground and were pinned there by two of the three. Their leader walked past them, now very angry, saw the guitars, and said, "Aww… Look at those nice guitars…" and then proceeded to smash them both. "NO!" screamed Downy, who then began to cry and cower. He then approached, and Quill then decided to step up and attack, but he was quickly brushed to the side. He tried again, got belted for his troubles, and the jock finally used the shoulder strap to hog tie Quill, but made him face out in the process. He took the other strap and said, "Now, let's you and I make good music," and walked over to her, planning to tie her up, and the others took the hint, looking to do something to the pair they had pinned. Yet, before they acted, they heard a very angry and low-pitched voice say, "If y'all wanna keep yer hands on yer wrists, y'all better get 'em off my sister and her friends!"
They froze, recognizing the voice, and Applejack smiled, knowing it was about to get VERY bad for them.
Before the two pinning down AJ and Dash could blink, Mac had them off the ground with one in each hand and summarily slammed their heads together. They crumpled in a heap as the third now confronted Mac. "That's your sister?" he asked.
"Ah yup," came the calm answer from an angry face.
"Hey, I didn't know," he pleaded, "You can understand, right?"
"Nnnnope," came the answer in the same way.
"Look, I mean, I just…" he tried to plea, but soon found himself in a scrap, and Mac was using him as a practice dummy. The jock now wished his father never met his mother, and in short order, it was over. "How'd you know?" asked AJ, now having regained herself, "You were there?"
"Ah yup."
"You saw us?"
"Ah yup."
"You saw them follow?"
"Ah yup."
"Heard the scream?"
"Ah yup."
"I love you," she said, giving him a big hug, to which he smiled and just said, "Ah yup."
The police finally arrived and now had the three men in cuffs and in the cars, and the police then said, "Okay, if you'd like, we can take you downtown so you can press charges…"
"No," Downy quietly cut in, "It's okay; they were stopped. We don't want to cause trouble."
"Say what?" said Applejack with some surprise, "After all that, and you wanna let it go?"
"Yeah!" added Dash, "That creep's got it coming…" but Downy just raised her hand and gently put it on Dash's lips, saying, "No, please; there could be trouble, and besides, I think they've paid their dues."
"But..." protested the others, but Downy said, "We'll be okay. We're not pressing charges."
The cops were confused themselves, and wondered what the case was, but then said, "Well, we'll let them go, but we'll watch them and make sure they don't come back here while you gather yourselves. Can't make you press if you don't want to."
"But, what if we wanna?" asked Applejack.
"It's all or nothing," answered the officer, "Everyone has to agree to it."
The girls just looked surprised and confused as they let the boys go, and Big Macintosh went with them to be sure they won't come back as well, and AJ then said, "We'll talk later?"
"Ah yup," answered Mac as they left. And as they did, one said to Mac, "Hey, they're dropping it. You can too, right?"
"Nnnnope."
"You're going to tell coach?"
"Ah yup."
They all expressed some choice metaphors and were gone. Soon after, the police were gone as well, but by this time, Quill looked bummed out and Downy had gone over to the broken guitars. Tears started to flow down her cheeks as she knelt over the broke instruments, and then she started to cry. AJ and Dash were about to get upset with them because they would not press charges, but then seeing this gave them pause, and even more so by what happened next.
Quill knelt beside her and took her in is arms from that position. Downy was sobbing and speaking through tear-choked words, "Why does this always happen? Why can't we ever be happy?"
"No, Sissy," answered Quill, "It is different. We have real friends now, and people like us at school. I told you it would be different. This was just a few strangers being stupid, that's all. It's not the same. It will be better, Sissy, you just have to believe."
He started rocking her back and forth gently, and said, "I'm here for you. I'll always be there for you."
He then started to sing "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" quietly, as if it was a lullaby, and she now held onto him. It started to calm her, but in the dimly lit alley, the girls could see some tears running down Quill's face as well. For certain, it was clear just how close they were with one another, and by it, they could tell that, for much of their lives, they were the only two either of them could rely on, and were essentially one entity. They had no one but each other, and grew very close by it. Now AJ and Dash could no longer be mad. They Dash was shedding tears while AJ was looking stoic, crying inside as she normally did. Dash then whispered, "When we get them back to th'home, you and I are gonna to call the others and go somewhere before classes tomorrow."
"What for?" asked Dash, confused.
"Let's just say, I hope y'all got some extra cash in yer bank account," answered AJ, "They need t'know they really got some friends."
The next day, both Quill and Downy approached the front entrance, still saddened by the night before, and looking naked without their guitars. All that changed when they saw the seven at the front steps, smiling, and standing there with two new acoustic guitars. Yet, these were no ordinary acoustic guitars. These were designed to be played either as acoustic, or could be plugged into an amp if need be. Both stared, not believing what they saw.
After they had been taken back to the shelter, they all called each other and spread what had happened. The next day, they met somewhere to eat breakfast, with Rarity looking a bit tired. "What happened to you?" asked Dash.
"Oh, well, I had to do something to help them, or make them feel better," answered Rarity, "So, I stayed up last night making some things for them."
"Well, that was part ah what this was all about," answered AJ, "And believe me, it ain't gonna be cheap, but it's the least we can do."
"Well, I sure want to help," said Fluttershy quietly, "That was horrible what happened, and then to hear what you said about what happened after… I cried and cried for them. I even cried myself to sleep."
"Then, I'm gonna have to make that party extra special for them tonight!" spouted a determined Pinkie Pie, "I'll be at your barn right after class, AJ! This is gonna be awesome!"
Sunset and Twilight just sat quiet, letting them talk, and really empathizing with the twins, both knowing to one extent or another what it was like to feel alone among many people. However, there was another matter, and that was that the pony Twilight was coming over that night, and now she was not sure, after this incident, it would be time to tell them the truth of everything. "This is getting so messed up," whispered Twilight, "There are so many variables in this, and many of them would end disastrous."
"Your twin is the princess of friendship," answered Sunset, "If there is anyone who can give us some answers, it would be her. Let's just take it one step at a time.
At the school, the twins were flabbergasted. They didn't know what to say. "I…I can't believe it!" Quill sputtered out, "How did you get those!"
"We pooled some money together and bought y'all these," answered AJ, and Rarity then added, "We certainly could not allow the school minstrels go without their instruments."
Downy, all worried, said, "But…but those must have cost you a fortune!"
"Nah," said Dash, "We had some in the bank, money we raised for the band for things we needed, and other things, and these were on sale. They were actually $100 a pop, but luckily we had enough when we combined our money. Considering how expensive some of these things are, I'm sure they probably won't be the best sound, but…"
"Oh no!" interrupted Quill, "We thank you, really! I mean, we've never had brand new instruments before. We've always got them from pawn shops and thrift stores! We've never had new ones."
"Then you'll be delighted to know that these are also able to be plugged into amps," pointed out Twilight, showing the volume knobs, to which Dash added, "Besides, when we play, you need to be heard."
Now their tears were tears of joy. They took the guitars and quickly had them tuned. AJ then said, "They even threw in the cases for free, since we bought two of them."
Pinkie then said, "And because they were what they were, we were still able to buy all the things for the party! It's going to be awesome."
Downy then said, "You mean, you still want one, after last night?"
Sunset sighed and walked up to them, saying, "Look, I know people have always treated you like you were always the troublemakers, but you have to stop thinking like that. Canterlot is not like that, and we won't do that to you. It's okay to get close to people."
Downy slung the guitar on her back and hugged Sunset, while Quill gave her the peace sign, and said, "See, Sissy? I told you it was going to be better!"
Rarity then came up and said, "And to add to this, I made you these."
She then pulled out of a large bag she had brought some things for them. For Quill, she knew he liked it simple, but liked his tie-dye shirts, and made some of various color patterns and unique designs. She had also made some Native American styled jackets for him, complete with the leather fringes and calf length Moccasins. She then said, "This will really enhance your look so well! This indeed put the 'ooh' in your cool."
She then had about five country girl full length dresses, complete with thick sash that could be tide in a nice bow in the back, all frilly and in the style she liked. "You must have been at work a long time on this! You must be exhausted," said a surprised Downy.
"Oh, it's nothing really," she answered, "In truth, I started working on these the first day I met you. I had them mostly finished, but I wanted to have them ready to day, so I burned a bit of the midnight oil to have them ready today. I'm a bit tired, but if you are happy, then it was all worth it."
She then put a hand to her cheek as if to share something secret, and said, "Trust me: I can do a throw rug in my sleep!"
She then handed her a pair of mid heel black leather boots that buttoned at the side and said, "I hope these are your size. I bought these, but I've never really worn them, but they look like they'll fit you. They accent your ensemble a bit better than your sneaker, though I don't think them terrible, it's just…"
"The sneakers clash and all I had," said Downy, smiling, "They stink, if you ask me!"
They both laughed, and that got everyone laughing, but now taking it all in, they were now just stunned, not believing the outpouring of kindness they were now receiving. They looked like they were getting into sensory overload again, and Twilight, recognizing it, said, "Say, why don't you play us something that tells us how you feel."
They both shook themselves, thought about it, but instead of playing a fast paced song, they started in on a reggae rhythm and started to sing "Three Little Birds," and suddenly, the bad of the night before began to melt away. "Come now," said Rarity, "You two must absolutely try these on! I am dying to see how they look on you!"
With that, they headed into class, and seeing all that happened Sunset felt a bit relieved, knowing that, if they could win their trust even more, breaking things to them would be all that easier. For now, she put that aside and prepared her mind for the party. She'd think more on that when she met pony Twilight that night. She had not yet told the others what was going on, and she figured she could tell them as they prepared for the party and awaited the twins. If they could get them in a good mood, it might make the pill easier to swallow…
…she hoped.
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 6
"UNICORNS?!" shouted the girls after hearing what Sunset and Twilight had to say. Sunset sighed and said, "Yes, I know it sounds crazy, but we know about the other Twilight, how she got to us, and all that. This should not be so odd."
"But that means they've been runnin' round with their doubles here," answered Applejack, "That'd be odd if they sorta run into each other."
"Their human counterparts ore in another state halfway across the country and in a stable home," answered Twilight, "That's not going to happen."
"Besides," answered Sunset, "There are reasons for all this…" and she read from the journal what pony Twilight had written, and the girls eventually stopped their work to hear this after a while, amazed at what they were hearing. "Sumpthin' ain't makin no sense," interjected Applejack, "why weren't they doin' the…thing…that happens t'us when we play?"
"Did you do that yourselves before knowing the other Twilight," asked Sunset, knowing the answer.
"Well, you do have a point," added Dash.
"Well, maybe all the ingredients had to be right," said Pinkie, "Can't make a good pie without all your ingredients. Maybe Twilight…well not YOU Twilight, but that Twilight who was Twilight before you, though I suppose you kinda were Twilight at the same time…"
"Ugh, we get it!" groaned Dash, to which Rarity then said, "I think of it more like making the perfect formal gown. You can make any gown over and over, but it has to have that something special make it unique for whomever you make it, because, to make that dress look right for that person, it has to have the extras that best accent the wearer, and no two are alike. We didn't fit until she came and brought out the right accent for what we are to emerge."
"In short," added Twilight, "When the other me came here, she awakened a connection between our worlds and caused the magic to emerge here, like a catalyst in a chemistry experiment. The components won't react unless there is something to get the ball rolling."
"Then why didn't that happen with me?" asked Sunset.
"Well, I hate to dig up old wounds," answered Twilight, "But, since you didn't initially get along, and did what you could to split them, the proper reaction couldn't be there, because you wouldn't allow your latent magic to affect them. My twin came over and put together the combination in our world that happened in hers, and, boom!"
"Okay, that makes sense," responded AJ, "But why not fer the twins? Ah mean, they were here in th'same world with their doubles an' all. Why didn't they're, whatchacall it, latent magic, come out?"
"Again, no catalyst," answered Twilight, "They had Equestrian magic in them that was not activated until it ran into others that mow have that running in them and interacted with us. That awoke what was in them."
"Right," said Dash, not sure she was quite following things, but she was getting the gist, and she said, "So, you're saying they need to go back to that world?"
"That's where they belong," answered Sunset, "And it was the dying request of a mother who wanted to come for them one day, but couldn't."
This caused them all to pause and ponder the gravity of it, but then Rarity then said, "But, darlings: how are we going to get them to go, or even to believe us in any of this for that matter?"
"That is a good question," answered Sunset, looking at her watch, "And that's something I can ask the other Twilight when she comes over. She may be the key to it all…I hope."
"She's coming over?" asked AJ.
"She's got the portal," answered Sunset, "She has to guide them through, but we still have our work cut out for us!"
After the sun had gone down, Sunset stood by the monument, making sure that no one outside the school who would not be in the know as they would not see Princess Twilight's entry into this world. Before long, she entered and immediately embraced Sunset in a warm hug, happy to see her friend once again. Sunset then said, "So, how goes it on the other side…" but Twilight cut her off, saying, "I'm sorry, but we have no time for pleasantries. We have to get the twins back as soon as possible."
Sunset horrified for the worst, said, "Has this supposed threat come back?"
"It's not that," she said, "You wrote me and told me that they did the change thing when they played with the Rainbooms, right?"
"Yes," was her tentative answer.
"Has there been any kind of color or scenery effects?"
"Yes, there has been, and it keeps everyone very entertained."
"Have they become more powerful?"
Sunset pondered it, and then she said, "You know, come to think of it, they have."
Twilight sighed and said, "It's what I thought might be happening."
"I don't get it."
"What has my twin here concluded?"
"She guessed that things awoke once in contact with people who were affected by Equestrian magic."
"She's…I'm…uh… You get it. We were right. If this were their human counterparts, it would only affect them as it does you all. But since they are the ones from my world, the magic in them has awoken, and that can be a problem."
"In what way?"
"Well, we're both unicorns…well, I started off…you know what I mean. Anyway, what's the rule of thumb of caring for newborn foals?"
"Always be careful and watch them because their magic can pop up at random and in odd ways."
"Right. Now, for them, they never had the chance for that to open up, and so it's been stored up."
Sunset was confused and had no idea where Twilight was going with this. "Are you saying they are having foal spurts?"
"It's worse than that," sighed Twilight, "First of all, look up on the Bardics, Moon Dancer and I have learned that they are very powerful unicorns magically when it comes to music. Second, as we already know, unicorns have to be taught to control their magic, and in the case of Bardics, it was done as early as possible. If not, think about a very young foal singing child tunes and having random things happen."
"Dancing lights and images; what's the problem with that?"
"They can take on solid forms with which to be interacted, and depending on the song, they can actually do damage in that someone might get hurt accidentally by the image, be engulfed in a ball of light and be asphyxiated… There's no telling what would happen. Now think about them: they are our ages. This means that their songs could conjure up some real odd things, and dangerous. I mean, imagine singing about the roaring seas. Everyone might drown if they get more powerful. That brings me to number three: because of the random nature of magic acting when it wants to and how it wants, coupled with growing power in them they know not how to control… Well, I don't know how bad it could get. I mean, it was not an issue for either of us because our magic was already under control and fully awoken, integrated into us where it wouldn't fly off the handle here. It's not the same with them, because they never had the chance to develop as normal unicorns. We have to convince them and get them back for both their sakes and yours."
"They'll be at the party. We're at AJ's apple orchard, in the barn. They should be there by now."
"Is my counterpart there?"
"Yes."
"I'll stay hidden then, for now, and you'll have to try at some point to convince them and tell them. If you have problems, then I'll come out, and we'll work on it."
They both then took a faster pace to the farm, now realizing that there might be problems. They had to be taken back and taught to control themselves, otherwise, there would be a disaster. Only when they learned to control things would they be able to return safely if they chose to come back.
By this point, the other girls had taken them back to the farm, surprised at the amount of things they were brining. They were bringing their normal things for the sleepover, but they also had a few instruments a piece that the others helped carry. "Goodness, darlings," said Rarity, surprised at the load, "Are you sure you need all this?"
"Well, considering you all play as well," answered Quill, "we thought it would be cool to bring a few of our other instruments and have a bit of a jam session."
"Well, I did bring some records," added Pinkie Pie, "I thought we could all dance as well."
"Oh that would be lovely," responded Downy, "but playing is fun, too."
"Hey, maybe you could teach me a few of your jams and we could try some folk rock," Dash interjected, "I mean, we want you to be Rainbooms, but we have to find a way to mix your styles with us."
"I get it," answered Quill, "I mean, some of the greatest groups were because they were able to mix styles and sound."
They got to the barn, and they were shocked to see how things were decorated. It was done all in 60s style, complete with psychedelic posters, peace signs, incense, lava lamps, and other such light effects to make it look like anyone from that era would feel like they never left their time period. Indeed, Pinkie Pie went all out, and Downy said, "You would do all this for us?"
"Of course!" she said, all happy, "I'd do this for any of my friends!"
"You consider us friends?" asked Quill, "After all that happened a couple of days ago?"
"Stuff happens," answered AJ, "You didn't do anythin' wrong. I was just glad my brother was there to teach them goons a lesson."
Downy wiped away a tear, and she said, "Thank you so much. Even though it can be hard from time to time for us to make friends, it's more than just folks trying to take advantage of us. Sometimes, it's hard because, just when we really have found a couple of good friends, a spot opens up in a foster home and we get uprooted again, have to start over again."
"Dude, that is rough," answered Dash, "I don't know what I would do if I had to bounce around all the time."
"But, hey," interjected Pinkie, "forget about that for now. Tonight your night! Let's have some fun!"
Pinkie grabbed a remote and hit a button, activating a stereo and the sounds of "Ina Gadda Davida" kicked through with that familiar organ opening, and the lights started to dance around in a liquid effect, and the party was underway. This was just about the moment Sunset and Princess Twilight entered through the other side of the barn, saw the effects and heard the music, and the princess said, "Wow…freaky stuff!"
"Trust me," said Sunset, "The whole era this comes from was freaky!"
She had Princess Twilight hide among the haystacks nearby to listen in on the action, and met up with the others.
The party was really starting to groove, as Pinkie Pie really picked an incredible track of music from the 60s, and Rainbow Dash had to say, "Wow, harmonies were sung so differently in that time."
"They're far too basic," answered Quill, "There feels like there's no effort, no layering, no true moving parts, or if there are, they are awfully dissonant."
Earth Twilight then said, "I can tell by this and our past talks that you really have musical theory down pat. Are you hoping to compose or something?"
"Well, we'd love to reawaken the world to folk music, and maybe usher in a new age of that style," answered Downy, "Maybe we can spread a new message of peace to the world that they seem to have forgotten."
"You really don't like fightin' do ya?" AJ felt obligated to ask.
"We abhor violence," Quill grumbled, "I don't know if war could ever end, but we hope maybe we can get people to always take that to be the last resort. We had a couple of foster parents who really taught us this, and taught us only to fight if there was absolutely no other choice. Always seek the peaceful way out, but never go so far in fighting for this that, if you have to martyr yourself for the cause, make sure it actually accomplishes something. The Great Mandala does not care how you live your life, only that you take your place on it, and it's only a very small part of the whole scheme of things."
"The Great Mandala," said Earth Twilight, which was echoed in the head of Princess Twilight as she listened in, and Earth Twilight said, "I understand what a mandala is, and they are incredible works of art."
"Oh, I think I've seen those in an Indian restaurant my family went to once," Rarity cut in, "They are exquisite and elaborate."
"Ah, so you understand the concept of a mandala!" said Downy, "Great! Well, the Great Mandala is created by every being living their lives and influencing the design, which is constantly changing and expanding. What we do is recorded on it, and its beauty, or lack of it, is based on how we live life and affect others. There was a war protest song written by Peter Yarrow called 'The Great Mandala,' who wanted to aim it at the folly of man and how illogical their outlook was on how someone tried to get the world's attention that the wars they were raging were wrong."
Quill jumped in here, now that everyone was intrigued by the story, and said, "But, the way I see it, he missed the whole point of the Great Mandala, and so much puts the point in the song, but doesn't really seem to understand the valid points he made. In the song, the main character dies in vain, and the rest of the world calls him a fool for doing so, and they could now go on doing stupid things without guilt. Yet, even that does not matter to the Great Mandala, because you pass through it as does everyone else. All it cares about is what you left behind. Therefore, if you fight for a cause, be wise and make sure it makes a big enough mark on the mandala for people to see and learn from, because if you lose at that, all you have lost is your life, and even wasted your life."
Sunset said, "It sounds sad, but now you have to sing this for us."
Yes, she wanted to hear it, but this was also a test: she wanted to see what happens. If it was getting stronger, she wanted Princess Twilight to see it and gauge where things were. With that, they began to sing "The Great Mandala," and sure enough, things started to happen. They took on the pony-ized look that the others could take on, and it now seemed like they were watching a music video, except they were in the middle of it. The twins, however, were so under the spell of their own music that they did not feel this odd. Once they were done with that, they said, "Hey, let's show you the other instruments, and we can teach you a few songs."
Sunset now understood Princess Twilight's worries. This was more powerful and vivid than before. Princess Twilight herself had all she could do to keep from falling under the influence of the music herself, and was amazed at actually seeing Bardic magic in full effect. The reality of it, however, was powerful and overwhelming, and she knew her conclusions were right. They had to get them back to Equestria without delay.
Meanwhile, Quill opened a couple of cases and produced a banjo and something that looked like an acoustic guitar, but only had four thick strings. He handed off the guitar to Dash and told AJ, "I thought you'd like this. This is an acoustic bass. It has a neat sound, and it won't get drown out by the other instruments."
She put it on and checked it's tuning, saying, "Hey, yer right. This does have a neat sound."
Downy then pulled out an hourglass shaped instrument with four strings, to which Fluttershy commented, "Oh, that looks so interesting. What is that?"
"It's called a dulcimer," answered Downy, "And it can either be played on the frets by an expert player, or you can use a small stick and a pick with it on your lap and play melodies by sliding the stick up and down the frets. I have all the notes marked out on it, so if you can read music, you can give it a try."
Fluttershy did know enough about music to give it a go, and she played a basic nursery rhyme, and was delighted she was able to get it so easy. "It is an easy instrument to learn," said Downy, "And I think you'll have fun with it."
She then pulled out a multistring instrument shaped like an odd pentagon with the bottom half almost flat, and on the long end was a box that went from top to bottom with 21 keys and a side button. Rarity then said, "It looks like a harp."
"Because it is technically a harp," answered Downy, "It's called an autoharp. The keys have all the major chords, minor chords, and major seventh chords. Yet, this one is special, because that extra button is the sharps/flats button. It's set in a spot that, when you push it, you can play all those chords in sharps."
She handed it to Rarity and gave her a pick, saying, "Since you play keys, I figured you could learn this one easy and play it. Just pick your chords and strum in rhythm."
Rarity took it and started fooling around with it, trying to get a feel for where all the chords were, saying, "I would say, it's not that hard a transition."
With that Quill pulled out some chord sheets and said, "If you can read these, you can play this song easily," and handed a sheet with three part harmony, saying, "Fluttershy, can you sing the high part? I think you can handle it."
"Well, I really don't like the spotlight all that much," answered Fluttershy quietly, "But I can give it a try, since this is just my friends."
She hummed the notes a bit, and then everyone started to toy with the chords and getting a feel for it. He then told Rainbow Dash, "Since you play lead, you can get lead licks over the top of us. Just improvise."
Pinkie, feeling left out, said, "What about me!"
"You can set up the cases as a makeshift drum set," answered Downy, "Just be careful not to hit them too hard."
After a bit of feeling it out, they played a song called "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes." Downy led them into it, and though it was rough at first, the magic now emanating from the twins started to permeate them, and it suddenly seemed easy to pick up on it. Before long, the twins and Fluttershy were soaring with their harmonies, and now even Rainbow Dash, who had had her misgivings about the music at first, now was absolutely jamming as if she was playing one of her favorite hard rock songs. Along with that came the phenomena from before, except the Equestrian Effect was hitting all of them, and now they were getting quite a powerful light show, and the barn and everything in it seemed to change into things that would fit the environment the magic was creating, and they almost seemed in another world now. Both Twilights and Sunset were stunned at this, and the three of them were now floating around. Princess Twilight was having all kinds of problems staying hid. When they finished, everything returned to normal, but the twins were on a roll. They broke into a song called "Across the Universe," and they started in on the first handful of measures, Quill in lead vocals. Now it was actually getting a bit more powerful, and the rest of them suddenly found it easy to improvise and sing backing choral runs as if a choir. The effect this time was to suddenly seem like they were in outer space, flying by galaxies, nebulae, and other heavenly things of which they had only been pictures. This time, everyone was floating, but they were so caught up in the magic that they were enraptured. However the two Twilights and Sunset, though hard pressed to do so, kept their heads about them, and Sunset managed to get her faculties about her and pull out her phone and get a video of this. If they were going to convince the twins, they had to see this for themselves, because those playing and singing, including the twins, were being bewitched by all that was happening. Once they were done, Pinkie was sighing in ecstasy, saying, "Ohh…galactic!" and then went back to bubbly and said, "Snack Time!"
That seemed to snap everyone out of it, and they headed over to the refreshments. Sunset and Earth Twilight said, "This is bad. This is real bad."
"If they weren't out of control," added Sunset, "I might have actually enjoyed it."
Now everyone was excited and talking, only remembering the music and how much fun it was, Pinkie handing out cake, chips, and drinks. Princess Twilight was busy taking notes, knowing this would be important when she got them back home in learning how to teach them about their own magic, and how to control and use it. "Everyone enjoying it?" asked Pinkie, which got a rousing response. Suddenly, Princess Twilight had Pinkie pop up in front of her, going, "Girl, how long are you going to hide back here? You're missing all the fun!" as she shoved some cake and punch in her hands, and then saying in a whisper, "Oh, sorry. We need to keep you secret until it's time."
She then popped back to the others as she turned the player back on saying, "Okay, game time!"
Twilight tried to figure out how Pinkie knew she was there, but she then just laughed and remembered that, even in this world, it was just best not to try to figure out Pinkie and go with the flow. After that, Sunset managed to slip over and ask, "How's it going?"
"Their magic is growing fast!" answered Princess Twilight, "It's not quite exponential, but it is close to it. That last song was incredible. I have no clue if it was real or illusion."
"Well, when do we tell them?"
"Play some games," she answered, "I can be patient. Wait until they are having such a good time that we can ease it on them and get them to accept it easier. Being blunt would be bad right now."
Sunset nodded and joined the others in the games. She'd try right before they headed to the farmhouse and call it a night.
They were laughing and having a ball at this point, and Quill and Downy felt so much like family now that they just felt…normal. Sunset knew they had to say something now, and Sunset said, "You know, those last songs seemed so magical."
"That's the beauty and power of music," said Quill, "There is magic in music, and power in harmony."
"Interesting you mention that," said Sunset, "But, I am curious: how have you two been feeling when you play."
That shook them a touch, and Downy said, "Well, that seems like an odd question, but…"
She pondered it a bit, and then said, "You know, I almost feel more and more like I'm becoming a part of the music in an almost tangible way as I play and sing as of late."
Quill pondered it, and then he said, "You know, Sissy, I've kind of felt that way too."
Earth Twilight then said, "How did you feel tonight?"
"It felt great," answered Downy, "In fact, with everyone involved, it seemed quite heavenly."
Now Earth Twilight and Sunset had to be careful. They were going to have to say something about what was happening, but they had to be believable. Sunset took a shot and then said, "Well, I'm going to tell you something. Something…"
She measured her words, trying not to drop a bombshell on them, and said, "…real magical was happening."
"Too straight," said Quill, but Sunset said, "Um…more than you think. Um… What do you believe about the supernatural and about magic?"
"Not sure what I believe," answered Downy, "But I don't believe that the universe is always closed and understandable. I mean, you can feel someone's vibes, for example, their inner energy, things their feelings give off, their aura…"
"Exactly," answered Sunset, "And I actually believe it more than you know."
"So, do you believe in karma?" asked Quill in return.
"Uh…" she muttered, and then she decided to roll with it and say, "Well, I more believe in kismet. Sometimes, things can happen…by magic for the lack of a better term…that causes one to meet their destinies."
Downy, more into such things than her brother, said, "Ooh…that sounds so neat! Tell me more!"
Sunset now had an inroad, but she wanted to take it cautious, because she was about to step into sensitive area, and even said, "Okay, in order to explain this, I may go into some personal turf, but just understand: I'm not trying to dig up painful memories, but I'm trying to help you learn something neat and interesting. Okay… Do you think things happen by random chance?"
"Oh, of course not," said Downy, "To everything there is a season," and she started to sing a few bars of "Turn, Turn, Turn," which gave the effect of a light magic touch, showing that they were still crackling with magic from their jam session. Not wanting her to break into song, she said, "Great. Now, from what you've told us at lunch and after classes through the week, you were left on the orphanage doorstep, right?"
"True," said Quill, catching on that Sunset was leading things somewhere, and he started to feel a bit uncomfortable, "And?"
"Okay," continued Sunset, "So, you never knew your folks. Are they still around?"
"We hope so," answered Downy, "I mean, they left a note that they would be back someday for us, but that has never happened."
Her face looked a bit down, from that, but she brightened and said, "But, you can never give up hope."
"Well," pushed Sunset, "Since you say things happen for a reason, why do you think it did? Do you think there might be a destiny for you two?"
Now they both were quiet, thinking about it, and Quill then said, "Come to think of it, I really haven't put much thought to it. But, what would be the purpose of doing that?"
"Perhaps it was for a reason we could learn some day," Downy answered, "If it was because of power higher than us… You know, we've been so busy just trying to get by that we've never put all that much thought into it."
Sunset then said, "Well, I am here to tell you that magic is real, but not really controlled in this world," and quickly pulled out her phone, pulling out past recordings, added, "Before you think I am crazy, I want you to see this."
She showed her the band in rehearsal and in school dances, and Quill said, "Neat special effects."
"Um…that's not special effects," said Sunset. She then looked at Dash and said, "Dash, give me some Miserlou, and really jam."
"Got it!" said Dash, ever the one to display her talents whenever the chance arose. She took up the guitar Quill volunteered to her and started to rip into it. She got into it enough that her ears and wings came out, with longer hair, and she was now floating off the floor. Now the twins were shocked, and Quill sputtered out, "What…just…happened!"
Earth Twilight was now scared that they were about to go into shock, but now that they saw it, she had to say something more towards the point. She said, "We've found magic is real, that you have it, and it ties into your fate and why you are here."
The pair looked at one another, not sure what to say, and Quill now took a defensive stance before his sister, saying, "Okay, what kind of crazy cult do you have going on here!"
"Please, don't be scared," pleaded Sunset, "We're trying to tell you something good."
They looked as if they did not want to believe, but then Fluttershy stepped forward and put her gentle hands, each one, on theirs, and said, "Please, you don't have to be scared of us. We are no cult, but we are your friends. You have to believe what we are telling you. It's okay. If we wanted to hurt you, we already would have."
Earth Twilight added, "It would make no sense to go this far and spend this much time partying if we wanted to do you harm."
Fluttershy's gentle smile and Twilight's logic started to calm them, and they began to feel a sense that there was something at the end of this they needed to know. It was not so much that they were being convinced as much as it was that they were under the effect of the leftover magic that was still running around the room trying to get them to see the truth. Now it was time for Sunset to get down to business. "Look," she said, "There was a reason why you are here in this world, and when I say that, I do not mean that some higher power created you for this time and for whatever reasons. You are here in this world by another…hand…"
She stopped, balking at saying the word "hoof", knowing it would sound odd to them, but not sure where to take it. Earth Twilight then said, "Because of the magic we know about, we have come to learn just why you were left on that doorstep."
Quill, suddenly a bit cross, not sure of the intent of what was being said or why, asked, "What do you mean."
Sunset then said, "I think this might help you to understand that we are not talking crazy talk. Twilight, you can come out now."
A bit confused at first, they were now stunned to see another Twilight emerge from the stacks and step up to the Earth Twilight, though it was clear there was a difference. This new Twilight wore her hair straight and long and had no glasses. At this, Downy fainted, Quill caught her, now afraid. He lightly tapped her face, saying, "Sissy! Sissy! Are you okay?"
The girls came up with some damp rags and laid her down on some haystacks, putting the cloths on her forehead, and Sunset then said, "Sit down, because we've a story to tell you."
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 7
They waited until Downy had awoken before continuing, and at this point Princess Twilight started to tell the tale. Yet, she did not tell them about what actual species they were supposed to be. She knew the story itself would be quite a bit to drink in. After telling the tale, she then went on to deal with them directly and said, “And so, because they feared something might happen to you two, that he just might come back, they put you into this world to keep you safe. However, fate can be nasty, and they died before they could come for you.”
At the barn, she took the blankets from Apple Bloom and said, “Got it from here.”
Once they were bedded down, the others went back to dismantle the abruptly ended party, but both Twilights and Sunset took a stroll through the orchards, talking. “I can’t say that went well,” Sunset started off saying.
After a good night’s rest, all the girls went out to breakfast, but Apple Bloom was all upset, pointing at Dash and saying, “But she owes me!”
Once at the restaurant, the three tag-alongs were at their own table, though they didn’t like being put across the room, and they ordered breakfast. However, Downy and Quill really didn’t look all that interested. Sunset then said, “Look, you two have to eat. We’ll treat, okay? You gave us a good scare last night, and we know you have to be hungry.”
As they ate, Princess Twilight still cringed in watching them eat meat, knowing that, in her world, some of the creatures the humans ate she would have had a conversation with in her world! She just kept very focused on the pancakes and English muffins before her. However, once it seemed everyone was near done, and the banter was done, Princess Twilight then said, “Well, I guess you can get things together for yourselves and get ready to come with us.”
After scraping it together to pay the bill, (and not leave an insulting tip behind,) they went outside to a said Downy, who started to apologize, saying, “I am sorry for his attitude right now. He’s a bit of an introvert, and when it seems everything has gone out of his control, he loses it. He’s just gone to be alone for a while. He’ll have time to think and recharge his batteries. Maybe he’ll be more reasonable then. There’s been too much interaction for him right now, and this didn’t help.”
Once there, Quill was sitting quietly on a park bench, hands in the pockets of the jacket Rarity had made for him, as well as the calf length moccasins he was now wearing more and more, liking the image, but just staring at the water and the ducks as they swam by. Downy was wearing one of the country girl dresses Rarity had also made and she stood in the center of the others, and she motioned for them to stop there. She then walked up, sat beside Quill, and there they sat for few minutes, quiet and peaceful. She then inched closer and leaned over, her head on his shoulder, at which he, without looking up, hooked his arm around her shoulder. The girls thought they were absolutely adorable at that moment, and both Rarity and AJ thought about just how close they were to their own sisters, but hoping the bonds of love between them were just as close. Finally, Quill said, “Sissy, do you really think it would be better for us?”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 9
The twins went back and started to pack what few earthly goods they had and prepared for their new life. They were still rattled over what they had done, knowing that hurting people was the last thing they ever wanted to do. They had not killed anyone, but considering what happened to their attackers, they might as well have been dead. In fact, one might have called it a fate worse than death. It was bad enough they had done this. It was worse knowing you could have avoided this by just believing what you had been told and going with it. However, Sunset did what she could to console them on the way back, because she knew that this could hurt their chances over in the other world. Going over all depressed would not help matters much.
While on the way back, they were dead silent all the way. They were still breaking into tears from time to time, and even muttering something about wishing something befall them as just desserts for their actions. Now THAT was unhealthy thinking! She couldn’t let that go and got right in front of them stopping them in their tracks, and saying, “That will be quite enough of that!”
They went right to bed when they finished, knowing they would have to get up early. Indeed, they did, and moved quickly and carefully, hoping they would not be noticed taking all their goods with them. Granted, it was not much, but they had their instruments along with the few clothes, personal effects, and memoirs they had. Most important to them was the photo album of the foster parents they spent the most time with and had the most peace. Those memories were ones they never wanted to leave behind. The one thing they had to do was leave and not have any suspicions be thrown on Sunset. Therefore, they waited for the maintenance crew to come in the back service entrance before the shelter was officially open, hid among the stuff in the store room near that door, and as soon as maintenance went past to go hang their coats, they quickly slipped out. They waited in the alley until they saw Sunset pass by and signaled her over. Once that was done, they led her away from the front entrance and took a roundabout way to the bank. They explained their actions as to why they were meeting her in this way, and Sunset realized the risk she was taking. Sure, she had a bag with her as well as she was going to be there for a spell while the twins got settled, but there might be some issues with her if it seemed that she aided them in running away. Agreeing that there might be issues, she went with it, but she also told them that Twilight was working some “magic” of her own, and by the time they had their things unpacked in Equestria, any actual evidence that they had ever existed would be stricken from the record. Only those who actually knew them would remember them, but with now no trace of them left behind or any proof they ever were, there was nothing they could do to pursue them. They got to the bank, and Sunset waited a few shops down so as no one could make any connections. It took a good half hour to get it done, considering some red tape in closing the accounts needed to be done, but they came out, ready to go get some food.
They picked a rather nice place to eat breakfast, and they ordered the finest things they could. Yet, they still seemed a bit down, though not as bad as the night before. They were wondering what her bag was all about, but she said she’d explain later, and just started off by asking, “So, how are you feeling?”
“Equestria is a world devoid of humans, where there are several sentient beings: griffons, dragons, cows, buffaloes, donkeys, minotaur, even goats and sheep, to name a few. The majority of them are quadruped, but the majority of sentient beings are, well, ponies, made up of three kinds: unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies—what we would call normal ponies, considering that the first two don’t exist here.”
Before long, they were at the school and the statue, and they were surprised to see the other girls there to send them off, along with Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna. The twins then said, “Wait, you know?”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 10
They twisted and flipped, floating through the portal with speed, but with eyes closed all the way. They suddenly found themselves on their feet, or what they would have perceived as their feet, when they stepped out and opened their eyes. They were still upright, as men would know “upright”, and they took a few tentative steps, finding they could walk for a little bit, but finding it quite uncomfortable. Their balance was such, in fact, that they felt themselves compelled to tip forward and land on their hands…if they had hands.
Their eyes were blurred a bit from the journey, but their eyesight was becoming clearer, and the first thing they noticed through the blur was a warm glowing off-white light. They then next both felt something enveloping something on their foreheads, as well as the sensation that something was attached to them. When their vision cleared, they saw the most beautiful creatures they had ever seen. “Welcome,” came a warm but familiar voice, and Quill just blurted out, “C…C…Celestia?”
In their minds, Luna had joined the thoughts of the twins, and they appeared as they would as humans before a human Luna, but in beautiful gown matching her hair color. She had a kind smile on her face and said, “You’ve made great changes, and changes far beyond what most ponies or people should be able to take. Things have happened fast, but I want you to know that you are safe. You are in a place where you will be welcomed and loved. However, we must help you adjust. The first thing that must be done as that you must see yourselves in your heads as your current form in the conscious world. If you can normalize that image in your mind, you should be able to move around just like anypony else. Let us begin.”
The vision was beginning to turn cloudy and fade as they now opened their eyes and realized they were back in the castle, and actually felt, not only normal, but refreshed. They stood up, and this time with no problem. Sunset asked, “How do you feel?”
Celestia led Sunset into the throne room of Twilight’s castle, and there were all the chairs around the Cutie Map, and Sunset was amazed. She had a moment of regret now seeing what she threw away, but she steeled herself and said, “Yes, I threw this away, and I can’t ever get that back. The past is gone, and there is nothing I can do to change that. I understand.”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Author's Note
I decided to give writing a song a shot. Since the show has songs, I figured I'd give it a try. Okay, so it's only lyrics. But I leave it to you, dear reader, to decide how the tune should go.
Chapter 11
Chapter 11
The twins took themselves a good nap after their little "incident", and after a couple of hours, they awoke, and now were quite hungry. Spike, who had been told to watch them, was right there, saying, "Well, I hope you two slept well. If you didn't catch it before. Anything you two need, I'll get it for you!"
In their minds, it was an odd mix of modern technology and medieval fantasy. In some cases, one could call them primitive, but in many others, they saw much of what they would be familiar with if they were back where they had just come from. They noticed a lack of things like cars, trucks, busses, airplanes or any kind of automotive transport except for trains. They found that odd, and they made a mental note to ask about that later. One thing that indeed caught their attention, and that was just how much magic played a role in this world. Whereas it was quite random and out of control of anyone where they had been before, it was extremely commonplace, even to where the ruling monarchs actually governed the turning of the Earth, provided the solar system here operated the same as where they had been. Considering what they had experienced so far, they were not even sure of that. They were amused that many of the towns and cities bore similar names to things they would know: Manehattan, Bronclyn, Fillydelphia, Trottingham, Los Pegasus, Baltimare, Vanhoover, and movie capitol Applewood, just to name a few. They played many sports, slightly modified, but not really unfamiliar. They had baseball, Hoofball in all its forms, (Soccer, Rugby, Gaelic,) Ice Hockey, track and field, (which looked more like what they would recognize as thoroughbred horse racing and other equestrian sports done like a track meet,) and other sports. It all felt familiar, but yet different. They knew that they would have get out and see as much of this as they could if they were ever to fit in.
The six, the sisters, Sunset, and Moon Dancer, in the meantime, were in the map room. Twilight was showing Sunset around, and came to the Cutie Map, saying, “…and this came up. Wherever there is a friendship need anywhere in Equestria, the cutie marks of those who could best help with it glow, and copies of our marks float over the map where the issue is.”
After about an hour, the crew entered, and Twilight was levitating what would be their meals. They had two decent sized bowls, along with glasses of milk, both with straws, knowing they did not yet know how to use their hoofs to pick up things. Their noses flared as they smelled what was coming, and Quill said, “Wow, my nose can smell so well now, and I can hear better than before.”
A foal becomes a filly or colt, and then to a stallion or mare;
As one act ends, a new act begins: it does not end the play of life;
“You see,” said Pinkie Pie, “Starting over can be a lot of fun, because each time you finish one part of growing, you can celebrate what you gained, and celebrate the start of a new adventure! Starting over doesn’t always have to be bad, but it can give you a whole new way to see the world!”
Life doesn’t have to be a struggle, but an adventure day by day;
As one act ends, a new act begins: it does not end the play of life;
We’ll stand strong, we’ll pull through, and we will learn to soar;
As one act ends, a new act begins: it does not end the play of life;
As the day passed, they were getting better and better at coping with their new environment, but now charged and ready to face each challenge because of the friends they now had. AJ’s plain honesty didn’t sugar coat mistakes, but doing so made them able to learn faster, because the honest critique of how they did things helped them see mistakes faster and learn better. Rarity was generous in suggestions on how to best attack each new challenge. For anypony else, this would be just functioning as normal, but for the twins, it was all new. Yet, Fluttershy’s kindness soothed like a salve when it seemed they were about to let frustration do them in. Rainbow Dash was always right there with a word of encouragement to push them on, while Pinkie Pie was always able to find the humor in some blunder or another, helping them to laugh through mistakes and frustrations that might make others give it up for the moment. Never before had they ever had so many be so supportive of them, and more and more they both felt like they had a true home, and that the world from which they just left was becoming more and more of a distant memory. Sure, the future was still an unknown, but at least now, they could face the future on their own terms.
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Author's Note
In this chapter, I have taken a touch of liberties on Equestrian currency, considering that my research has come up with nothing solid upon which to base it. However, knowing how most societies worked with silver as a standard, and how they all came up with systems similar to that of the last standards used by the Roman Empire and used in Britain until the early 70s, I went with it, using some show terms from previous gens of MLP. It was the only way for me to make sense of the money, so please forgive me if it seemed weird. It was only for continuity sake.
Please also forgive me if I did not portray the growth of magic in a unicorn correctly or how one learns spells. Again, I couldn't find anything specific, so I just tried to apply logic as best I could and went from there. If I was wrong, I can always edit and rework those scenes. Thank you for your time.
Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Once they arrived at the castle, the attendants were quick to take everyone’s things and prepare to settle them in. Many of the maids took an extra moment to greet the twins and tell them that they dearly loved their mother and what kind of a pony she had been, as well as offer their condolences. However, once there, Quill then said, “Um, if it’s all the same to you, your highness, we’d like to go out and find some good busking spots.”
It was just before Celestia raised the sun, and that was when an alarm clock set in the room went off, put there courtesy of Twilight to be sure the twins got up on schedule. However, Quill smashed the snooze button down with his hoof, groaned, and curled back up again. Five minutes later, a knock came loud on the door, followed by a muffled Twilight, saying, “Rise and shine, sleepyheads! We’ve much to do. We’re already five minutes behind. You can get you hygiene in and breakfast to make sure your minds are alert and chipper, and then class to follow.”
Despite the fact that clothing was optional to ponies, the bathing facilities were still not unisex. It was some kind of odd logic they had yet to figure out, but there it was. Once they took care of that, they went back to put something on. They still were not used to running around unclothed, though this was perfectly natural for the ponies, who must have thought the coats they already had were enough. Nonetheless, the pair indeed did share rooms growing up, but had never really watched each other dress, looking away as one and the other changed clothes or whatnot. In fact, they did this at first out of habit, but eventually just laughed, and Downy said, “Kind of doesn’t make any sense anymore, does it?”
They arrived at the School for Gifted Unicorns where Celestia had set aside a spare classroom for the task at hand, and it was clear that Twilight was excited to be doing this. The classroom was, of course, full of desks, but the front two were set up with plenty of paper for them to be taking notes, pencils, a few textbooks inside the desk they would need, and…crayons? The twins found this odd, but they also saw above the wall the alphabet in printed and handwritten form, (and in this case, mouth or levitation writing,) with plenty of flowers and smiley faces. They wondered if they were using an elementary school room, but then realized that the desks were just their size, and they wondered just what Twilight was thinking. After all, she had to have been the one to decorate the classroom, and now they were worried about the approach that Twilight was taking. They found it interesting they had stools to rest their hindquarters, but they would have to lean forward onto the desk to write, it being angled for that purpose. Indeed, they had evolved to meet their physical needs in this world, and it was just another of a slew of things to which they would have to become accustomed. It was then that Celestia and Luna entered the classroom to observe, and so that Celestia could remove their seals so they could learn how to control their magic. Moon Dancer was with the princesses, and just shook her head, fearing what was about to happen. It was not out of control magic she feared, it was Twilight’s anxiousness to do this class!
Twilight then began to lecture, and said, “Welcome to all my new and bright students, and I hope this school semester will be as enjoyable for you to learn as it is for me to teach you!”
After about 10 minutes on the evolution of unicorn magic, (all of which both Moon Dancer and Spike wondered what this would aid in helping the twins get a handle on their own magical potential,) she finally got to the meat of things. “Now, when foals are born, it is common for random magic to hop out here or there. Usually it is manifested in simple things like wanting a favorite toy or another cookie or something like that. The mishaps that it causes are usually minor and not much to worry about. What is interesting is that, somewhere along the line, once the foal begins to have more sophisticated thoughts, comparably speaking, their access to magic is cut off. In a similar way that a foal, or any child of any being, has exponential growth at first, but then reaches a certain size to where a hormone radically slows the growth, so does the magic have something happen to cut off access to that magic. It can then later be reawakened through practice, but now in a way that it can be fully controlled by the unicorn.”
They came to a chamber that had steel reinforced walls and wards on the outside to keep runaway spells from getting out of the room. Inside it was empty, but could have anything put into it depending on the spell and what was intended to be done. Since it was Celestia that put the seals on, she would go in with them to take them off, and then leave the room while things happened. She then said, “Try to empty your minds and keep them that way until the door has been closed and sealed. Moon Dancer will then give you instructions from there.”
Once in the infirmary, they were hooked up to a machine that read brain activity, and they now felt sick to their stomachs as they almost seemed flat lined. “No!” gasped Twilight, but the doctor said, “Now, don’t fret yet; if they are as out as I think them to be, then this is normal. We’ll just have to wait.”
After about a half hour, the twins were doing much better, but still got some heavy aspirin to help deaden any pain. After a few more minutes, they were okay to return to class, but Quill asked the doctor, “What happened?”
Once back in class, the lesson continued in how unicorns learned spells, and then used them afterwards. It was part magic, and part mind power that made things work. It seems that, once a unicorn learned a spell and memorized it, he or she could just think of the spell title, focus, and things would happen. The more it was done, the more it became an almost instinctive action—an extension of the unicorn. The first spell that all unicorns learned was the levitation spell, making things do what you wanted by a mere act of will. “In this spell,” said Twilight, “It will become as if your horns become an extra appendage for you to manipulate things. What I am thinking is, since the two of you had hands at one point, then when using it, all you would have to do is picture using your hands to do things, and it should work. I mean, when I first visited your world, I learned how to use hands in a similar way that you learned how to use your hoofs. When I came back, I had memories of this, and I could actually move things a whole lot better. Now, right there in your textbooks are all the basic spells unicorns use every day. The first one, of course, is the one I just spoke about. Go ahead and read that.”
After about 20 minutes, they were starting to get the hang of it without reciting the spell, just having to think about what they wanted to move to have it happen. Twilight then said, “Okay, now take your pencils and try to write something.”
As the day progressed, they learned a handful of spells, got a basic handle on pony culture, learned some history, and then learned some history on their heritage. Moon Dancer said, “I was able to get copied their special tome and history for you to read on your own. When it comes time to show you the magic involved, I am sure you’ll be able to see what traditions and practices will actually have a benefit to you. As I’ve said, both Celestia and I have figured that the extent that the ancient Bardics went to were mostly needless and caused them an exclusiveness that caused their eventual downfall. Look them over and we can discuss some of those things the next time we meet.”
As they did, Quill spent time looking at the tome on the practices of the Bardics, and he said, “This is all way out there. I’d say about 75% of what they have here is nonsense and useless when it comes to music.”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Author's Note
I wanted to add the pony version of "This Land is Your Land," but there is a dispute as to whether or not the actual song is still copyrighted or in the public domain, as the verses for the most part would be the original song. Therefore, I could not safely put this in the chapter. But, for yourselves, just put in Los Pegasus for California, Manehattan for New York, the Everfree Forest for the Redwood, and East Coast for Gulf Stream. That way, you can look up the lyrics for yourself and have your own version, making personal changes in the verses that are appropriate.
Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Three months had passed since their magic was first put under control, and indeed, when they suggested they needed forays out into the public, it was readily agreed that inundation would be the best way to acclimatize the twins was to let them get out and meet other ponies. As the twins thought might happen, they did make some mistakes and faux pas, but with some quick damage control, not too much was said. However, to the public eye, the twins stood out like a sore thumb as compared to the upper crust that made up the populous of Canterlot. Many of the snobs thought them oddballs, but the twins thought many of them way too “establishment”, so to speak. It was odd that they didn’t see the princesses this way, but then again, Luna was very matronly while Celestia seemed more down to earth and approachable. Twilight almost acted like being a princess was an afterthought while Celestia almost acted like she’d rather toss aside the royal trappings and just go out and have a good time. In the human world, they would have called her a people person, but the twins still weren’t sure how they would term something like that in Equestria. Everyone else around, however, was a bit stand-offish to the twins, their dress, and commoner approach, not just because they seemed common to the townsponies, but they acted like everypony was an equal, and seemed to think other ponies should treat one another that way, or at the least, learn to tolerate how other ponies live. The twins seemed to be saying without actually saying it, “You can love the pony without loving all the pony does.”
Only one pony did not seem that way to them, and that was one Fancy Pants. Sure, he had money and influence, as well as seemed real establishment compared to the kind of counterculture the twins exuded, but he also seemed far more accepting of other ponies from all trots of life. This was discovered when the twins, on a whim, and to put to practice some of the Bardic magic they had been learning in an entertainment sense. They got a permit from Celestia herself to go into the public market and do some busking. She explained all the rules to them, (no more than 15 minute sets to keep crowds moving and to avoid pickpockets…for those ponies who were sporting them to be picked, and other such things,) she set them loose. They played their folk set, along with some Everley Brothers numbers, (all reworked to reflect the pony culture,) but many of the upper classes turned their muzzles up at them, thinking them common urchins not deserving of the time of day from them. However, many of the lower money set, (affluent, but still employed in some sense,) seemed to be pleased and tossed bits into their guitar cases. They had yet to let loose with their Bardic tricks, waiting for the right moment to unleash it. Before they could, however, Fancy Pants came by one day and, hearing the music, stopped to listen. Since he was a pony of note, other ponies, (just to look good in front of them,) took time to pay attention to them, and when he put a good number of bits in their case, other followed suit, and they made quite a haul that day! It was then they tried some of their magic and decided on a ballad so they could tell a story, and they had reworked “The Ballad of Thunder Road”, (though that had taken some work,) and let loose with the story. Keeping under control, they illuminated a spot in the middle of the crowd and let the story play out as if a three dimensional movie. Upon finishing, the crowd was either amazed, pleased, or some—just a handful in reality—turned their muzzles up in disgust and went their way. Fancy Pants was so impressed that he asked them to play at a tea party he was holding the next day. This stunned the snobs, but what could they say to him? He had money, he had influence, and to call him uncouth just might have been social suicide. In fact, when they did play, they made sure to keep the music mellow and upbeat, using their magic to help influence a mild but celebratory mood. It was not just helping them build acceptance among other ponies, but also helping them practice what they had learned.
A part of all this was meeting some of Twilight’s Canterlot friends and hanging out with them. At first, this seemed no big deal, but it quickly dawned on Twilight that Quill really needed some other ponies that were stallions to hang with, because, well, all her friends were mares, and it had to be hard to relate to some of the conversations. The only other stallions around were those of the soldiers and the castle guard, but he and they had about as much as common with one another as all of Discords interspecies parts. The soldiers mostly talked about military exercises and training maneuvers while Quill was a peacenik. Luckily, that changed when one particular day, Flash Sentry was assigned guard duties in the castle. He had interests in music himself, and that opened the door for Quill and he, as well as Flash’s attitude. Sure, being a part of the castle guard made him part of the army technically, but he was more involved with protecting than fighting, and was not all “hoo-ah” like the other soldiers. He was not about making war as he was in using what was needed, including force, to keep the peace. In fact, once Flash found out about the magic of the twins and what it could do, he thought it cool that they could keep the peace without having to use violence. This allowed a friendship to form between the pair, and he then hung with them when he was not on duty. (Having an eye for Princess Twilight didn’t hurt matters, and allowed him more time around her. He wasn’t sure where that might go, but a stallion can dream, can’t he?) Twilight was a bit worried that this was the only stallion friend Quill had, but Celestia assured her it was okay; stallions usually had one or two, or even just a handful of friends they spent time with, and it was not like her and her friends here or in Ponyville. Yet, the other matter was, no matter what friends he made, stallion or mare, he did not want to be apart from Downy too much, nor did Downy want to be apart from him. Except for those in the know, many found that odd, and a bit creepy. However, they were able to work out a similar story of foster care and a harsh upbringing that made them very tight, as if it had happened in this world and not the other. The truth was, they now realized they were really almost one entity, thinking the other’s thoughts and such, finishing sentences, as if even living was music in motion. They loved each other to the maximum in the way that only a brother and sister could.
By the end of that three months, they now knew enough to function somewhat on their own, along with the fact that the Apples had sent word that their house on the orchard was ready for them. Celestia, knowing their potential for magic and music, wanted to put their learning to the test, and, through Flash, decided to use them in a military exercise to test some kind of subduing magic. Considering there was a co-training exercise competition between the Equestrian Army and that of the Crystal Empire, this would be the perfect way to test. The twins, at first, were absolutely against it, thinking they were going to be used as a weapon, but Flash calmed them down and let them know that all they were there to do is to try to use their magic to try to stop an attack, not to go on the offensive. If they were there to help keep the peace as they claimed, then this would be a good way to see if that was possible. With reluctance, they then did it, but said that if they tried ever in time to use them like a weapon, they just might disappear and they would never be seen again. With that, they met out in the testing grounds with The Equestrian Army, met with the commanding general, and he had them play for them, and to see what kind of power they could wield. One thing they certainly could do was keep ponies mesmerized and subdued with the colors and images the music and magic invoked. The general then tried to get some of his stallions to advance on them, but they had spells that put them in shielding bubbles. No matter how they tried, they could not puncture through them or move forward. They were then able to put up some force walls, and then to use a magic that caused them to not want to fight, but touched the mental parts of the brain that took out all aggression and want to fight. The general was impressed, but he was not sure what two unicorns could do against a whole army. Therefore, he decided to put them somewhere where they could infiltrate the Crystal team base and take out the head. They tested that by having some Wonderbolts in their night infiltration flight suits fly in the twins with a few commandos for protection and try to take their own base. They came in low to avoid radar detection and the sentries and put them down in a covered area. With that, the commandos escorted them, but were frustrated at the slow pace. The twins were not combatants, or even athletically trained as they never really did any sports in the human world. Sadly, because of that, they were detected, but they were allowed to approach as if unseen so that they felt all was well and would not be suspecting a counterattack. The twins were ready to go, but they maybe got out a few bars of music before they were subdued. At this, the general knew that it was best not to use the twins in this way, and just decided to put them out on a strategic area of the field and give them protection. With that, they sent word to the Crystal team to be ready for some surprises!
The maneuvers then began, and they had the twins in a wagon with the artillery, moving with them, with a loudspeaker on the wagon for the test. As the troops engaged and started their war games. The artillery gave the twins cover, along with some infantry, and put them in a sheltered area overlooking the fight, but close to it for maximum effect. With that, the twins cut into a song entitled, “Come the Day,” and it stopped the troops dead in their tracks. They began looking at the twins as if they were having an epiphany, and setting down their arms. While fighting went on in other areas of the field, in that area, all the fighting stopped. The twins then started in on “Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream,” where all ponies all over the world decided to put an end to war. When the foe started to put down their weapons, and the general for Equestria saw this, he called for his own troops to advance. This, the twins were horrified to see, and now realized that they were being used as a pawn: the very thing they warned against. Had this been a real war, they would have made good on their threat. However, they decided on a different option. Instead, what they did was decide to stop both sides from fighting, playing, “One Tin Soldier.” With that, they were able to stop both forces in that area from fighting, and caused them to want to watch the story the song spelled out: a group of ponies on a hill with a treasure, and ponies in a valley demanding that they hand the treasure over, even though the ponies on the hill were willing to share it. With rage, the valley ponies charged the hill and killed the mountain ponies. Once done, they stood there on the hill by the treasure on the stone, red with the blood of their enemies, and turned it over. All it showed was a sign that read, “Peace on Earth.”
Troops from both sides not only did not want to fight, they all now felt convinced that war was an evil thing and wanted out of the military that instant! The exercise was halted for the moment while doctors from both sides examined the troopers. It was not that they had their minds rewritten, but they were under some kind of hypnotic influence that had convinced them that war was evil and they wanted no part of it. Shining Armor wanted explanations and fast! He had only wanted an exercise between allies, and what they got was the loss of a battalion of good soldiers. Worse, the twins could not reverse this because there was nothing in Bardic magic that was designed to make people aggressive and warlike. This indeed caused tensions between the two lands, and now Princesses Cadence, Celestia, and Luna had to come in and try to settle this matter. Indeed, considering the blood ties that the Crystal Empire and Equestria had via Twilight Sparkle, all sides wanted to settle this without issue. As both sides awaited the possible resumption of the exercise, the Equestrian commanding general, furious that his army had been sabotaged, had the twins arrested and brought to the meeting of the princesses. As far as he was concerned, they had committed treason, and being soft-spine peaceniks, they needed to be punished accordingly. He was so angry, he was not being rational, thinking that, most certainly, Princesses Luna and Celestia would see it his way. He was in for a surprise.
Celestia, first of all, apologized to Cadence and Shining Armor, stating that they were just trying to test out the twins, but meant no harm. She also was not sure why the twins went the way they did, but with her general coming with them, they could soon have an explanation. However, she was shocked when the general had them come under military police escort and in chains! Steam was proverbially pouring out of his ears, screaming, “They were supposed to stop the other side, not do what they did! They need to be punished for treason!”
A week was allowed to go by while the twins got themselves back together mentally and were able to face things again. Once that happened, they were given leave to go to Ponyville to, not just a home, but for the first time ever, a real home of their own. Yet, once they got there, they came face to face with one of Pinkie Pie’s famous welcome parties. They were overwhelmed by the welcome, not certain why this was happening, knowing that, though they knew their human counterparts, they still had not really gotten to know these versions of them as well. They felt that there should not have been very much of a difference, but they still knew they would have to meet them all over again. Moreover, Downy was forced to ask, “Why all the fuss? We hardly know each other.”
That Saturday, a knock came on the door, and Downy was doing some housework when the knock came. She then went over to answer it, met by Cheerilee, all smiles and happy as she usually was. “Miss Cheerilee, if I remember from the party?” asked Downy.
That Sunday, all those involved came over to discuss the matter, and all the chatter was about what they could all contribute, and how they could put all this together. Octavia well knew of the twins skills and knowledge of music, and knew they could make a good mix. She wondered if they could put some of this Bach fellow into folk or into Vinyl Scratch’s realm, or teaching, say the Little Fugue in G minor to the Ponytones to be sung a Capella. They even taught the Ponytones some Doo-Wop songs, and Rarity ate it up. She even started gushing about working on some themed costumes for the Ponytones for just that purpose. Big Macintosh even was loving it, as the baselines were more involved than just singing the changes and laying the foundation. Vinyl didn’t say much, but you could see the wheels in her head turning as she started taking notes. Much of the music she cared for had nothing to do with what she liked, but she also was known to convert other styles over to her own, so one could only guess what she had planned.
Come that next day, as sure as Celestia bringing the sun up in the morning, Rarity had the Ponytones decked out in what we would know as 50s costuming, while Vinyl and Octavia came out as they usually did. The twins came out, all flowy and paisley as one would expect flower children to be, and Cheerilee called the students to order as she said, “Okay, foals, we have a special treat today. As I have told you, we are having a music appreciation day today, and I have asked to come different ponies from different musical backgrounds. We have the Ponytones, Miss Scratch, Miss Octavia, and the Feathers: Quill and Downy. The Ponytones bring to us pop music, Miss Scratch brings us her techno, Miss Octavia her classical, and the Feathers bring us folk music. Let’s give them a big welcome!”
In the classroom, the pupils were taking up the parts of the song that matched their voice, and the song began to waft out the open windows to the ears of passers-by. They all began to wonder at what was going on and they all came over to see what was going on. Before you knew it, there was a decent crowd now gathered, initially to see why the others were there, and then to listen to what was being offered. Before long, the students were all out the door, and an ersatz parade was forming. Rarity was about to take the lead vocals, but she was cut off by a soaring and bounding Sweetie Belle, who was now tearing into the song with relish, as everyone was moving down the street to the beat of the song. The whole town was becoming involved, and at this, the twins were adding just a touch of Bardic magic, adding some dancing colors and lights to the scene. This was just as Celestia and Twilight were walking into town, looking to get a progress report on the twins and how they were doing. She got her answer very quickly! The parade was coming down the street in a grand celebration of music, and they all gathered at the town square for a bit of a jam session. When the song ended, everyone spotted Celestia and bowed. She said, “Arise, my little ponies, and tell me what makes you so joyful this day.”
The next phase of their lives were about to begin.
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 16
“The Grand Galloping Gala?” asked Twilight as they walked from the small celebration going on by those who knew just what this meant, “Are you sure that’s good? I mean, I don’t think what they do is what they would want to hear.”
After the crowd dispersed, the Ponytones, Octavia and Vinyl, as well as the twins were there, but the twins remained mostly silent while Rarity was all agog. “Oh goodness!” she said, “This is going to be fabulous!”
They got to the boutique, and now Rarity was able to work a magic of her own. She looked over the two of them and said, “Quill, I see by your choice of clothes that you are a deep thinker. You like colors and patterns that cause people to look at them and start to look for things in them, to get lost in them. Therefore, what you tell ponies is that they need to look into things deeply and understand what they see, and not in a shallow way, only seeing what’s on the surface. Downy, I see you like graceful and flowing things. It seems you really have a peace in your heart and can see the grace and peace in other things. You tell other ponies that they should always look for the beauty in things, even in things that seem merely simple and without much to them.”
We all have a view of the world around that we all hold inside;
But though we think we hold it back, it cannot be restrained;
At this point, spools of thread were moving all around with bolts of cloth and patterns being drawn as tape measures were going over the both of them, and you could see the wheels in Rarity’s head spinning fast and powerfully.
Now Quill, you are a thinker, as your color patterns clearly show;
Be yourself, don’t hold it back, it cannot be restrained;
She had him in simple casual black slacks, a white peasant shirt with a black vest and a simple black headband. She left the hair as it was because she knew it fit the image that he was trying to portray. He still wasn’t trying to fit the mode of high fashion, in this outfit, but he did not stand out so much that he just might be taken a bit more seriously by those he wished to hear his message. He saw himself and never thought he could look good like that. It was milder, but still said, “I am my own stallion.” Rarity then said to him before turning to Downy, saying, “It’s original, but not so much that they turn you off at first sight. Never be last out of style or first in fashion, I always say.”
Now Downy, you’re the opposite, and plain and simple will not do.
Show nature’s harmony in your heart, it cannot be restrained;
She now had Downy in a simple one piece dress with a simple black belt in the middle. The top half was loose but fitting with a clear demarcation at the shoulders in the stitching as to where the sleeves started. The sleeves were also loose but fitting, ending in a lace pattern, and the neck had a simple ribbon cinch tie with no collar. The skirt half was pleated and flowing, also bordered with lace, with blending colors top and bottom that noted movement and a flowing grace with a scheme that matched both her mane color and coat color so as not to clash. It also was able to compliment either her usual flower chain she wore on her head like a laurel, or even a single flower she was often seen to be sporting. The twins could not believe it. It still said who they were, but in a way that was not so much “in your face” as it had been. They were still different, but not so much that they were being noticed for the wrong reasons. Rarity then said, “If I were you, I would wear things like this before them. It still may make them turn their noses up at you, but it still preaches your message and yet exudes a maturity that they just might listen and learn something from what you say and sing.”
The scream of glee could be heard across town! “Oh, this is the most FABULOUS news!” gushed Rarity, “And you wish my help?”
As the days passed and Twilight was pouring over the list, she was able indeed to recruit her friends. Rainbow Dash was going to be part of a Wonderbolts display, while Fluttershy would take care of animal acts to entertain the children who came with their parents. Pinkie Pie would work with Rarity on music and refreshments so as to not clash with anything Rarity had planned. She hoped that Rarity would be able to help keep Pinkie Pie’s idea of such things with some dignity. Applejack would work with Granny Smith as official feastocrats for the event. Once this was done, she wanted to meet with those who Celestia wanted in a musical stage show, and she met with them at the twins’ house, looking to see what they had in mind for the show. The first ting Quill asked is, “Well, just what is this gala all about anyway?”
Everyone had left by this point except for Twilight, who then asked, “So, now that things are kind of settling down, how have you two been? We really haven’t talked much since you arrived at Ponyville.”
Early the next morning, they got dressed, some breakfast, and met Twilight as they went to Fluttershy’s cottage. As they approached, there seemed to be a peace about that place that set them at ease. If there seemed to be one being around the area that seemed in tune with nature, it must be Fluttershy. They remembered her human counterpart, and they wondered just how different or the same this one would be. Twilight knocked, and Fluttershy opened the door a crack. Upon seeing her, she opened, but was put off a touch by the twins. This Fluttershy hadn’t really gotten to know them all that well yet, and she turtled up a bit. “Oh, hi,” she said quieter than normal, but Downy gently smiled and raised her right hoof, saying, “Peace, nature’s child. It is so good to meet you.”
Somewhere near the surface of the Abyss inside Tartarus, a pair of eyes turned to the top. He had heard the echo of confidence and power waft through the fields and paths of magic, and it was a magic he knew all too well. He smiled evilly and said, “Soon, my child, soon we shall meet, and we shall see just who conquers what…”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 18
It was now Gala night, and, though Twilight was more assured, she still fretted a bit as the guests arrived. They all strolled up to the royalty and greeted them, but then, when they went into the ballroom, their eyes nearly fell out of their heads. Pinkie Pie announced, “Welcome Gala Guests! It’s time to let your manes down and have some fun!”
Pinkie then got on stage and announced, “Okay, everypony: tonight, we’re going to have a rolling concert…although it’s not really rolling, but it’s sitting on the stage and not going anywhere, so it’s a sitting there concert that rolls on through the night. We start with and finish with a classical piece, and maybe even the whole thing! In between, we have a bunch of different styles as requested by Princess Celestia. We start tonight’s show with Neightoven’s 5th Symphony.”
Once the piece was over, and an intermission was called, many went to the refreshments table, and very much enjoying the switch from the usual fare. Others were having dinner, and were surprised how good that country cooking could be. At the refreshment table, there was that pair again, and two of the snobs, (Filthy and Spoiled Rich namely,) came up to look down their muzzles at them. Not only did they want to put them in their place, but they wanted to be sure they knew they were unwelcome. Spoiled Rich was the vocal of the two and said, “Well, I suppose you’re having a good time.”
After this, Pinkie Pie came out and said, “Coming up next, we have Pineville’s own melody makers, the Ponytones!”
Pinkie Pie took the stage and prepared to announce the pair, saying, “Okey dokey wokey! We have next some newcomers to Equestria, though they aren’t so new, because they’ve been here for a few months, but I guess they’d be new to you, because you’ve never seen them. But after this, you can’t say they aren’t new to you anymore, because you’ll have seen them.”
After this, they kicked into a musical piece that the human world would recognize as the 1812 Overture, though, in this world, was recognized under another name, and this was meant to be the climax of that evening’s entertainment. Indeed, Octavia’s direction put the power and glory to the piece that it deserved, but what then took the cake was, at the right spots, Pinkie Pie started setting off party cannons, spreading streamers and confetti everywhere to a now joyous and celebratory audience. On the last cannon shot, it shook the floor and covered everything with color and glitter as a fireworks display started overhead. The display itself ran for a good two hours, and Celestia eventually came out and said, “Look at all of you! You are all acting like young foals, having the times of your lives, exactly as the foals you brought are having as we speak. For those of you who wondered, this was the reason why I had things this way. I wanted you all to recapture your youths, when money, power, and prestige meant nothing to you, and having fun was the main goal of your lives. I hope the rest of the evening is just as joyous, and let joy be unconfined. Let’s party, everypony!”
As they went to get some punch and wind down a bit, a handful of ponies approached with wonder and curiosity. One of the elder ones said, “I never thought it could be true. Is this real? Are the legends true?”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 19
For the next two hours, the twins were getting some information here and there of the ponies that were interested in learning the ways of the Bardic, but in a new fashion. All involved exchanged personal information, and then the crowd broke up, all except for one. He was in a nice tuxedo, with a grin that reminded you of the last used car salesman you just wanted to give a good rap to the mouth for conning you into that lemon you still regret buying to this very day. “Kids, that was an awesome show! Those are some harsh critics, and you won them over! Are you new to this, or have you been playing a club circuit or anything?”
Somepony was watching the whole exchange, and he knew Spin Doctor well. He had no trust for west coast agents, and he also knew that kind of agent like preying on unsuspecting youths and ride them for everything they could get. He came up and said, “Hey, Spin Doctor: fancy meeting you here.”
By this point, it was about 2:30 in the morning, and many with foals had already excused themselves to put them to bed, and there were still some there, but nowhere near what there was. The feast had long shut down, and the kitchen cleaned up, as Fluttershy had her animals where they needed to be. The Ponytones had broken up to do their own things, and Pinkie handed things over to the servants, all tuckered out. The Wonderbolts had gone their ways, and Rainbow Dash was free to go at this point. Twilight Sparkle caught up to the twins and said, (with a yawn,) “This has got to be the best gala we’ve had so far.”
As they wandered down the streets, they were still alive with activities, as it almost seemed like Mardi Gras, but without all the vice. That energized them a bit more, and they were abuzz with how the night had gone. Once they had their couple dozen, they all talked about how much fun they had had, and they asked the twins, “So, how did it go for you?”
Ponaeros had cut his last deal, having managed to use his new found power to get those spirits of the Abyss to keep Cerberus busy, and then caused it to be that Cerberus would turn on them, and then gain more of the power they had granted him. With that, he sneered as he used a cloaking spell to hide his emergence. The energy signature he would put out otherwise would alert the rulers of the realm long before he could act. He would then have to disguise it thereafter, because his work would be long and hard. He could not just get things going right away, for these things take time. As he emerged, he heard echoing though the ether, “To live in a world with peace in it; who wouldn’t want that?”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 20
The group of them slept most of the next day, but did not have much energy to do much else than just ride back to Ponyville on the train and drift in and out of sleep, the sounds and sights of the gala still rolling around in their heads. Once home, the twins did not waste any time in finding a recording studio in town, conveniently run by Vinyl Scratch. Considering her DJ skills, it was not surprising she had facilities to record her music, and anypony else’s who had a care to record. Once that was done, they got in contact with Billy Foal, who, a few days later, was able to arrive and bring with him his agent. Billy had already briefed him about what had transpired at the gala, who they had spoken to, what he offered, and how they were far savvier than their years let on. They met at their home on the orchard, and the twins knew this man was the one they needed to talk to. The first thing he asked them was what their dreams and goals were, and how they wanted to go about it. The twins felt at peace because this pony made them feel like the ball was in their court. Essentially, what he did was shape a contract that gave the twins conditions they felt they could meet. He explained that what Spin Doctor would have done was have them a slave to the company, having to produce on demand, have a single ready here or there when the company demanded it, tour on the company’s schedules, to open with whomever the company demanded, and that was usually someone that was also with the company, and someone not compatible with their music. It would have been the train to Tartarus after a while, and they would have had short careers, and then relegated to the back of the shelf. Yet, there still had to be some give and take. Thus, what they worked out was this: at least one new album every six months, depending on demand; 100% of royalties on original music to be owned strictly by the twins. They set up a holding company they called Bardic Twins Songs Ltd. It basically was a copyright for all their music, and no one was to copy it unless the twins gave consent. They were also given 20% of record sales, 10% of which were to go to a trust fund charity to aid orphanages and foster care organizations around Equestria. Touring and concerts would be to their discretion, considering the overarching goals they had of both reaching and teaching new Bardics to their cause. The agent then said, “You say you have a studio?”
Vinyl was all pleased as punch that there was the possibility that her studio might be used to make hit records, and escorted them into the studio while she went into the booth. Billy looked around and saw that it was as state of the art that a small town might be able to produce, and it also seemed that this Vinyl Scratch had sunk a lot of bits into what was there. The twins brought their instruments, and there were a few basic things in there already: a few electric guitars, a basic drum set, a synthesizer, and a box piano. Billy checked the piano and was happy to see she kept it tuned. He then decided to see how things worked by saying, “Okay, get ready to record a demo. I want to see how well your mixing board works.”
The one thing they wanted to see was if there was pony equivalents either presently or of the past that existed. If so, they may have to adjust what music they recorded, considering they did not want to get in trouble for plagiarism. What they found was that, though there was many recording stars, there were very few they recognized, and they had to guess that many had either not yet been discovered, or those they sought must have found different paths. They were not sure as to why, but then they remembered the way they had been taught in one school about dimensions 0-10, and they remembered that, just because another universe existed did not mean that everything would be copied. This meant that this universe must have been on the same plane, but not on the same line as the one they left. Thus, their reworked songs that they had brought could now be safely claimed as their own, being that they had to be either a little rewritten, or partially rewritten as to where they would make sense in this world. However, they also agreed that, if it was possible, they should write some things of their own. If they were going to be original, they had to go all the way, even if the public had no idea that there were some there that came partially from another source.
The next thing was to decide on a theme. What were they going to record? They wanted to stay in the realm of folk and folk rock, but they wanted to get their message out. Yet, they then realized something key: what should that be? They took a lunch break to talk about it, and Quill said, “Well, one thing is for certain, and that is, this world does not seem to have much in the way of wars, issues of the world we left, pollution…heck, their source of electric power has nothing to do with what we use, and it is very clean. For the most part, there was nothing going on that would call for some of the songs we use.”
General War Eagle sat in the national stockade, enraged to this day for what he thought was a major injustice. He also now despised the pair, not understanding what kind of a powerful weapon they possessed. They could inflict great damage to a foe where his own stallions would not risk their lives and completely incapacitate attacking armies. Besides, they were peace doves, and that crowd never sat well with him. His only hope was that he could live long enough to get out of this place and get his revenge. He sat in his cell, eating the slop that came from the kitchens when he heard a voice say, “Toying with the Bardics? Not a wise move if you ask me.”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 21
With that, they hit the studio, and they then found out that this was indeed work! They figured they would just knock out some songs and that would be that. They had a rude awakening! It took them just two and a half hours just getting through the first song. There were several restarts as Vinyl got the levels right, and then they had to get over some nerves as the fumbled some lines. Then there was all the restarts that dealt with them either not being in the mics right, or being too loud or soft, and then finishing the song, but not being quite satisfied with how it sounded, and having to redo them again. After that first song, they took a good 20 minute break, already spent, but knowing there was about another five or six hours left in the session. The twins then began to question if this was really the route the needed to take. After that, they were back in the booth, hitting the next track, and another marathon session of trying to get it right. Once done, Vinyl allowed them to take a lunch, and it was then they realized who was in charge here. Because she was the engineer, this also meant that she was their producer, which made her a boss in a sense. In other words, since it was she that would be making them sound good, then it was she that would be calling the shots, and they needed to listen. They decided on the local café and went for lunch.
They sat in the au fresco area, but as they did, they eventually noticed by the nearby fountain an interesting spectacle. A young Pegasus mare with a light brown coat and chocolate-brown mane and tail was sitting in front the fountain, telling a story to a group of foals. Yet, that wasn't the interesting thing. What was interesting about it was what was going on around her. As she told the tale about a ship caught in a fierce storm, a ghostly image of the pirate ship floated in the fountain water, tossed violently by images of ocean waves, saying, "As the Prince squinted out into the distance, he saw a massive wave, heading his way!" and as she spoke, a massive wave rose up from the fountain and bore down on the fleeing ship. The foals gasped, and the mare continued. She then said, "The prince did all he could to keep the ship steady, but just as he thought the worst was over, a strong wind picked up, sending the rig flying towards him! There was nothing the crew could do as the prince was flung off the ship, sinking deep into the ocean.”
After another grueling session wherein they were only able to get two more numbers done, they schlepped back home. Downy, despite Quill’s insistence, decided to take on the cooking duties, (mainly because Quill’s idea of cooking was something akin to a TV dinner.) However, this day, they just stopped off at the Hay Burger and picked something up, considering they were too tired to really want to cook. Once at home, they ate and both agreed that, for doing something you loved, it was a whole lot of work! Still, they kicked around song ideas, trying to play of the theme they wanted to implement. Quill wanted to deal with the love and tolerate part, while Downy decided on dealing with the faces love can take. It would be a love song different than any other, in that it would deal with what love is, not who to love, or who you loved, lost, and so on. Yet, they had never really been songwriters, and were a bit lost. At this, a knock came on the door, and it was Applejack, saying, “Howdy y’all. Saw y’all comin’ back more tuckered out than a Wonderbolt against a 300 mile per hour headwind.”
Apple Bloom was so glad to see others want to have some fun with the family, and chattered on about school, the crusaders, her new friends, problems she and her friends had been able to solve, and the twins just took it all in, so happy to see a happy child. However, that struck a chord with Quill, knowing some of the other foster kids in the other worlds that had had it worse than he did, and suddenly he had some ideas. As the others hit the water, the two sat under the shade of the tree and worked. Quill thought for a bit, and then began to pen it down, working out chord progression and rhythm as he went:
When we look at another pony, is the surface all we see?
One day the bully followed him home to torment him all the more;
When we look at another pony, is the surface all we see?
He went back with an altered heart, knowing why this one did as he would.
When we look at another pony, is the surface all we see?
Quill was amazed. Once he got flowing on the idea, except for struggling with rhymes, the song almost wrote itself. Meanwhile, Downy was thinking about love, and after now having gotten to know them, she realized something. Each one had a different aspect: one raised the sun, and one raised the moon, while the other two dealt with different kinds of love: affection and friendship, the latter also known as brotherly kindness. Yet, the other two did exhibit a kind of love that also marked different aspects. She decided to dedicate the song to the four princesses and called it, “Learn the Love of the Princesses.”
Learn the love of the princesses; how they reach out and they care;
It is clear that everypony’s different, with their own skill and soul;
Learn the love of the princesses; how they reach out and they care;
Two hearts bound, two souls as one, both sharing one strong heart;
Learn the love of the princesses; how they reach out and they care;
A frighten foal cries in the night, a bad dream in his head;
Learn the love of the princesses; how they reach out and they care;
All give some, and some give all, never thinking of one’s self;
Learn the love of the princesses; how they reach out and they care;
By this point the sun had set and Applejack had got a good fire going. However, they watched the pair work out the songs, working out the phrasing of both the lyrics and the chords, and then they played, each one, his or her song. As they did, they suggested minor changes here and there in the music, and the years of their playing and singing together came forth. They both quickly broke into harmonies and then sang them with a vigor once the meaning of the songs started to hit home. Considering the subject matter, the Apples were now sitting real close to one another fore hoofs around one another’s shoulders. They applauded heartily as they finished, and Applejack then said, “Well, I’ll tell ya what; if those there songs don’t top the charts, I’d be a might bit surprised.”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 22
The twins showed up at the studio the next morning, actually excited to try the new songs. They had never tried anything like this before, but they were anxious to see how it would come out. However, while this was going on, there were other goings on in the city of Fillydelphia.
Ponaeros and the general were in the city, looking through the poorer neighborhoods, the general in civilian clothes not wanting to draw too much attention to them, he being an escaped convict now. However, being with this unicorn made things hard to be subtle. Yet, he was still curious to what they were doing there. He finally asked, “Why in the world are we here? Why are we wasting our time wandering around here?”
The twins suddenly found it easy to record. It was not just because they now knew what to expect, but because the two songs they worked on that morning were the two they had wrote themselves. Indeed, because it came from them, it was from the heart, and the performance was a bit more from the heart. Vinyl was impressed at how this was going. She wanted just them on their own instruments for now, and moreover, because they were versatile on the instruments, she had them play to their own accompaniment and started the mixing process. She liked how that came out, but because of this way of doing it, she now wanted to lay down some new vocal tracks. If they could nail this take, she knew she had something they could release in advance and get the ball rolling.
At about the same time, Coloratura came by to pay a visit to Applejack as her tour swept through the area towards Canterlot and an eventual play at Manehattan before stopping at the Crystal Empire. The tour wagons pulled up as her band and the roadies all got out to stretch their legs. Ra-Ra came out and spotted Big Macintosh. “Mackie!” she squealed, having met her the last time she had been through, and gave her a howdy and waved. She trotted in and gave him a big hug, exchanging greetings and eventually asking, “So, where’s AJ?”
Once in town, they were mostly undetected as anything out of the ordinary, but they also moved in the most direct route to the studio to lessen the chance she’d be recognized and then summarily mobbed. They got in just in time to see Vinyl getting ready to start cutting the acid take and giving a smirk and salute as they entered. Both AJ and Ra-Ra found spots and readied themselves for the test. Vinyl signaled them, motioning them in a count-off, hitting the switch for their prerecorded background tracks, and they began to play their guitars and sing the numbers. They heard this accompaniment in their earbuds, but in the booth, what they all were hearing was what the acid test would sound like, now that she had the background mixed the way she wanted and had the twins on a preset volume she already knew she needed, having heard their vocals the past two days. AJ was floored, but Ra-Ra was fixated on the twins and the sound they were creating. It was not as if other folk acts had not ever been, but in this case, it had been a long time since any folk act came along like this one. She had been in the business long enough to know what was going to work, and considering how she now knew how much fans appreciated actual talent over putting on a spectacle, she knew they were going to have an effect. Once done, she asked Vinyl to hit the switch into the booth, and Ra-Ra announced, “Congratulations: you have just recorded your first two number one singles.”
At lunch, Ra-Ra was telling them about the industry, and a bit about what fame can do; that it is both great, and a curse, being that one now lived in a fishbowl. “Bill Foal kind of filled us in on that,” answered Quill.
And while all this was going on, as well as Ponaeros acting with some heavy magic in Fillydelphia, Discord was having his regular tea with Fluttershy. At that, he detected the shift in the magic streams and it caused him to shake and go wobbly for a moment. “Oh goodness!” said Fluttershy, “Are you alright?”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 23
They were able to return to the studio and finish their day’s work, but they had to lay low until the crowds at the farm had thinned enough for them to go in a back way. Once there, Granny Smith and Applejack already had a spread for the whole touring group. One of the roadies said, “Boy, you can’t but help attract attention, can you Ra-Ra?”
However, Discord knew more than he was letting on.
As he went, he began to ponder the era when Ponaeros was around initially. Being the spirit of chaos, he had been around, but global conquest had not yet been in his heart. He had to admit that it was his actions and the fact that the power vacuum after the Great Civil War was soon filled by the princesses that made Discord desire to want to fill that power vacuum himself. Yet, he had not intentions of being the murderous monster Ponaeros. He just wanted to make the world as chaotic as his own mind and let things run wild. If he had been evil, it was only in the mildest sense of the word: malicious mischief. It was destructive, but not with the intent of doing bodily harm outright. He wanted to intervene during that war, but found the situation had gone beyond itself and even he would have had a hard time using his own brand of magic to stop it without making the carnage worse. Even after it was over, and Starswirl seemed to keep things together, he looked to jump in, but also knew that Starswirl may have found a way against him considering who he had helped defeat. Besides, humor, as twisted as his was, has to be timed right for the joke to work, and arising before the two sisters would not have had as much effect. When they came into the picture, it was never as more fun as to frustrate them for the mere sake of being able to and knowing they could not stop him. He would have rather they got in on the joke rather than having to force him to just get them out of the picture, but they went very severe before that action could come to full fruition. He never liked the fact that they just had to go overkill with the Elements of Harmony the way they did. He thought it rich that Ol’ Sun Butt herself gave him the chance to try it again, and not liking that the elements were being wielded against him in that way. Indeed, if she had wanted him to reform, she should have shown more trust, and it was because of the trust of Fluttershy that he learned that there was something greater than the Elements of Harmony that could restrain him; he could restrain himself because of the power of friendship. Of anything in this world he valued more now, it was friendship, and he knew that any actions by him to destroy that would rip his heart to shreds. This is why he had to act now. He did not understand this back when Ponaeros was acting then, and, had he knew then what he knew now, he would have put a stop to him before it got going. Now was his chance to help make up for that mistake. Indeed, even if for his own personal reasons, and for Fluttershy, he was going to help try to proverbially kill the foal in the cradle if he could.
He followed the traces of the magic cast to rebuild that one ruin in the Fillydelphia slums and it led him right to it. Indeed, it was unoccupied, and there taking applications to what seemed a future endeavor was a stallion he seemed to recognize as the escaped convict from the Equestria Military Disciplinary Barracks. He took note of this, and realized he could act now to get him jailed. However, doing this would alert Ponaeros of danger, which would cause him to go underground again and make him harder to catch, having him emerge somewhere else and far more subtly. He thus had to let it go. Ponaeros was the main target. Yet, the stallion of the hour was nowhere to be seen. Moreover, if he was somewhere else, it was clear that he had used more conventional methods to get to where he was going as there was no trace of magic remnants that showed he used that kind of means to travel. He decided the rather to hang out in the town and watch for his return. Once he did, he would observe his actions and take notes. He would try to turn this against him, and even us his own trickery to try to slow the process to give the twins the time they needed to get enough Bardics together to act. He did not want to take this one on alone, because, if Ponaeros had grown as powerful as he feared, then even with his powerful chaos magic, he may not be able to stop him.
A couple of weeks passed, and indeed, Ponaeros was able to find his stash. He was able to convert it all to Bits and began his work. He started by setting up some to do some investigating for him on the poor conditions of that town and started to put together ways to not only make it look worse than it was, but to spin some propaganda that the mayor was incompetent. He was starting to set a campaign going against the mayor’s policies and to force him to act. Indeed, what he was demanding were things that would be impossible for him to resolve, and that was his hope. He was going to let enough time and false usurpations pass until he could start pushing for a recall vote and then try to step into the leadership vacuum and further himself from there. Still, he had to admit that he was not all about the slow pace and decided that, at some point he would have to employ magic. He figured a ramped up “need it, want it” spell on the masses could turn the tide for him. The hard part was to try to find a way into national politics and an inroad to the royals. He had to be careful not to tip his hand to them, and eventually do something to create a big enough crisis to make the princesses look bad and him look good by resolving it. The goal was to put a vote of no confidence against the princesses and create a way of life that seemed to be better under his vision. Once done, he could build up the military and start to conquer. Of course, it was all eventually to serve him, because, if he was ever near being a god, it was now, and he deserved such worship. The world was his plaything, and to serve him, and he was going to make sure it was never taken from him again.
In all this, Discord was paying close attention. “Clever lad,” he thought, “It makes me wonder if I should say anything yet.”
In that time, the twins were halfway through their album, but the acetate recording was received well by the company, and the two were released as two singles, with B-sides as their personal signature songs; for Quill’s song, they used “Catch the Wind” as the B-side, and for Downy’s, they used “Brand New Key.” Being B-sides, they could be played as song’s themselves on the radio and had a chance to chart themselves. The twins were excited that they actually had records out, but, at the same time, they didn’t think much of it, as they had the rest of the album to finish, and payed no attention to it. This changed a couple of weeks later.
At first, they were getting no air time, because it wasn’t the music that was popular at the time. But, one night, a DJ in Manehattan on a late night show, looking for something different to play, came across “Learn the Love of the Princesses” and gave it a spin. Within 15 minutes of the airing, everypony called in and asked just who that was and wanted to know about the duo. Of course, the DJ only had the press bios the company sent with the records and gave that out. There were requests for more, so they played “Love and Tolerate,” loving the duo, and now having a contrast of how the two worked together when they each had the lead in the song. All night long, there were requests for the songs and more, and they were able to play the B-sides as well. Word spread fast, and other stations were picking up on it. That, of course, spread to other cities, and all four songs got enough air play to the point where Bill Box magazine, (who covered the popularity of music in single and album form,) took notice and started to chart it. The twins had charted into the hot 100 and did not even know it. What they did notice was the amount of money that was starting to come in, as ponies everywhere were buying the singles, and the twins were getting the agreed percentage for the sales, and also royalties for being the authors of the two songs, not wanting to claim they were the source of the other two, but saying that the authors were unknown. This, at least in this world, was true, as they would not have known who they were anyway. They just did not feel right passing them off as their own work, even though no one would have ever been the wiser. At first, it was not much, but all that changed one day when they saw the royalties and sales checks come in, and then, in town, they were being mobbed and asked for autographs while the cameras flashed. This was capped off when they heard their songs played back to back on a nearby radio. “Th-th-that’s us?” said Downy, all excited.
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 24
Within a couple more weeks, the new album was completed, and it quickly jumped up the charts thanks to the fuel of the singles, and the producers could not have been happier. The twins had assured that a certain percentage of what they were making was set aside to fill a trust fund for orphanages and foster care homes considering what they had gone through in their own youth. They were already doing pretty good because of the trust their parents had set aside, but now they would not have any worries as long as they kept being sold. Because of that, they felt they had not any excuse for not doing something like this, and wanted to give back and maybe save some orphans of the heartache they had faced as youths. However, they were now experiencing that fish bowl they had been warned about. It was hard just getting to the studio, or even just to the market. The Apples were also becoming a bit aggravated at the amount of ponies who were coming to Apple Acres and try to spy in on the new local celebrities, (mainly Granny Smith, who didn’t like all these “invaders” on her property. The twins apologized profusely, and assured them that they had had no intent for this to happen. With that, they forwarded them the money they would need to heighten the fences and add the barbed wire they would need to keep ponies out of the orchard, including a gate on the front. It was sad that it had come to this, but unless they got their own property and built their own house, this would be the way it had to be. In fact, they made the offer, and though Granny Smith thought it a good idea, Applejack would not hear of it. “I know it’s a might bit of an annoyance, but if y’all think it’s bad here, jus’ think how bad it’d be if y’all were in the village, er jus’ livin’ on yer own property. At least here, yer house is set deep in th’orchard, an with the fence we got set up, they ain’t gonna be botherin’ y’all. You jus’ relax now and know we got it all under control.”
The Ponypalooza was such a hit and raised so much money that Pinkie Pie was asked to come to Canterlot to organize a special three day pop festival in a nearby fairground to raise money for several charities. Pinkie had no hesitation to ask the twins if they wanted to perform. They thought it was a good idea, but when they mentioned it to their producer, the truth of their situation hit them square between their eyes. Now that they were a money-making commodity, they could not just do public appearances like that willie-nilly. They had to get contracts cut, with deals set for certain percentages for the take, use of their name, and other such things. They told Pinkie that they would have to wait before they could say for sure. Yet, despite them thinking she’d be upset at this, she was all her normal bouncy self and said for their barracuda to get in touch with her alligator. “You have a lawyer?’ asked Quill.
Billy Foal, along with many other acts, were invited to the show, and when he caught wind of the twins desire to be a part, he got their agent, (who was theirs as well,) to agree to the show, insuring that their charity was one of those represented. Their agent then contacted them and went on and on about how this was going to launch them higher than they ever thought they could go, and that if this went well, their legend would be made solid forever. Yet, all they really cared about was hoping they could use this to find more Bardics. They even wondered if there was a chance for them to meet some Bardics among the bands playing. With that, they went on to prepare a set for the show. Along with that, they prepared some special tricks and did some extra study in their art to make sure they could do things easier than they had been doing them, all in an effort to demonstrate Bardic magic and what their goals were. They were becoming more and more excited as the days passed.
The press was humming about the event and all the acts that would show there. Many charities were asked to show, but one flatly said no. It was a social action group that knew itself as the Tri-Pony Party. It’s emblem was a black field upon which a white square was set, with three red silhouettes of pony heads, one being a unicorn, one being a pegasus as it had a pair of wings behind it, and one was an earth pony, all set neck to neck, forming a triangle gap in the middle. It was headquartered in Fillydelphia, and ran by a unicorn named Nero. He was out to set up a better life for downtrodden ponies, and hoped to clean up the scene in those areas of the city. One of the things he had been preaching was the purifying of the mind to be clear to think as it should, so that ponies could be pure in thought and deed, upholding the best racial traits of each subspecies of ponies in an ever greatening of ponies all over the world. He preached against this kind of frivolity, and spoke against what he called riff-raff that would come to things like this. It was worse when it was happening right under the muzzles of the princesses themselves, and he would have thought they would have had better sense than to indulge in such things. Yet, he also spoke against the twins in specifics. He said he had come to learn that they were a reawakening of an old kind of unicorn magic known as Bardic magic. He knew of some stories, and also knew of certain things that the legends spoke of them: mind control, subduing of free thought, snubbing all other ponies for their own ways, and even going as far as interbreeding only with themselves. Nero then said that this may not be the case with this pair, but he also warned that they should be watched closely. Since they had not ever been seen in Equestria before some months ago, nothing was really known about them, nor was much understood about their magic as a reality beyond the legends, and he was more shocked that the princesses were well aware of them and allowed them free reign before really knowing about what they could do. He mildly scolded the princesses, thinking they should have had more sense. What he seemed to fear the more was the twins trying to stir up ancient things that may well be best left to the legends, and maybe even recruit unicorns to their magicks that really were not all that well known, and thus made playing in that world dangerous. All it could lead to was mischief. Therefore, he was not going to have his group be one of the recipients of the charity money, as it would seem hypocritical. This started some ripples of scrutiny, and even caused a short drop in sales and chart ratings for the twins, as it seemed the way he had put it all made some kind of sense. This did not escape notice, however, as rumors of other things were happening.
Stories of bully colt gangs were springing up in those neighborhoods, acting like some kind of civilian patrol in the town, but seeming to cause more harm than good. Yet, some ponies felt safer to walk the streets at night as long as they didn’t seem to be stirring up trouble and crime, and they left them alone. They were also trying to recruit others to join this new political party, and speaking against the policies of the current mayor that they claimed were causing this mess. Sure, they seemed like vigilante groups, but, since nopony wanted to report the actions for fear of retribution, they let it go. Celestia had heard stories of this and felt awkward about this Nero, but at the same time, she did not want to be some kind of over-mare and controlling every aspect of pony life, and knew she had to allow some sovereignty to certain things. Still, she came out with a statement, disappointed this Nero wanted no part of the pop festival, and stated how she was disturbed at the rhetoric about her dealings with the pop music scene, questioning just where he was getting his ground to stand on against what she wanted to see. Moreover, she spoke out against his harsh words on the Bardics, assuring the ponies of Equestria that they had nothing to fear from the twins, as all their fans already knew about their nonviolence point of view and anti-war positions. She had done her homework on the Bardics, stating she had her best and most studious ponies working on the actual history of the Bardics, and because of that, she knew that they posed no threat to the land. If anything, she felt everypony should embrace what they had to offer, for what they did have to offer could help lead Equestria into a new golden age. As a way of saying that this was going to be a safe event, she said she, her sister, and Princess Twilight, would be in the royal box to watch the show all three nights it was going to take place.
The twins were approached about these statements, and they seemed real casual about it. They just said they had no anger towards him and only sympathy. They would indeed wish the best for him and his goals as long as they remained peaceful and free of hate, and hoped one day to meet with him directly and convey to him that there was nothing to fear from the Bardics. If they did want to help the downtrodden as they claimed, they were all for that, and because of their own charity for orphans and foster foals, they would even offer to send funds to aid those under his care if he would allow for it. They said it was cool and they understood some initial fears, considering how they were the new ones on the block with something unknown to the present world, but they hoped that they could eventually show that all they had to offer was to make the world a more peaceful place. This helped to bring back the mild losses for the twins, and aided them in being one of the keynote acts in the festival, being the closing act for the second night, leaving night one to Billy Foal and Sapphire Shores to close it out, and Coloratura the last night to close out the show. They all looked forward to an interesting three days.
Yet, there was more suspicions between Luna and Celestia then met the eye. It started when Luna tried to dream walk into this Nero’s dreams, but found a dream state door slammed shut in her face, followed by it being covered with chains and boards. Though her magic was great, she found it impossible to break in, and this concerned her. Nopony, and that meant nopony, could block her, save her sister, and that was seldom that Celestia did that. That sent warning flags flying in both their heads, and they sent some spies in to see what the case was. Indeed, there were small packs roaming the streets, seemingly keeping order, but they were pushy and rude, with this sense of self-importance, and all were wearing matching uniforms: dark green shirts and red neckerchiefs with black pants and boots, and all wearing armbands marked with the party logo. Moreover, they seemed a bit more feared than respected, and if there was anything they were doing beyond the law, they seemed expert in covering their paths so that they could never really be caught. Still, this Nero was making employment for many out of work ponies, and they seemed focused on the youth, seeming to give them extra help in their school work. Yet, it was hard to get access to any other parts of that building than what they were allowed, and surveillance was tight. They really had not committed any crimes per se, (that is, none they could get caught in doing,) so there was nothing the princesses could really do. What made matters more difficult was the fact that she was finding it impossible to contact Discord. Definitely, if there was anypony that could find dirt on them, it was him, and he had not been heard from in weeks since his last visit with Fluttershy. She really needed him now, yet, knowing he could detect shifts in magic in his own way, she had to trust he was already aware of things and was on top of things…she hoped.
Indeed, Discord was on top of it, watching, observing, and almost envious of the controlled chaos Ponaeros was causing in Fillydelphia. If he could get political legs under him, not only could he take control of this city, and do it by legal means, this could spring up in several other cities, and then the real fun would begin. Not only was Ponaeros strong-hoofing others, as being led to do so by the renegade general, but he also knew this general had better watch his back. What was actually going on in the background was something far more sinister. The youths he was “helping with their schooling” were actually being indoctrinated into his horrible philosophies, being told, (as many youths were by those dictators who sought to bend young minds,) that they were the future and that their elders had no clue about the world at large. They were the pure ones, and that they had to purify the planet of old thinking. He upheld the country ponies who worked the land, and that meant any pony that contributed in their ways, be they earth pony, pegasus, or unicorn. They were, strong, healthy, industrious, and pure. This was the ideal he pushed at them, but he also pushed a strong hate for the Bardics at them. He taught that, though they may seem inclusive now, be rest assured they would go to their separatist ways and do the things that made them so racially inferior to them. He pushed good health and strong bodies and minds. On top of all this, he was using his wicked magic to push his agenda to its fullest effects. It was not so much as he was controlling them like puppets, but was programming into their brains his rhetoric to become almost instinctive. It would be from this group that he would truly found his conquest, and the general’s bully colts were only a means to an end. They were expendable. They would serve their purpose, and then be eradicated. The ones the general was using were good for getting things going, but still an element he could not fully control, as they had only joined as long as they thought they could get gain out of it. This, he could not have amongst his ranks. Loose cannons were not what he needed. His plot was twisted and sinister, and normally would take years. Yet, with this powerful magic, this could be greatly accelerated. Still, Discord was not willing to play his hand just yet. If he moved too soon, the whole thing could go underground and then become almost impossible to find. However, the other problem was letting them get too established to where violence would be the only way to stop him. He would have to find the balance to where, if he did have to go underground, they could be tracked. Indeed, this was the most interesting chess game he had ever played.
The festival day finally came, and ponies flocked in from all over Equestria. The arena could hold over twenty-four thousand patrons, so it was going to be a massive crowd, all hyped up and loud. The acts that were coming out of the woodwork were a veritable who’s who: the Beach Colts, Frankie Filly and the Four Seasonings, the What, Brunette, Tin Balloon, Spearmaker, Hug, the Primates, the punk sounds of the Roans, Sandy and the Bunyips, The listening headsets, The Violent Fillies, as well as Dreadlocks Mane, Violet Hazy and the Expense, Princess, and others. There were also a few folk acts, as well as some country and western acts. The twins were invited by Princess Twilight to sit in the royal box, along with her friends, to watch the first night with them. Twilight was loving the show, along with her friends, who were cheering along with the others, save for Fluttershy, who really did not care for the acts that seemed to be earsplitting loud. Luna was mixed in her thoughts on the talent, felling she like some and not others, but was enjoying herself nonetheless. Celestia, however, was screaming louder than the others, acting just as much as an adolescent as the others, really letting her mane down. The only ones that seemed not there were the twins. They saw the elaborate shows and styles of music that was being played, and now they felt intimidated. They were going to keep the act simple, save for some Bardic magic at the right places to enhance the show. The stage was larger than the one they were on during the Gala, and they felt like they were going to be engulfed. They were now doubting if they should be doing this at all.
After that night, they all went to the castle to stay as the guests of the princesses, their ears still ringing from the show, and they were quite exhausted. Rarity, however, saw the tension with the twins, and she knew that, once they got some rest, she would have to do something to bring up their spirits. Besides, they were getting ready to play on their biggest stage yet, and she felt she needed to do something to spruce them up after what she had seen that night.
They all awoke to a late day and had some breakfast together and were able to catch up with the twins. Rarity took the chance to say, “You know, I was thinking. Since this is the biggest stage you two have been on as of yet, and I would really love to have you look dazzling out there…”
A couple of hours later, the others were waiting outside, and it was at this point that Starlight Glimmer had emerged from the magic classes she had been teaching at the magic school, happy to hear her friends were there, and spotted them out in the town outside Rarity’s Canterlot boutique, awaiting the twins. “Oh, it’s been so long!” she shouted as she trotted up and hugged her friends, “Last time I had the chance to see you all is when you were training those twins from that other world. How goes it with them?”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 25
As the moment approached, they were more and more nervous. Sure, they had performed before crowds, but this was different. There was about thirty thousand ponies out in the crowd. Granted, there were no lights on the crowd, but the fact that you just knew they were out there made it nerve racking. The thousands of flashes form the camera made it clear they were there, and made it quite intimidating. Worse, the What, and Purple Haze and the Expense went all heavy metal and destructo right before them, and they had to finish the show for this second night. They had a 40-minute set, and they had to follow…that. Now, Downy was having second thoughts. Quill was as well, but as she turned about, Quill grabbed her skirt and said, “Not even. You talked me into it, now you’re going out there.”
In the royal booth, the princesses sat, along with their friends, and among them was both Starlight Glimmer and Moondancer. Both they and Twilight were analyzing the magic, casting some analysis spells on it and picking random ponies in the crowd to scan their brain patterns in the same way an EEG would scan. They had to work to be sure they were not so caught up in it themselves that they could not work their skills in testing all this. The twins, by this point, had mastered much of the magic they had studied, and it was becoming second nature to them. Of course, they were not going to do this all concert, for indeed, they too wanted to enjoy the show. However, since the twins were nearly full strength, they wanted to see it in action, as well as get real time data on how all this was working. This would become valuable to Celestia’s school of magic if ever were a branch for Bardic magic were opened. Moreover, they wanted to test to see if standard magic unicorns as they could recreate what they were doing, though Twilight and Celestia both had played around with it. The truth was, they could do some of it, but it was nothing like what they were seeing. Moreover, the readings they were getting were amazing. It would take some going over, but they were able to see some obvious effects of what the music was doing.
The twins went into ballads, a few rockabilly numbers, some antiwar songs, and some comedy songs, as well as sing-alongs. By this point, their nerves were well under control, and they were having fun, connecting with the audience. Whey they did comedy; the images were side splitting. Some of the dramas had them in awe. When they did “The Great Mandala,” they were enraptured. They finally did the two songs that put them on the map, as well as their personal keynote songs, and finished with “The Sounds of Silence.” They knew, however, that this would not be the end of it. If they did well enough, they knew that an encore would be in order, and they would play some upbeat songs and then make the invitation for any unicorns of Bardic heritage or who had similar gifts not being a part of the bloodline to learn the craft themselves. As was expected, they crowd was cheering, and then chanting. Finally, the twins came back out and the audience went nuts. It was a musical and visual experience that was beyond anything they had ever experienced. Quill then stepped forward before they started to play again and said, “One of our goals tonight is to put forth a challenge. Tonight, you have seen what Bardic magic is all about, and I would be remiss to say that we know well we are not the only ponies that can do this. In fact, because so many ponies do not keep strictly to their subsets, we have discovered that there are some ponies with the Bardic heritage that have the ability to do these things, though in a limited sense, because, as we all know, magic affects each subset in different ways. To teach them these tricks may not be possible, but it could be learned one day to use such things in the ways each subset is affected by magic in general. However, if you are a unicorn that has a circle of fifths as part of your cutie mark, have skill in music, and have felt there was something more to burst forth from your music, we would like to get to know you, and find some way to teach you what we know. We could easily bring the bards back into the world, and hopefully, help to make this a more peaceful world indeed. I do not think we could ever rid the world of the scourge of war, but, if we can help prevent many of them, and bring peaceful solutions to conflict, it will be all worthwhile.”
At the after party, the princesses sat at the head table as Starlight and Moondancer joined them, absolutely floored by what they had both heard and saw. Luna then said, “This has been an interesting festival, and there are some of the harder sounding popular acts that I did like, but some I found quite earsplitting and annoying.”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 26
As the twins toured, they were gaining disciples slowly but surely. They spent four months on tour, teaching where they could, and many of the known bands they met along the way had members who were of the ability to do as they, or had heritage back to the bards themselves. They found both bards of music and storytelling, and indeed, they wanted to learn more. Since Celestia knew that this could be a good thing for Equestria, she put forth the money to build a Bardic academy outside Ponyville to teach the art, and teach others to teach, and then to go out and reach more that would care to learn. By the time they came back from tour, things were ready, and those that wanted to learn came to the school. The strongest in the art were the first to come and learn, as they would be the instructors, for the twins could not even think to teach all of them. By the time two more months had passed, they had about 20 other instructors, and a couple hundred students. For the twins, their memory of the past world seemed only like a dream now, as they were so used to things here that they really gave no thought as from where they had come. They were where they were supposed to be, and it seemed that even nature itself had aided in easing them in; things were the way they were supposed to be.
Yet, this was not the only thing that was growing with them. In addition to preaching the cause of the bards, they had their message of love and tolerate, and the ways of pursuing peace and the peaceful life all of it brought. Because the twins were not trying to make the world of the Bardics separate, but indeed, far more inclusive than the ancients would have cared for, an interesting subculture was emerging. Many of them were artists and musicians themselves, and though they could not do the magic as the bards, they still spread their message, and wanted to do all they could for their fellow ponies in bettering their lives. They were mellow, nonviolent, and oozing with love. They took up the name of “Bardy”, meaning, “They who follow the teachings of the Bardics.”
In all this, Ponaeros had been busy. He, with the general and his bully colts, were tightening control over Fillydelphia, as more and more of the Tri-Pony Party were winning control in certain governmental areas of Manehattan and Baltimare, and all of that in-between. Stories had been afoot that Nero, (Ponaeros,) had been suspending civil liberties in the name of making the streets safe and giving each and every pony a fair shake, and that this “law and order” were being maintained with an iron hoof. However, Ponaeros was able to have an effective propaganda machine in place to sell it to the rest of Equestria that nothing was amiss, and a bit of magic he cast to push it didn’t hurt either. By this point, they themselves had started to become a political party of note, and started getting small pockets of support all over Equestria, and they were called the Tripe party as a quick way of saying, “Try-Pony Party,” and those who were a part were called “Tripes.” In any case, there was one thing that Nero and the Tripes hated: the bards, and the Bardies that sprung from them. Nero gave many speeches on how they were corrupting the youth into immoral and lawless living. Moreover, if such were found in his areas of control, they were quickly found and forced out, (and the fact that they were beaten and robbed by the bully colts was conveniently overlooked by his propaganda machine and silenced from getting out as much as could be done.) When he got word of what the princesses had done when protest was made about the Bardics and Bardies, he was ecstatic. He could not have been handed a better opportunity than that! Once he had heard, he started to thunder from the lecterns of how they were now corrupting their beloved monarchs and that something should be done. As a result, the persecution of bards and Bardies increased, but now the actions could no longer be covered or ignored. Celestia caught word of this and sent an envoy to Nero demanding answers. He may have been freely elected, and it may be that that area of Equestria were going after his ways, but now he had to be reminded of just what side his bread was buttered on, and to know his place. Because of this, Ponaeros now knew it was time for the next phase of his plan to fall into place.
Nero told the envoy that he would speak to them again the next day, and he started to move. Messengers were sent all through the territories that the new group he had been grooming up to this point move in and removed the bully colts. They moved swiftly, capturing them all and imprisoning them very swiftly. While this was going on, Nero/Ponaeros called in the general for a “talk”. The general was all pleased, saying, “Ponaeros, your plan is working greatly! The party is spreading, the military you have been building is getting stronger, and you are making those foolish princesses look like fools! We’ll put them in their places and set things straight.”
Once at the stadium, there was a large crowd there, all uniformed in Purity Guard garb, holding torches and chanting, “Down with the traitors!”
The next day, the envoy was met by Ponaeros/Nero as he said, “I know of your concerns, and I assure everypony, it is all under control. In fact, the security forces I had been using have proven that, not only had they been plotting against me, but their own leader was a traitor. Last night, all that was settled. They’ve all been arrested and dealt with. I guarantee you, this lawlessness is put to an end. You may go back and tell our dear princesses that all is in order.”
However, this was not unobserved, as Discord all this time had been watching and taking notes. Yet, he had not spoken to Celestia all this time because he knew things had to be in just the right place to act. Too soon, and Ponaeros would have gone deeper underground and been even more crafty in attempting what he was now trying to do. That he would do this was inevitable, but acting too soon would have made him far more careful and even harder to stop once he had the strength to act. He even would have waited until he had overwhelming strength before he emerged. Waiting too long, and he would have been unstoppable anyway. No, things had to be done in the right order and at the right time, and it seemed it was soon time. With that, he headed back towards Canterlot, but not before taking some time with Fluttershy as a break from all this work.
In the meantime, things were going well for the twins. In fact, because of the way things had shaped out, a discovery had been made. Even though some may not be bards proper, when they played along with bards, the bards fed off what they were doing and it actually enhanced what they were doing. This proved clearly that the ancients were wrong for isolating themselves somewhat from the world. If they had known this, not only would they have been stronger and abler to keep peace, but Ponaeros would never had had the chance to go to the levels that he did. As a side effect, there was now a revolution going on in the pop music world. There was now a plethora of styles that were popular and hitting the charts, even dominating them. Each kind had their cliques, but none of them were entirely hated by the others. Certainly, a real sense of peace and harmony was overtaking almost all of Equestria. The record stores and radio were flooded with this musical revolution, and everypony could not get enough of it. Before long, the twins were approached with having some kind of a festival to celebrate this new vision of peace, and after some thought, they felt it was time. With that, they approached Celestia and Luna, as well as Twilight, considering that where they wanted to do this would be near Ponyville. They proposed a three-day free festival of music called Ponystock, open to all who want to come and be a part, and involving any and all acts that would care to be a part. Their pay would be the fact that they could spread the messages of peace, love, and tolerate. At the same time, they would raise money by donations of the crowd for the orphans and foster kids of Equestria as they normally did. The princesses agreed, provided they were welcome to be a part of the crowd. In fact, Celestia was geeking out about it a bit, wanting to let her mane down for once and just being one of the crowd for the first time in a long time, only taking care of raising and lowering the sun and nothing else for a few days. Luna would be a part, hoping to learn how to do this “letting down of the mane” thing Celestia spoke of, hoping to be more a part of the ponies she now helped to rule. After they got permission for this, they approached the Apples about use of their orchard for this purpose. Applejack stated they did have a large area near the lake that was not planted they owned and not using, so that would be perfect. Granny Smith, however, was a bit more reluctant, not certain that the crowd would stay out of the orchards and not eat up all their profits. Applejack compromised and said that she would make sure there were plenty of apples for sale as much as might possibly be eaten so that they would not lose out on the profit, and still give something to the charity. That way, they would not go off and pilfer from the orchards. The twins could not wait.
The word was spread and it almost seemed that every act in Equestria wanted a part of this. The Apples threw themselves into making a temporary stage for the show while volunteers in town helped to set up as many shelters for as many ponies as might come, though it was understood that many would be bringing camping gear with them. It was asked by the twins that all those who were coming remember the philosophy they all now claimed to have and to have respect for Sweet Apple Acres, sticking to the parts of the property that they were allowed to use. The town ponies, however, could not wait, as they knew there would be many who would come into town to buy this or that. It was a winning situation all around.
They had no clue what kind of response was coming.
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 27
As the days approached for Ponystock, things were getting active. Many of the town ponies were bringing their wares to sell, setting up food booths, having plenty of water handy, while the Apples were preparing a special batch of their famous cider to sell, apple based treats, and Sugar Cube Corner was preparing plenty of desserts. Pinkie Pie was all over the place, getting fun side activities ready, considering that this would be a three-day festival, and not everypony liked every band. Mayor Mare, however, was a tad worried that the town could hold all the ponies expected, though just how many were not certain. She wondered if the zoning was right, if they had the space, what kind of security might be needed, and so forth. She worked closely with Princess Twilight to organize and prepare for any emergencies, as well as make sure there were medical people handy just in case. The twins were able to contact all the bands that had bards in them, and even those that did not. They just wanted a great music festival, and much of the proceeds were going to the orphans and foster foals of Equestria. Rarity decided she wanted in on this and had a booth set up for the fashions that the Bardies like to wear, and Rainbow Dash managed to get the Wonderbolts to perform as part of the whole thing.
Yet, the press was wondering just what this would bring. The Bardies were industrious enough, but seemed to want to spend as much time around the local bards as they could. In fact, the experience they spoke of having was called “getting barded.” This was the euphoric state they always hoped to achieve when they combined their music with the present bard, which also seemed to enhance what the bard was doing. Moreover, though it was not harmful, many not into this worried about the lifestyle that some had. They weren’t lazy per se, but they did not seem as focused on building a future and a career as other, being in a state of euphoria most of the time. Yet, others didn’t seem to mind, and, in fact, scolded some of those who were critics, because the Bardies didn’t seem too concerned about amassing fortunes, power, or anything like that. They truly embraced the message of the Bardic Order: love and tolerate. Even the princesses were questioned, and Celestia thought it great that more and more peace was spreading across the land, while Luna said that it’s just a new paradigm that some were not used to seeing, and that they needed to give it time to normalize itself and find its niche in the world. Cadence was thrilled how much love the held, while Twilight Sparkle loved the message it spread, knowing it could strengthen friendships, and model exactly everything friendship is about. Of course, there was a protest coming from the Tripes, and Nero was vocal about it. He claimed that this culture was going to corrupt the youth of Equestria, and nothing good could come out of it but a bunch of lazy bums who have no ambitions and no life. However, Celestia’s response to that was simply that the culture was not all that big, and to raise a fuss over all this. It would be a great festival.
Nopony had any clue what was coming.
About a day before the festival commenced, they started coming; a few hundred at first, then a few thousand, and then an ocean of ponies was flooding the town and region. Very quickly, Twilight, (after calming herself on the sudden overwhelming of ponies on Ponyville,) she started channeling the guests directly to the concert grounds. She tried to explain that there would not be nearly enough hotel space, but they quickly told her that they had brought all their own camping gear. The land they were being permitted to use was spacious enough to hold a huge amount of ponies, and because many among them wanted to assure a fun and peaceful time, they started marking off areas for this purpose and spaced it out to keep things sanitary. Yet, it seemed that they were staking out a huge area, and Applejack said, “Say, we appreciate y’all takin’ th’time t’make sure things go smooth an’ all, but, y’all look like yer preparing fer a small city t’show er sumpthin.”
Once there, it was already a sight, and AJ was absolutely stunned. A huge tent city was already forming, and Twilight was all over the place, settling this one, guiding that one. Yet, what was amazing was that the potential trouble that could have happened, that often accompanied situations like this, were very few. Twilight had to get in between a couple of camps, but it was able to be settled rather easily. They were actually trying to set this up peaceably, often settling things before she could get there. AJ caught up with Twilight and said, “I jus’ can’t believe what ah am seein’! I didn’t know y’all could have that many ponies in one place like this, much less have ‘em not fussin’ ‘bout this bein’ that one’s and that’s my space an’ all that.”
Coming from the direction of Canterlot, and one from the north, were three chariots flying towards them. After casting a binocular spell, she was stunned to see the royalty approaching. Celestia was being pulled by her guard, while Luna had her bat ponies pulling, and Cadence with Shining Armor in a chariot being pulled by a team of crystal pegasi soldiers. They landed on the broad hill which was flat enough for campsites, and that was exactly what was intended here, for, right behind them came three wagons being towed in their wake. They all landed, and as soon as they did, and the princesses were aided in stepping off, the troops went right to work setting up their tents. Of course, they were sizable and elaborate, but they were going to camp out nonetheless. Many of the Bardies spotted this, and at first thought that someone was going to cast a bummer over the whole thing. However, when they arrived, they were pleasantly surprised to see how they all looked. Celestia had on a tie-dye tee shirt, peace beads and a peace medallion, her face painted with flowers and hearts, a patchwork pleated skirt, and a fresh daisy chain. Luna, looking as if she was not quite sure about the whole thing, but ready to get into the spirit of it, was wearing a single flower in her mane and a flower print dress similar to what Downy would have worn. Shining Armor was wearing a headband, peasant shirt and jeans with a vest and headband and a big button saying, “Peace Sells.”
Meanwhile, Twilight could not believe her eyes. “But…I don’t get it…I mean, I knew you liked the twins and the music…but I never expected…I mean, of course you can do what you want…but I wasn’t sure that…”
“SHE WAS WEARING WHAT!” squealed Rarity when she heard, wearing her own version of the Bardies, but covered with just enough jewels to make it more her, “Oh, how divine! And she wants you to be with them? Oh goodness! You’re going to need a Bardy makeover, darling!”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 28
It was decided that the festival would commence with the rising of the sun, and both Celestia and Luna felt honored to be asked to kick off the festivities by lowering the moon and raising the sun. Luna was also happy a bit more because she knew there would be music well into the night and early morning, meaning her subjects would be able to enjoy the night she created for them. They both were very surprised to see the concert space for viewing the entertainment packed already. Nopony was going to miss this! Yet, the princesses were surprised to see Purple Haze and the Expense on stage. They were not expecting a set this early, but the bands were lined up and ready to go, so they rolled with it. Pinkie Pie, in full Bardy regalia, came out and got on the mic. She belted out, “Welcome one and all to Ponystock; is this a happening or what!”
Act after act came onstage, with a good half hour break in-between to let the crowd have a break from some of the music that was quite earsplitting at times, and to allow for the movement of ponies to either their camps or to the lake, which now was a massive natural spa for the time being. The Apples fears of the orchard being ravaged were never realized, save for one or two here or there forgetting themselves and violating the promise. Yet, they quickly apologized and paid for what they took, and all was forgiven. Granny Smith was relieved that things were going far better than she had hoped, but she spent almost the whole time back at the house, this not really being her thing, and yet still hearing the music faintly even that far away. By this point, the traffic jam that had started on the road there was now cleared, being that it was a horrible logistics situation Mayor Mare and Twilight were not quite prepared for, and was only resolved when the Canterlot Guard was able to get things flowing again. The six, the CMC, and everypony involved were having a grand time, as the six were meeting many like themselves, and the CMC were getting to make new friends they never otherwise might have had the chance. It was a great time for all…except for the twins!
The twins made their camp like anypony else, but instead of having others socialize and put their tents next to them like anypony else, they kept a respectable distance. The acts that were there were normally hounded left and right by autograph seekers and the press, but they felt relieved when the Bardies were just talking to them like anypony else and treating them like old friends. Yet, the twins moved around the camp to get to meet as many as they could, but as they went through the camp, ponies got quiet and turned a respectful, even reverent, gaze at the pair. When they did try to talk to others, the ponies all acted awed and honored that they would even allow them to touch the hem of their garments. This disturbed them no end! From their perspective, though a bit more mature now and master bards—rather, THE master bards—they were still who they had always been. However, all those around saw them as something quite different. They wanted to hang out with a whole bunch of different pony folk, but those ponies treated them in a way they had never expected. This made them feel real down, and they did not know what to do.
As they went, the CMC were playing some games with the other foals around, but those foals suddenly stopped and looked in awe as the twins passed. This confused the CMC, as it was only Quill and Downy, and Apple Bloom then said, “Um…why are y’all stoppin’?”
They arrived that the lake, and at that point, the mares that ran the spa were getting tips from those that had helped Rarity the night before, and then they saw the twins approach. Quickly, they politely ended the conversation by saying, “And if you want to see this in action, here’s a good chance.”
When they were done with the twins, indeed, they felt much better, but the reverence was still there, just as Twilight arrived with the other two of the CMC. At this, those tending to the beauty needs of those that came immediately offered their services to Twilight, but she said, “Oh goodness! You are so kind, but I’m still feeling good from last night! Maybe later on.”
The evening finished off, first, with a mark that not every entertainer was a bard. Some of the acts there had a bit of angst, and if the Violent Mares indicated anything of the sort, it was them. Nonetheless, they loved it, and it went on with a folksinger named Melody Soft Tear, who, though only had her guitar and a stool, managed to dominate the whole crowd. Her humor and interesting voice kept you engulfed in what she was doing. This was finished with a big hard rock finale by Princess. To say they were colorful and entertaining was an understatement, and their lead singer, originally a citizen of Saddle Arabia but half Trottingham bred and raised in the finest schools Trottingham had to offer, made him look like a strong hoof racer, but also gave him ability to really put on some moves and make his voice powerful. Eddie Mars was eccentric, but able to charm anypony he came across. They rocked on until two in the morning, and they wrapped up day one.
On day two, a blessed event took place. A young mare great with foal went into labor. There was not enough time to get her to the hospital, but there were enough ponies there with medical credentials to help her foal and give birth to a bouncy, happy child. By this point, the press had arrived, adding to the cameras also there to film the event for posterity, and were really grilling all four princesses about this, especially their apparent participation in the events, right down to their dressing like the Bardies. Some were more pleasant, as in that, since many wanted to be counterculture, would this not mainstream the movement. Celestia then said, “We have to try to reach out to all under our care, and if that includes taking part in their rituals and preaching the message of peace, then I am all for it. Besides, it has been a splendid time, and peace has reigned here. There have been no fights, no stealing, and no trouble. There was even a new foal born this morning! This has not brought pain, it helped usher in a new life.”
The sun was setting, and there was a break for meal time for the techs running the show. In that time, the stage was being set for the twins to take the stage as the keynote act of the day. Certainly, there was going to be another day, and many wondered why the twins didn’t take the last night. However, as they saw it, they did not want this to be about them, but about something much greater and more important. Downy, however, was now reacting like David Crosby had the night his group was about to play at Woodstock. He was right; there comes a point where your brain just stops trying to comprehend numbers. She indeed started to go, “1…2…3….4…5… Maaaaanyyyyy.”
By this point, the twins had two albums out, and both were still in the top 15, making their way up and down over time, but never leaving that level. They, as stated before, had also included a band in all this, knowing there was only so long it could just be the two of them, and if they wanted to grow as artists, they had to incorporate these things. They opened by having a drum corps come out to aid the first number: The Obvious Foal. This was followed by “Come the Day,” and then, “The Colt in the Bubble.”
They didn’t have to worry.
They went back to their tent, and found a rotation of well-wishers and those with questions, but they were more intimate with the twins, though still respectful, some even just wanting to sing, share songs, new spells they came up with, and so forth, even meeting a few more new pure blood bards in the process who had been born in the interim of the twins being born and returning to Equestria, though not understanding their own origins until now. In fact, they were not able to get to bed until about 3 in the morning because of this, but, because of the buzz they felt, they did not feel tired in the slightest, only feeling the heaviness of sleep once they had been left alone and went to lie down.
The twins slept through most of the morning, though the day’s acts continued, and the twins, after awaking and refreshing themselves, walked the camp and found more of a welcoming atmosphere than before, now feeling truly comfortable about the whole thing. The festival finished the last day, and the next day came the breaking of camps, and the returning home of all involved, going back with the pictures, the memories, and the sense of being even more enlightened than ever before. The Apples were now with the Princesses as they were striking the camp, and preparing to return to Canterlot and the Crystal Empire. Yet, Granny Smith was worried about having to clean up after all these “whipper snappers,” but Rainbow Dash, now being released from her duties of the Wonderbolts for the concerts, came down and said, “Hey, you don’t need to worry about that.”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 29
Ponystock was the talk of Equestria for some weeks, and the papers gushed over the fact that so many ponies could gather in one place and not have incidents of violence and chaos, though some speculated that the presence of the princesses had something to do with it. Almost every press outlet printed on both the concert and the participation of the princesses positively…
…all but one.
The Tripes propaganda rag printed the most uncomely photographs of the princesses they had gathered while spying on the even and printed them, along with negative articles stating the despicable state of Equestria and the true state of peace, order, and equality the territories that the Tripes essentially now controlled had achieved under Nero’s management. His hatred for the bards and the Bardies spewed from every pore, stating that Ponystock was a display of everything that was despicable about ponykind, and proved his theories of how the bards were warping the minds of the country, and thus secretly looking to conquer the land through the guise of the princesses. He thundered from his podium that something had to be done to either rescue the princesses from themselves, or, barring that, find a way to have them removed to prevent the takeover of the bards and their mindless Bardy drones that would spell the end of Equestria as they knew it. Yet, there was more to his horrible blathering than met the eye.
Nero, (Ponaeros,) had done well to conceal all that was going on, controlling all commerce in and out of the region that consisted of everything between Manehattan and Baltimare, and making it seem like the Tripes had freely and peaceably taken control of those cities and surrounding regions. The truth, however, was much more frightening.
Ponaeros was ruling with an iron fist, and using his now powerful magic to partly control the minds of all under his control. By doing so, they kept the reports of what was really going on from escaping out. Not even Luna could read the dreams of anypony there, and it angered her. Nonetheless, trouble had not emerged from there, and so there was nothing that could be done, lest action taken would make it look as if the royalty were paranoid about what was happening, and make matters worse if they invaded when there was not a complete picture of what was going on. The elite guard he had created had swelled and brainwashed many young ponies mixed in with his mind-controlling spells that had them do blindly anything what they were asked. This, of course, and tragically so, consisted of the extermination of everypony that was a bard, had bard or Bardy tendencies, any anypony that did not measure up to his pony ideals. It was a complete annihilation, because there could be none allowed to escape to spill the beans before he was ready to move. He had swelled his ranks to where the militias of that area were seven times what they should be, armed to the teeth and ready for conflict. All he was waiting for was the right context to strike. Well, it was that that kept him from invading, and one other thing.
The Bardic order had gotten large enough to where they might cause problems, but with the Bardies that associated with them and lent their musical talent to them to enhance what they could to, they would then become unstoppable. What made him more frustrated was the fact that all his efforts to paint the bards as evil had failed everywhere outside his sphere of control. If he acted now, they could be stopped before they could really get going. After chewing on it for some time, he finally came up with an idea. Sure, he wanted to kill all the bards, because, indeed, it was because of them the Starswirl had damned him the way he did. Yet, because of how things were going, why not use them to his advantage. If he could capture them and bend their minds with his magic to his will, he could either control the rest of the bards, but if not, use them as a mega weapon against the other bards who, more than likely, had not gotten to the level of skill that the twins would have, considering their genes. Thus, he would have to find a way to sneak spies into Ponyville, catch them, and then bring them back. He even planned a clever ruse to make it look like some other foe captured them and cover his tracks. All this indeed had to be done, or else everything he had been working for would come to naught. It was too bad, however, that all this time somepony had been watching, and it was not a pony!
Discord had been watching all this time, and in all that time finally popped in from time to time to get Celestia off his back after too many times where he had not been present and wanted to know just what he was doing. Yet, he never let on to what he had been doing all this time. He had been keeping a close eye on Ponaeros, using his chaos magic to keep things so random that Ponaeros’ own ability to sense magic that was not of his doing could not be picked up. Of course, it was not because he needed this one year plus to gather data on Ponaeros. His intentions were actually more far reaching than that, wanting to be sure that, when the time came to put Ponaeros down, it could be done in a way that there could be no chance of him ever emerging again. Now that Ponaeros was close to acting, it was time to fill Celestia in on what was happening.
Celestia had just finished raising the sun and bathing herself, preparing for her day, and was now standing before her mirror, her hair brush floating about her head, brushing her hair out as she liked it. She had been contentedly musing about the concert, her eyes closed, pondering the songs and the experience of getting barded when she opened her eyes and yelped as she did. Discord was on the other side of the mirror, primping himself and said, “Oh, but do I look so fantastic today!”
The twins were relaxing in their house, thinking about where to go from here, and feeling very peaceful. Downy went to brew some coffee when, out of the can came Discord, all hyper as if he himself had just consumed a pot, going on and on about pending war and that it was time to move and do something about it. Downy screamed and started throwing things at him. “Wait…ouch…stop it, I…oof! Will you…OW…I’m trying…” and all she could do was scream, “What are you! GET OUT! GET OUT! GET OUT!”
Rainbow Dash was in her house, reading the latest Daring Do book when a knock came at the door. She found that odd, considering she was not expecting anyone, and only Fluttershy, Starlight, and Twilight could get up there without help. She opened the door to see Muffins there in her message service uniform, handing her a wire. She paid her for the cable and Muffins went her way as Dash closed the door and opened it up. Her eyes went wide when she read the message, letting her know that the Wonderbolt reserves had gone on full alert, and this was to be no stunt show. She had 12 hours to report, and then be full battle rattle as soon as possible after that. She took a moment to let it sink in on what was happening, and her heart dropped into her shorts. For her, joining the Wonderbolts was always about the stunt show side of things, and she always had put the combat aspect to the back of her mind, knowing the odds of this was slim that she might actually see action. Well, she failed to beat the odds, and she was now getting the drastic reminder that she was a part of the military reserves, and now it was her time to kick in and ante up. She hoped a day like this would never come, but it had, and there was no backing out of it. She put down the wire, went to her closet and put on the combat version of her uniform and was out of the house like a bat out of Tartarus.
Twilight was in her own drawing room, reading the same book that Dash had just been reading while the others were active in a fun board game. Starlight was ruling the game, much to their chagrin, and Applejack loved it there was another pony that wanted to compete. Spike had just set down some snacks for them when he stepped away and got an odd look on his face. He let out one healthy belch and a letter appeared and dropped to the ground. Twilight found that odd, but she levitated it off the floor and opened it. After quickly looking over it, she dropped everything and rushed out of the room. Everypony looked at this oddly and Starlight levitated the letter up to herself and the others read it with her. Shocked, they were also out of the room quickly to find Twilight. They found her in the room where the portal was, as she was scribbling something in the book, and then dismantling the portal, putting the pieces carefully in a safe place. They knew what she was up to after having read the letter and said, “Can it be?”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 30
Once at the palace, Celestia briefed the five of them as Starlight Glimmer joined them from the School for Gifted Unicorns, as well as Moon Dancer. It seemed illogical for some that Discord waited this long to say anything, but after Celestia explained the situation and the strategy behind all that happened, they backed off some, and Twilight then said, “So, what happens now?”
After about a day and a half of swift travel, the bards and all the soldiers were at a spot they knew Ponaeros was approaching as the Wonderbolts circled overhead, ready to strike if called on. Meanwhile, Ponaeros indeed did approach with his dark and obedient minions out in front. They all were nearly drooling at the concept of combat, ready to kill anything that moved, thinking they were better than all the ponies in the world and ready to prove it. Ponaeros, however, had other intentions. If his move he was making here worked, he could get what he wanted and then strike back later with the real tsunami of force. He wasn’t seeking to prove himself better than anypony else…he was drooling at the concept of being worshipped as the god he always saw himself.
Yet, when they got in sight of the army of Equestria, yes, they saw the forces there, but, in the middle, was a massive band on a large stage, including the cream of the crop of the recording industry who were also bards ready to add their power to the mix and try to stop this. Confused, Ponaeros’ army stopped in their tracks, not sure how to react to this sight. Quill then got on the mic and said, “Welcome all those from the east. It’s good you all came, and we hope we can change your minds about what you are doing. Indeed, all you are in this are pawns in the hands of a self-righteous maniac who cares nothing about anything but himself. To him, all of you are nothing but cattle, and he doesn’t care how many of you he kills to get his goal, so why not just chill out and just peace it up with us!”
Come all you stallions big and strong as ol’ Ponaeros scams you along;
A, B, C, do you all even know why you’re here;
With all the bards contributing, a huge wave of magic rushed forth, and started to penetrate what Ponaeros had done to them. Because the mood was light and a bit satirical in nature, it started to lighten the mood of the situation, spreading with more effect because of the Bardic magic. All of Celestia’s troops were laughing, while the other side was feeling quite confused, but suddenly not able to restrain from a chuckle or two from what was being sung. The twins then went on as Downy took over:
We ain’t got nothing to gain by fighting this war, ‘cause pain loss is what’s in store;
A, B, C, do you all even know why you’re here;
The Equestrian army was in stitches now, and the other side was cutting through the haze that was in their minds, starting to question their actions by this point, and actually starting to see just how silly all this was. What was there to gain in this? This went far beyond the so-called “social justice” Ponaeros preached to them all this time. In fact, what seemed to be his goals really didn’t seem to match up to what they had originally wanted and sought for themselves. It certainly did not involve war. Quill continued on, in fact, and seemed to reinforce this point:
So make them pay who get in your way, and now’s your chance to take the day;
A, B, C, do you all even know why you’re here;
Some were saddened now that they were extracting justice from those that never hurt them, while others were just smiling and shaking their heads at how zealous to be trying to cause justice against what were really nonexistent crimes. And some were even now joining in the chorus with the band and the Equestrian army. This was all aided by cartoonish images depicting the story, again, satirically, showing how silly and just plain dumb this fight really would be. The Bardic magic was now showing just how powerful it had been back in the ancient days. Downy then led into a big finish:
So all you towns come join the fad, send your best and you’ll be glad;
A, B, C, do you all even know why you’re here;
They finished the tune, and now the applause was great on both sides, along with the laughter, and indeed, the bards were breaking the spell. In fact, in other areas of Equestria, the other fronts were wondering why the word for attack had not yet been given, and word came back that the Tripes in the center were laying down their arms for a concert of some sort! Confusion reigned, but this was exactly what Ponaeros had banked on!
Ponaeros was not looking to make this the main push across Equestria, as one might have thought. He wanted to test the power of the bards versus his own. Indeed, spending all his time building up a minor empire in order to attack at the right time had never allowed him to fully explore just how strong he had grown magically for all his time battling to get out of the Abyss. He figured that he would have time to explore that as he sought to use it in the war he was hoping to make. After all, the whole point of building a military, as far as he was concerned, was only to be in a state of warfare. You always channeled the best and the most out of the ponies you ruled over by constantly having some kind of cause for which to fight. Now that he had seen the bards firsthand, he knew they were as powerful as he had remembered. Yet, he had the personal ability to resist, though he was taxed in trying to keep the spell over his soldiers while keeping himself from falling under the bard’s spell. Moreover, now was the time to show these upstart alicorns that nothing they had could compare to the power he now wielded. He had been powerful when he had once faced Starswirl, but now he was many times stronger than that, so what made these mutant ponies who could not decide which category of pony they wanted to belong think they stood a chance? Furthermore, he was to become more powerful than that with what he did next.
Just before the twins could break into another number, Ponaeros teleported right behind them with about six of his elite guard, saying as he appeared, “You know, you are talented, but your music is a bit grating. Time to change that.”
The princesses were shocked. They could not believe how easily and quickly Ponaeros had acted. They were certain he was powerful, but not so much as to resist all those bards and then be able to grab the twins as they did. Worse, Ponaeros had cut off the head of the snake, so to speak, which would make, at least at that moment, the body useless. Confusion set in, as well as panic, as Ponaeros quickly reestablished his controlling spells over his troops present and then called for an all-out attack. The Equestrian Army was now disorganized, having spent too much time getting into the music, and letting down their guard when the opposing force was laying down their arms. The bards could not counter because they were looking to the twins for guidance, and because of that, could not organize the music enough to repel the attack. The Equestrian soldiers were starting to improvise, but were being overrun. The bards, now in full panic, were trying to get out of there as fast as they could, and mixed in with the fighting to where it made it hard for the Equestrian soldiers to pick out targets. The Tripes, however, didn’t really care. Luna sprang into action herself on the ground, rallying the army to some kind of fighting form, if only into a fighting withdrawal to get the bards out of there. Celestia was doing what she could to aid in the extraction of the bards and gave command for all Wonderbolts and their reserves to give air cover while this was being executed. She was not about to try to attack the Tripes in this disorganized state. She would have to give up ground for now while she and her generals were able to come up with a new plan. First, they had to pull back to a better position and dig in there to stop the advance while building a new plan, and hopefully, call for help from other places, and quickly. Meanwhile, Ponaeros had now left the field altogether and back to headquarters. He had some plans for the twins.
On the northern and southern areas of Equestria, the troops were holding their own against the Tripes, but the Tripes were gaining ground, but much slower than in the middle. The north and south on the flanks were more ready than the middle, considering what had been planned, yet they were now finding out just how powerful Ponaeros had made them. The sickening feeling was now settling in on the whole battlefield; this was not going to be over in one day. This was going to be a long and protracted war, and the fates only knew just how long and bloody this would be. However, they knew what was at stake now. Because of what Discord was able to tell the princesses, Ponaeros was making no bones about just what his goals were. His evil was the worst kind: absolute wickedness! Life only held value to him as long as it served his purposes. He could dispose of anypony after that once he or she outlived their usefulness. He expected all to bow to him, and he felt he owed nothing to anypony. In short, he just did not want to conquer the world, he wanted to be worshipped as a god! If he were to win, not only would he plunge the whole world into a horrible dark age, but he would then begin to reshape the whole thing into his vision, and anypony that did not measure up to it would be disposed of. Thus, blood would flow long after the fighting was done. Therefore, the stakes were to prevent the end of the world as they knew it. It now became win at all costs, and exactly what Celestia had hoped to avoid. It was turning into the darkest day in Equestrian history since Ponaeros pulled this maneuver many centuries before.
Spitfire flew up in front of all the Wonderbolts and called for them to form up and prepare for battle. “Alright!” she said, “Time to show why we practice all those fancy moves and show they weren’t just to look cool!”
Rainbow Dash had hoped she never had to be a part of the combat side of the Wonderbolts, but at the same time, she also understood the risks involved, and she got her now pounding heart under control. Instead, she focused her energies to aggression and the mission at hand, reminding herself that she was always ready for a fight. She had never backed down from anypony, and it was not about to start now. In her time during her monthly training sessions, and her two weeks annual, she had learned much about combat. She understood a couple of things. First, she remembered what some of the older vets and drill instructors had taught her; go into combat expecting to die and you will live. Go into combat hoping to live, and surely you will not. This was because, if you spent too much time trying to save her own hide, she would not focus on the mission at hand, look out for the wellbeing of her fellow Wonderbolts, and not only would it cost her, but it would also cost her teammates. The other thing she had learned was from the high stress training. They were always putting them up against overwhelming forces in simulations in order to get them to be able to make training based decisions when they were nearly out of energy and working off raw emotions. At that point, one always drops to the lowest level of their training, and the goal was to make the lowest common denominator be the simplest and yet most effective actions when you were up against it, and to keep your head about you so you didn’t panic, and just tell yourself that, if you were at the bottom, they only way at that point to go was up. She kept her mind focused on one thing at a time, got into formation, and prepared to dive into the fray. She then got that fire in her eye, and the only thing she could now think, see, or reason was to attack!
The Wonderbolts headed for the area of the field that the Tripes were looking to catch as many bards as they could and wipe them out. This would allow the troops who were covering their retreat to dig in and form a wall of defense while Celestia got them out of there. As they approached, Celestia was keeping them calm and organized as they moved out, blasting several Tripes at a time as they attempted to approach, and finding out the hard way why you don’t mess with an alicorn that was over a thousand years old with experience and wisdom, and thus proper battlefield treachery, on her side. Spitfire, seeing this, called for Soarin to take his battle wing to the left and she would go right, go over the main line of battle, and attack from the rear in a dual starburst pattern. The two wings dove in fast and hard, and then starburst, first into their squadrons, and then starburst again as they did their runs. The whole thing looked confusing to the ground troops as it seemed they were getting hit from every direction at once, but the Wonderbolts were in full control of what they were doing. Those in the main line of the fight then had to draw some back and aid their now besieged comrades and stem the tide. At this, a battle wing of the Tripes took to the air to try to confront the Wonderbolts directly, and it was exactly what Spitfire was hoping for!
She called for her wing to break off and meet the oncoming threat while Soarin kept up his strafing runs. Rainbow Dash had just finished clobbering her umpteenth foe when she heard the call and saw the threat. She was so pumped up with endorphins at this point that she wasn’t even thinking about the danger and only focused on one thing: win! She uttered, “Oh yeah! Let the dogfighting begin!” and banked up to meet the new threat. Her years of learning earth pony fighting was about to pay off along with what she had learned with the team: WHAC, (Wonderbolts Hooffighting Aerial Combat.) The lead Tripes began to hear a shriek coming up fast, and looked down only long enough to register Rainbow Dash coming up in full battle cry and primal scream as she was just short of Rainboom speeds. She hit the leader full tilt and would have snapped him in two had it not been for his armor. Nonetheless, he had cracked ribs as he spiraled out of the sky, attempting to regain control in all kinds of pain. This disrupted the whole Tripe wing and the others were quick to jump on the confusion. There was chasing, maneuvering, and straight up hoof-to-hoof aerial combat. The attacking Tripe wing were caught off guard by the counterattack, and found out quickly that they were not going to outmaneuver the Bolts at any part of the fight. They began to drop like flies hit with DDT and with each one out, it only increased the Bolts’ strength on the enemy. Dash was starting to become an ace fighter as she knocked one foe after another out of the sky. Then it happened.
She was chasing one who looked like an officer, looking to add another notch on her belt, but not seeing the trap into which he was leading her. She was so focused on him that she could not see that she was being led into some unicorns who were acting as aerial artillery against any Bolt who was foolish enough to stray from the melee and then become an easy target. Spitfire saw this and shouted into her headset, “SERGEANT DASH! GET OUT OF THERE! IT’S A TRICK!”
The Tripes had made gains, but had been stalled with the Wonderbolt attack and had to pull back before they took anymore losses. They retreated to better defensive positions and then sought to resume hostilities the next day, and this pattern was repeated all along the front in all places in Equestria. Luna had lay waste to many foes and had the field officers prepare for a proper defense until reinforcements arrived. She then went to find her sister and see how it went with her. As she approached, she was relieved to hear that only a few bards were lost, but it was not so consoling, knowing that Ponaeros got away with the twins, and there was no knowing what he was doing to them, if they were even alive at all. Yet, Celestia was nowhere to be seen. When she asked around, she was told what happened, and she was now shaken to her foundations at the news. She had been told to take control on the front while she escorted back a certain casualty back to Canterlot. Considering who it was, Luna understood well why.
At the palace, news was starting to come in about how things had become a fiasco, and now they were in a full-fledged war. Hearing that, there was not much talk or discussion, with everypony at a loss as to what they could say. Yet, it was about to become worse as the rest of the Mane six and the others saw a grave and sad Celestia come in, all grimy and sweaty, her mane disheveled, come into the hall of honor where they were waiting. She saw them together, and she said, “My little ponies, I have awful news…”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 31
When the twins came to, their noses were working a bit more than their eyes, as the musty conditions were pungant. As their focus started to come in, they looked around, seeing only one light overhead, and bricks. They were each one bound to a chair, and sitting opposite them was Ponaeros himself. "Welcome back to the land of the living," he said, the twins now seeing Ponaeros for the first time, and not expecting such friendly and open tones. He almost sounded fartherly as he spoke, and Downy then said, "I would ahve expected you to be more sinister."
After a few hours, he had the twins completely bent to his will and way of thinking. Yet, because of the session, he now realized his power could extend over two worlds! The so-called Princess of Friendship had a portal to an entire other world, and once he was done with this one, he will have grown powerful enough to be able to use magic in that world. Though that was not possible for anypony else, he could once he had perfected his own magic and skills. He had the twins untied as he said, “I don’t think that will be necessary anymore. And, here, let me take off the inhibitors.”
Word spread fast globally about the war that had begun. The Battle of the Bards had turned into disaster, and now they looked at a long, bloody, and protracted war. Celestia was spreading word, and Luna was going into the dreamscape of the leaders of the world, letting them know that Equestria’s danger was also their own. If they fell, Ponaeros would come for them. With that, help and pledges to help were pouring in around the world. The exceptions were those from the White Tail Forest, in that they really had no military, and had always relied on the Equestrian Guard to protect them. The Arimaspi Territory, however, told everyone to get bent, and that they would hold their own if he even tried to come their way. The Grittish Isles pledged naval help, considering Equestria’s eastern coast had now been compromised along with the Equestrian Royal Navy. Griffonstone pledged their militias…at a stiff price, of course! They would hook up with the Grittish Navy, and once they gained mastery of the sea, they would join with the Grittish Isles and open a second front. Yakyakistan pledged two of their three armored divisions, keeping back one for home defense, and the Crystal Empire pledged all their forces save for a home guard, both hoping to open a front to the north. The whole intent was to overtax the resources of the Tripes and strangle them in a war of attrition. Of course, this was the worst form of warfare one could face in that it would drain ponies and resources, and it could take a long time, as a war of attrition was one that tested the mettle of the nations involved. It was not only to pound your foe into submission, but also to cause them to drain all their abilities to continue to engage in war. It was going to be a dark time for Equestria indeed.
At Canterlot Castle, the rest of the six along with Spike, Moondancer, and Starlight Glimmer were all in the room with Rainbow Dash as she was starting to come out of the coma. They had her on partial life support as a precaution, they having had to work hard to un-collapse her lung. She had a cast on each of the limbs broken, and tape around the cracked ribs. Twilight paced as Rarity held Rainbow Dash’s good hoof, dabbing a cold compress on Dash’s forehead and Fluttershy was in tears. Applejack looked both stoic and angry, wanting to stomp into a mud hole the one who did this to her. Pinkie Pie, however, was a nervous wreck. Every emotion was hitting her at once, and she was finding it hard to find anything humorous to say to lighten the mood. For her, this stunk bad, because she felt completely helpless and her mind was desperate to find some way to help, but finding none.
Her vitals were getting stronger and stronger, however, and eventually the doctors felt confident enough to take her off the partial life support as she seemed near to coming to. After another twenty minutes, her eyes fluttered open, and her vision cleared slowly. Seeing that all her friends were there, she smiled, and tears rolled down her cheek. Seeing the somber mood, she chuckled and said, “Boy, if this is how you act when I get some boo-boos, I’d hate to see you at my funeral.”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 32
A few days had passed, and the princesses were starting to make the maneuvers they needed to mount the counteroffensive and try to put this whole thing down. The bards were reluctant to commit now, considering their leaders were gone with no idea just what their fates had been. In fact they were seeking to go into hiding, trying to figure out what to do. They had insisted that they needed the help of the Bardies to boost their magic, for they felt it was their only chance against such a powerful wizard. Luna and Celestia assured them that they would deal with Ponaeros personally, considering how powerful he was. Moreover, even Discord was offering his services, considering that even he, when he had once had ambitions for conquest, had never sought to see anypony harmed, but just wanted his silly and psychedelic world to be what it was. This was different. He had seen the face of wickedness, and it was horrible, even worse than Tirek had been. Worse, if Ponaeros did start to realize his fullest potential, there just may be no stopping him at all unless every unicorn could be called upon to act at once, and maybe trying to get that Sunset Shimmer mare back over here just long enough to help. Yet, Ponaeros halted his lines for a few days, and that bought the princesses time, but they were also unsure as to what Ponaeros’ next move might be, and that actually made them more nervous with the not knowing.
Another school week was ending in Canterlot High, and the girls were gathered at the statue for a little picnic after class to get their homework done so as they could have a full weekend to themselves for a sleepover at Pinkie’s place. Sunset had the book out, hoping to give a weekly progress report on how things were going, and hoping for an update on the twins. She was so glad to know they had assimilated so well and wanted to stay in the other world, and she was happy the investigation of them going missing didn’t amount to much here, the law having finally given up and listed them on the missing persons file, knowing that their disappearance would never be solved, and Sunset even wondered if it was possible that their disappearance would end up another great urban legend. However, on this day, as she finished off her message, a response came back quicker than she expected. The writing was a bit sloppy for Twilight, so that hinted that there was a problem right away. As she read, her eyes widened, and now she looked horrified. Without a word, she was up with the book and heading into the school and towards the office at high speed. The girls just stared and looked stunned. After about five minutes, they had their answer. Sunset sprinted back out, tossed them the book, and said, “I’m going back to Equestria for a time! It’s an emergency!”
Twilight was pacing the floor with the others of the Mane six sans Rainbow Dash when Sunset burst through the mirror and said, “I got here as fast as I could. Tell me Dash is alright.”
While this was going on, there was an arrival of a small caravan at the central front where the most solid concentration of enemy troops sat. Scouts from the ground reported that it was none other than Ponaeros and some kind of…musical band. Celestia, rallied behind her soldiers, found that odd. Well, it was odd…unless… Before she could react, a white flag spell was cast over her with a message for her to talk directly to Ponaeros. Instead of risking herself, she projected a hologram of her through which she channeled herself and appeared before Ponaeros in a very large image floating before the stage. She said, (more hopefully than anything else,) “You wish to surrender?”
As the Tripes advanced, some of the most monstrous images started to appear, and real enough that those on the ground did not want to chance that what they saw might be fake. In addition, the sky grew dark and filled with sickly purple and black storm clouds, and it seemed that the Tripe army had grown to seven times the number they had just previously been. So horrifying were the sights that the soldiers of Equestria were just screaming and throwing down their arms as they fled for their lives. So fast was it happening and so confusing was the chaos that Celestia could not rally the troops or counter the magic no matter what she tried. It was then she realized why the band was there, and remembered how the Bardies helped enhance what the bards did by playing their music, and also why the twins had their own band by this point. Because Ponaeros had taught the twins the most ancient techniques, coupled with the band, they were dominating every aspect of the situation. They were also channeling their magic through the speakers so that no matter where anypony was, even if they were not in direct earshot of the live action, it was affecting any and all who heard. This could not have been a worse situation. Although nopony was being killed, which was the only upshot, Equestria could not put up a resistance. It would only take a matter of a week, if that, and the government would have to flee to the west and try to reestablish a new front from there, because Canterlot will have fallen without a fight. She would then try to rally the bards with their Bardies comrades, but she then wondered just what they could do then, considering that they just might have grown powerful enough to where nothing could stop them. The song cut out as the retreat was taking place, but not the imagery, as the twins kicked into “Paint It Black”, and it went from terrifying to Hell on Earth just as fast. In fact, the troops screamed of the flames around them and fire demons that tormented them. There was no way to win. For those to paralyzed with fear to flee, they became quick prisoners. For those who could, they needed no orders to flee back to their bases or Canterlot proper. Even Celestia, though able to see past the magic and not fear this, was afraid more that it was all over. She would go back to Canterlot and speak with the princesses. The first thing would be to shatter the portal in the Crystal Empire, and then have Twilight destroy her portal and the book. Without the book, a new one could not be constructed. At least the human world could be spared. She would then discuss capitulation, because even the reinforcements on the way would be powerless to stop any of this. Or, barring that, they may just have to send as many through the portals as they could feasibly save, and then try to shut the door behind them and spare the human world of the horror of Ponaeros while trying to give as many ponies as she could a chance at living free. If she could stuff everypony in, she would have, but considering the swiftness of the advance, this would not be possible. She hated to admit it, but it just might be all over, and they were soon to be plunged into a horrible dark age, and one that might never end.
At the twins house, they were combing the whole house, and when it seemed that there was nothing really they could find and were about to give up, Starlight Glimmer stumbled across something on Downy’s desk stuffed away in a small draw. She levitated it out and opened the scroll that was in there with the title, “Strength Through Peace.” It was a Bardic-style spell subtitled, “The Ultimate Failsafe War Stopper.” She looked it over and analyzed it to see how it worked and she realized that this was an attempt at trying to create a spell, but it was incomplete. Yet, under the basic instructions of employing it, which were also incomplete, there was also an incomplete score complete with lyrics. On the desk was the Bardic Tome opened up to spell creation, and after having found that there were no other attempts of trying to create magic around the house, it was clear this was her first attempt at this. However, looking at the tome and the spell, she realized that, at the least, the framework of the spell was sound enough, and it was then she had an epiphany. “Eureka!” she shouted, and everypony involved with the search came in. They were all panting from the hard sprint with anxious look on their faces, all wondering what was happening. Starlight Glimmer then said with a sly look on her face, “We may just have found our Deus Ex Musica!”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 33
The group all looked over what she had found and saw that, in parentheses were the words, “Working Title,” which meant Downy had not finalized her title and had scribbled underneath, “Peace Finds the Way.”
Indeed, Ponaeros was on the move, yet, the old saying of, “What best laid plans of mice and ponies do oft run amok,” reared its head as factors that even Ponaeros could not have factored for were creeping in and hindering his movement. He could not have the twins everywhere at once, and because of that, the true weaknesses of his forces could be seen. On the northern flanks, the yaks from Yakyakistan had arrived with a division of their heavy armored soldiers backed by troops from the Crystal Empire led by Shining Armor himself. Considering their strength, Ponaeros shifted the twins to the northern flank, (slowing his central attack to a crawl,) to face the danger. However, when the twins started their magic, Ponaeros did not realized or even take into account the mindset of the yaks. Upon hearing the music and seeing the horrible monsters in illusion, the yaks backed up for a minute, but then redoubled themselves as their general announced, “Those not Yakyakistan monsters! Not real monsters! Not scary like yak monsters! YAKS SMASH!”
Things were worse when the Royal Navy of Gritain arrived, filled with Marines and griffons ready to attack the coasts. Because the twins were occupied, they could not go to stop this. The invasion fleet, in fact, was massive! Knowing the danger, they rallied every ship in their fleets and filled them with about 400,000 fighting ponies along with about three wings of Griffons. They had to strike hard at Fortress Equestria that Ponaeros was trying to form. In fact, so unprepared for a second front were they that the coasts were not all that guarded and caught completely by surprise. The Grittish started shelling hard on the landing points, hoping to support the landing craft and yet leave the ports intact. They would need them for the advance of the Marines to first establish a foothold and then advance from there. There was no way Ponaeros could fight on two fronts, and perhaps, if they could retake Fillydelphia, there was a chance. They could strangle his resources and force an end to this. The princesses could combine their powers and take on Ponaeros unhindered. With that, the navy unleashed all the firepower they possessed and commenced what would might end up the bloodiest battle of the conflict, for, in such landings, casualties were always high. They were expecting 7 out of every 10 landers to become some kind of a casualty, but the griffons were also doing what they could to harass the beaches, and trying to land behind them and pull a pincer move. It was not going to be pleasant by any stretch.
Reports and news was being spread about the goings of the war, and much of it very patriotic, trying to bolster the fighting spirit of the ponies, but there was one group that was, for the lack of a better term, bummed out, beyond belief: the bards and Bardies. They had hoped to be that which stopped war, just as the bards knew their heritage was, but now all seemed lost. Sure, they might win the war, but how many would have to die? However, it was then Discord appeared in their hideaway, all tricked out like a Bardy and said, “Groovy dudes. Hey, don’t look so down!”
The four mages were looking it over, Sunset helping with the music, but they couldn’t make out what they were supposed to do with the verses. The lines were sketchy at best, and they seemed to be lists of certain issues of current events, rants, and other things that matched the rhythm, (which was crucial for the spell,) but they didn’t have actual notes for the words in the verses; only for the refrain. Moreover, there had to be something to drive it—some kind of motivation—to make it all gel and flow out in magic. Moondancer seemed to have the best handle on it, but not being a musician herself, she really did not know how to make it all work the best. Sunset was a musician, but she had no clue on this kind of magic. At this point, out of the blue, there was tea, coffee, muffins galore on the table as Discord appeared with Easy Trotter and said, “Well, how goes the war?”
A couple of days had passed, and the Grits and griffons had managed to get the foothold and were preparing to break out. The norther flank was now looking to collapse, and even with all his power, Ponaeros was having trouble trying to maintain his power over his armies all at once, especially on two fronts. He now realized too late that he might have acted too hasty; he should have spent more time focusing on learning to perfect all that he had learned up to this point coming out of the Abyss in this world before acting, He might have then been unstoppable. However, there was one thing he could do, and thanks to the twins, he knew that if it got that bad, he could pull out this trump card and slam it down. There would be no stopping him. He truly would be a god then, because, at that moment, for a god, he was not all that omnipotent. He would have to do something to draw out his foes into a trap, and work out the plan he had had all along. Indeed, his forces were making as if they were heading for Canterlot, but his goal was not there. What was his goal rested to the south, and he wanted control of THAT first, because, once he did, he could just pull many of his troops and himself through that which he sought, and start over. When he did, the subject of his attack would have no power whatsoever to stop him.
The rest of the mane six and the unicorns all arrived at Rainbow Dash’s hospital room with a few bards in tow. Celestia and Luna came as well when they heard what was to happen, because they wanted to observe this for themselves. Dash was happy for the large visit, being that she really was dying of boredom, having read through the latest Daring Do book a few times, but was now left with nothing else. “So, what brings you all here?” she asked, “I hear tell ol’ Creepy Pony is making moves towards the capitol.”
Ponaeros indeed sent a seeming force towards the capitol, and Celestia accordingly diverted many troops to protect the capitol, though, with the twins under his control, she was not sure what they could do, and she really hoped that this plan was both ready and able to do what was intended for it. However, that move did not seem to do too much, and worse, reports came in from Wonderbolt air scouts that the twins were nowhere to be seen in that group, or Ponaeros for that matter. Confused, she pushed for more information, but it came in a left-hoofed manner. Sudden reports came in that Ponaeros had pulled a feint maneuver, and there was a sudden rush towards…Ponyville! This confused Celestia to what Ponaeros’ intent was, but then it hit her; the mirror! She was not sure if Twilight had dismantled it. Yet, even if she had, Ponaeros could capture her and force her to build it. He wasn’t saving it for last, he was trying to take it right now! She did not wait. She knew she was about to expend a lot of magic, but she found Luna and teleported to the Crystal Empire. They gathered Cadence and then they all teleported to Ponyville. Once there, Celestia had to steady herself for all of what she had to do, and quite caught off guard the others as they were in the map room, working on musical counter attack. Twilight was by Celestia’s side in an instant, worried her old teacher may have hurt herself, and she said, “What’s going on!”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 35
After assessing the situation, Celestia and Luna knew it was going to take a long time to undo the damage Ponaeros caused and to restore both the cities and the ponies back to normalcy after Ponaeros’ spell was stopped. There was much in damage that had to be fixed, and repairs made. However, more immediate of issue was a time of mourning for the lost, interment of the war dead, and reflection of how never to let this kind of evil set in again. Indeed, had it been anypony else, Discord would have put a stop to it from the start. However, as Discord so aptly explained, there was no way to really make an adequate stop of things until some things ran their courses. The only regret, and even from Discord, was that the learning curve for such vigilance would be so large. Sometimes, evil is not so easy to see, or easy to stop once seen. The only comfort that could be taken was that he was gone forever, and that he was stopped before it got even worse. Nonetheless, there were two that were very depressed about the whole thing.
It was a day after it was over, and the whole of Twilight’s circle of friends, which included the twins, were permitted to stay in the castle at Canterlot as they were to be guests at the memorial that was to be established at the resting place for all military heroes. It was to be dedicated to all the brave that fought and gave their lives to stop this evil from all the lands who came to Equestria’s aid, as well as those from Equestria, and a reminder of what the face of wickedness looks like. Yet, as the days passed heading for that moment, the twins were not very social, and had not played a note of music. Considering how ingrained in them music was, this was very disturbing. They chose to eat in their room, and ate very little. Eventually, Twilight was going to say something, but Luna said, “Please, princess Twilight, permit me an opportunity to speak with them. I think I know what is going on, and I believe that I can do something for them.”
Luna knocked, but there was no answer, even though she knew they were in there. She sighed and quietly opened the door. “Greetings, friends,” she said, “May I come in?”
The day soon approached for the memorial, and everypony was there in their finest. Even the twins got into some nice clothing, though, for them, it felt uncomfortable, and it was clear to all that this was so as the pulled at this and fussed with that. Nonetheless, the military was in their finest uniforms, and Rainbow Dash took her place with the Wonderbolts, now with her shiny new medals, her combat patch, and a new sense of what it meant to be a part of a “band of brothers.” For her, she did not just wear them for her victory, but also for those who did not live to see this honor. She would live her life that many more times vehemently for the Wonderbolts that would never come home. Once everypony was in place, the ceremony commenced.
Celestia came up and was the first to speak, officially opening the event by stating, “Fillies and gentlecolts, welcome to the dedication and memorial for the fallen of the Second Great Equestria War. This is not meant just to honor the fallen of our own nation, but of every nation that contributed souls and resources to end the evil that sought to destroy all that we hold dear. Without their help and sacrifice, we could not have survived to see the final day of victory. They are to be honored here as well as our own. In all that we went through, we learned just how much that a desire for peace and working towards it can be just as effective as military effort and struggle. There were those who sacrificed who bore not weapons but olive branches who also paid the ultimate price, and they also must be honored. None must ever be forgotten. With that, I would like to bring out two who have something to add to this, and I would ask you listen closely to what they have to say.”
Quill started and said, “My sister and I thank you for your show of gratitude from the bottom of our hearts, and it helps us heal some as well.”
An honor guard of the E.U.P. Defense Force and all its branches came up in a “stately time” cadence to a slow rolling snare drum. It was a silent and stately honor guard that took their position, along with seven artillery teams. Luna then took the podium and asked for all to bow their heads for a three minutes of silence for the fallen. Once this was done, she floated up a piece of paper and read the following:
They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old;
This was then followed by a 21-gun salute by the artillery that had been brought. This was done, not seven at a time, but one cannon at a time. Once this was done. this was followed by a lone bugler who then played something called “the Tattoo” that is normally played at lights out. It was, in centuries passed, a tune that was played to call troops back to the barracks for lights out, and to be heard in town to call them back before the gates closed. In this case, it was call them home for the very last time. Once the last notes were played, a squad of the five most senior Wonderbolts could be heard approaching in a fly-by, but as they were going overhead, one slowly peeled away in what was called the “missing pony” formation in honor of the fallen. Once done, the twins came out to play once last time and finished with “If I Had a Hammer.” This was greeted by applause, as it was understood that they sang this in honor to the fallen directly. The proceedings were then brought to a close, and everyone broke up. Yet, the twins lingered a bit, pondering all they had gone through, and decided that, instead of meeting with the press and the social class of the land, they just slipped out. In fact, they were looked for, and everypony did indeed wonder what happened to them. Yet, the mane 6 and the princesses figured they had a good guess as to what had happened.
After spending some time at the reception, they went to Sweet Apple Acres, and sure enough, they were in their house. After being welcomed in and made comfortable, Twilight had to ask the obvious. “Well, why did you all leave?”
THE END
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Author's Note
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Introduction (and quite a long one!)
People are interesting. As Einstein discovered that the universe is both limited and yet boundless, so human nature is so understandable and yet unfathomable. If human nature was that easy to understand, the science of psychology would be needless, truth be said. I guess I'm saying all this because there are just some people who love to major on the minors and make more out of things than is really there. For some, they are so dedicated to one thing or another that, if you diverge even one nanometer from what they think things ought to be, then, as they saying goes: Katie, bar the door, there's trouble coming!
When it comes to the fandom of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, they are as fierce in their love and dedication to it as any Trekkie, Whovian, or Star Wars fan would be. To the credit of us Bronies, (and I call myself one, though my affection goes only as far as enjoying the show and writing stories,) I believe us to be some of the most intelligent, intellectual, open, and generous people in the world of fandom that is out there, not to mention creative. So creative are we, that fan art/fiction/music/animation et all, (at least I think,) far outpaces any fandom out there. In fact, so attentive are those that create and work on the show to the fandom that, as the 100th episode of the show demonstrates, they do pay attention to us and have made cannon a lot of what was not yet, but well could have been when the fandom produced it. Yet, in saying that, it presents a problem I have encountered with some in the fandom, (and, believe me, this is a minority,) and that are those that look at the world of MLP as if it was some kind of holy scripture, and I shall explain what I mean by that.
When I say, "Holy Scripture," what I mean is how zealously some in the realm of religion—whichever one you want to put in this spot—who, when you start to mess around in it, the screams of "BLASPHEMY" thunder forth, and depending on the religion, could get anything from public ridicule to being stoned to death! I am sure this can happen in any fandom, but I have found that, if anyone comes up with ANYTHING they do not consider cannon, once again: Katie, bar the door! When I say, "What they consider cannon," what they mean is that, if it is something that the writers haven't come up with, it does not exist, period! For example, there is another story I am currently working on, and it deals with the sport of hoof racing. Why not? If there is horse racing in the human world, and Pegasus racing in Equestria, why would not there not be the sport of hoof racing, and something along the lines of what humans would call a track meet, pony style? Yet, in some online role play, (which I do sometimes to test a character concept,) when I tried to introduce this, I was ripped to shreds by some arrogant site manager who approved all role play and characters because I didn't quite fill out the character sheet perfectly, and worse, that I even DARED come up with something original that the writers didn't create, as if their word was as good as some deity, and if it was not from them, then, well, I guess I blasphemed. He made me feel three inches tall and, even though I would bet you he calls himself a brony, he certainly does not fit the archetype of a brony by any stretch. I guess he needs to learn just what "love and tolerate" really means. Geesh!
Anyway, I said all that to say this: that kind of attitude seems to run counter to the point of view of the writers of the show: if it's a good idea, why not use it? Once again, the 100th episode seems to bear this out. However, I do believe there are certain bounds in which one must stay. If one writes fan fiction, I have certain rules I try to follow:
First, you have to stay within the reality—however that is defined in the universe into which you wish to dive—of that universe. In other words, you can do, say, create, anything you want, and any character you want…BUT… If you do any of this, it has to be something that could logically exist within the parameters of that universe. For example, using my previous concept, a professional hoof racing circuit is not out of the realm of possibility. In that regard, the characters you could create could be very diverse, and the stories based in that world of MLP you created is limitless. However, if you suddenly turn Fluttershy into an aggressive mixed martial artist who cursed like a sailor, (unless you made it clear this was satire,) or did something that would be outside of the personalities of the cannon characters or having them do some things they would never do, NOW you have stepped out of line! (Of course, the realm of clopping, such things happen often, but thank God that is an area of fandom that is in the minority!)
Second, in creating original characters, they either need to be supporting characters, or, if in a lead role, and are a key to resolving the conflict of the tale, it has to be that they cannot succeed without the help and support of the cannon characters. It is okay to put some focus on original characters as long as it is to introduce the characters. Remember: if you include the cannon characters, people came to see them more than anything you are making.
This leads to point three, and this deals with the issue of Mary Sue/Gary Stu. This normally comes in the form of self-insert original characters, though under a different name, who wants to be Super Pony; Mr. Deus Ex Machina. This is not to say that authors don't put a bit of themselves into an original character in the form of the original character having certain skills and such, for it is easier to write about things you know about. Yet this is not what I am talking about. This is a character that is so powerful or out of place that they take over everything, and sadly, end up the mental fulfillment of some perverted sexual fantasy with some cannon character. Now, this is not to say that original character relationships with cannon are out of line, but there are certain criteria: 1) the cannon must be single; 2) the relationship must make sense; 3) the relationship should fit somewhere in the story's plot, or at least some kind of fun subplot that adds to the story and does not distract from the main plot. However, some MS/GS creations are almost godlike characters who become such a center and focus to the story that it becomes stupid and meaningless; hence my naming him or her Mr./Miss Deus Ex Machina, being able to resolve any issue or problem out of the blue. If the original character has no real point in being there, does not really contribute to the story, or becomes ridiculously overpowered, maybe its best not to go there.
This dovetails to point four, and that is do not suddenly have any characters, (cannon or otherwise,) have skills they don't have when the need calls for it, and in the case of original characters, were not mentioned before as existing as a skill, ability, or an object he or she was not carrying prior to the moment at hand. (See previous point of avoiding Deus Ex Machina; a sin in fan fiction I see committed by writers far too often.) If one stays in these guidelines, then one can write a fantastic story. Your imagination is your only limitation.
Now, I said all that to introduce this tale, and that what I am writing does make sense. What I am writing deals in a VERY touchy area of MLP that some feel should be left alone, and that is either humans in Equestria, or ponies on our Earth. Normally, this is done by having actual human beings be in the world of Equestria or ponies as we know them in our world. In that regard, I say to stay as far from this as possible because it would not make any sense unless you really, REALLY can defend this happening. I mean, I could not see the population of our world not freaking out if a purple alicorn suddenly appeared who can talk. They would capture her, experiment on her, have the military use her magic as some kind of secret weapon, locked up on Area 51, or just have the torch and pitchfork crowd scream, "KILL THE MONSTER!"
Yet, in some sense, the writers of the show attempted to resolve this somehow with the concept of Equestria Girls…
Whoa! Wait! Put down those rotten tomatoes and other debris and hear me out! I know, I know; not everyone sees that this should be anywhere near cannon. In fact, I am not sure, but I think the first Equestria Girls movie was a trial balloon for a spin-off series. I mean, let's face it: Hasbro is also looking for anyway to market new toys and toy concept to feed the corporate money machine. Yet, I think it was clear to the fandom what was being tried, and the creators of the show caught on quick. They realized that, as occasional movies to keep things interesting, it worked well, and became recognized as cannon save for a small few who just refused to accept it. However, they also realized that, if they had tried for a series, then all you really would have had was My Little Pony, and, well, My Little Pony! It would have meant being inundated with My Little Pony, causing burn out, and would have caused the whole thing to jump the shark and become a footnote in television history. However, there have been three movies, and, because if what it involves, it opens up the realm of possibilities.
The first thing the writers got right is that, if someone from Equestria went through the portal, then they would convert into humans. This makes for some fun things as you watch them try to adapt, as we watched Twilight do. Another thing they did was limit the ability to cross over, and that caused by their being only two portals in existence, both in limited access, and one only working occasionally. This prevents utter chaos breaking out in both worlds and limiting the amount of times such a mechanism be used, or such plot lines would be worn out too fast. However, because of the way it was written, this opens up an interesting prospect; if a pony can go one way, why not a human the other, transformed into a pony?
Let's face it. There was a major plot hole they threw up in the second movie. Because of the new portal Twilight made using a common mirror and the messaging book, the portal is open almost constantly. I mean, in The Friendship Games, Earth Twilight almost stumbled through the thing. Before, it was only open for short times. Now, it is almost constant. I guess what I am saying is we have a major plot hole here. I mean, what would prevent an accident happening here? Imagine, if you will… Sorry, Rod Sterling slipped in there. Anyway, imagine it's lunch period, some friends are near the statue, someone casually reaches back, to lean on what he thinks is solid granite, and then, *whoosh* he's gone, and that's if Twilight Sparkle accidentally left the portal switch on in her side of things!
This is not to say that this story is going to have that happen, nor does it mean that I am going to do an Equestria Girls story, or have a reverse version of it having a full-fledged human go through. If there is any crossing over of one to the other, it there should be a good reason why. What I am going to do is something I think would work better than both, because it would involve my two original characters not where they ought to be, as they ought to be, and being restored to what they should be to fulfill a destiny and a prophecy. I am going to do all I can to make it make logical sense and where such doings would have a point. It would make for a dull story if we just went, "Two humans went into the pony world, fumbled around learning to adjust, met some ponies, did some things, a good time was had by all, and they went back, the end!"
I am going to make an adventure out of this, and I am going to create some history for Equestria, considering that this is an area of cannon wide open for speculation and creation, and this is in order to create the engine by which the present-day plot can take place or even have a reason for existing. Believe me, I won't mess with what is known history, and I will try to have it make sense.
I know this was very lengthy, but because there are so many purists out there that would cry bloody murder for what I am about to create, I have to put forth this detailed disclaimer so people understand that I am an experienced writer and I do know what I am doing. With that, please enjoy the tale.
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
It was a sad day in Canterlot Castle. A loyal unicorn mare, head of the servants in the castle and beloved by all, lay in her sick bed with an illness which neither medicine nor magic could cure, and it was terminal. She was not particularly old, and thus her death was untimely. She herself had been a widow of many years when her husband had passed to the Elysian Fields in a tragic accident many years before, and she afterwards threw her life into service to the princesses. Her matronly ways were seen by many as a replacement for her lack of children in her life, and it was seen as understandable that she would do so. She had also grown close to the princesses, and thus had become their friend and confidant in matters that only servants in such positions would have the privilege of knowing. Even Twilight Sparkle knew her well as she saw her in her service while a young filly under Celestia's tutelage. Now, it seemed like a part of their lives was now coming to an end.
Dusty Feathers is a unicorn mare with a nice green coat and aquamarine mane and tail she always seemed to keep in a bun under her maid's cap. Her cutie mark was usually under her maid's dress, but sometimes it became visible; a feather duster set inside an emblem known to musicians as the circle of fifths. It seemed an odd combination, but when you heard her singing her songs as she walked the castle, keeping the place always neat and orderly, you could see why she may have been marked as such. She had a great voice, singing great songs of the ancient days, and she seemed to have a calming effect as she sang. She was demanding and did not let any of the other servants slack off, but she was never a tyrant, as she never tolerated fighting and bickering, and was more of a mother hen than a boss. Now, her time had come, and the Elysian Fields lay waiting, her husband ready to greet her to her great reward for a life of loyal service and hard work.
In the room were a doctor and nurse, as well as the two sisters and Princess Twilight Sparkle, who had rushed right over when she heard the news. The doctor said her time was close, and now they wanted to be there, as did many of the servants that were faithful to Dusty. Yet, it had been deathly quiet in the room, with nothing but the sound of the monitoring equipment being heard, no one knowing what else to say except that they just needed to be there when her time came. Suddenly, Dusty's breath became a bit more labored, and the doctor looked at the princesses and gave a solemn nod, as if to say, "It is close."
Yet, before anyone could say anything, Dusty beckoned Celestia over with her right hoof, looking as if she had something to say. Celestia went right over and took Dusty's hoof into her own, anxious for Dusty. Dusty managed a quiet, "Come closer, please."
Celestia did, and Dusty raised up as much as she could, and seemed to be whispering something into Celestia's ear. Once she had, Celestia now looked like she was more anxious than before, and Dusty then said, "Please, it is very important. Two lives hang in the balance."
Celestia nodded as Dusty became weaker and weaker, and the monitors reflected this. She then lay back and looked up, smiling, saying, "My darling, I come to you at last. We shall have peace, and they shall be safe!"
She reached out her hoof, and then it slowly settled back to the bed as the monitors flat lined, and she had a slight grin on her face as she lay there, eyes wide open, but her spirit now walking the Elysian Fields. Luna and Twilight was in tears, and Celestia shed a tear as she gently reached up and closed Dusty's eyes. However, instead of lingering, she walked over to a picture on the wall as the doctor and nurse drew the sheet over Dusty and prepared to take care of the next steps. However, Celestia said, "Everyone but Princess Twilight and my sister must leave. Doctor, you may tend to her after we leave the room. This is important."
No one was willing to disobey, so they went out as the picture of Dusty and her husband was lifted off the wall to reveal a wall safe. The dial then glowed and began to turn this way and that. After a click could be heard, the door swung open, and inside was a metal lock box. She took it out and told the pair to follow her to her private chambers. Luna and Twilight looked at each other oddly, but did as they were bidden. As they went out, the doctor and nurse went into finish up, but Celestia was picking up her pace to her room. If this was happening in this kind of situation, something was indeed afoot.
Entering Celestia's chambers, she set the box on a table and opened it up. Inside was a letter and two other documents that looked far more aged than the letter that accompanied them. She then opened the letter, spent some minutes reading over the first page, and then floated the first page over to Luna. She read it, and she watched the different sets of emotions back and forth between the pair, and now Twilight was getting anxious, wanting to know just what the matter was. Finally. Luna handed off the page, and Twilight read the following:
"My dearest friend, and noble princess, I wish things didn't have to be as they have turned out. I was hoping that the time might come where I could resolve this on my own, but fate has reared her head and now I have to ask for help on a grave issue. In that box, along with this letter, are two birth certificates. You will find no record of them because, considering what kind of threat rested upon the foals, I had them stricken from the record and put somewhere safe…"
"Stricken from the record?" muttered Twilight, "And what threat? What could threaten foals that lived in this castle?"
Luna was just finishing the second page when she said, "Patience, dear Twilight, and the letter shall explain. Twilight then went back to reading, and she read, "In order for you to understand what is going on, I must explain my heritage. I am a direct descendant of a kind of magic using unicorn known as a Bardic."
"Bardic?" said Twilight again, "Why does that sound familiar?"
She went back to reading and read, "Because of the centuries, and because of our bloodlines intermixing with other unicorns, much of what we could do has been muddled and dampened. Much of our history and knowledge of our abilities, or reasons why we seemed to disappear has been lost to us, but we do know this much: in ancient days after the uniting of the tribes but before the rise of the princesses, the bards kept the peace through their magic. An evil pony arose and started to slay us in order he might take over. All we know is that there was a great war, he was beaten and banished to the deepest levels of the Abyss in Tartarus, what was left of us went into hiding and faded away, and this evil pony threatened a return one day. What we did not realize was that it could be possible for us to rise again, and somehow, with my husband and I, it happened. Because he was also a descendant of Bardics, and because of the way genetics work, things landed right, and the twins were born full blood Bardic unicorns, complete with being born with their cutie marks already on them, (which we found both amazing and odd,) and the right coat and manes. Because they were only two, and because the threat of this evil pony arising again, we feared he might get to them in their vulnerable state should he come back. I know it seems paranoid since it has been many centuries, but we could not take that chance. The fear of this stallion rests too strong to us, especially by what he did. Since I worked the castle, I knew of the portal. We took the chance and found out about the world on the other side. After some very awkward moments, we left them on the steps of a local foster home and came back. They have no idea what they are, but they must be made known and brought back. I only hope they choose to, because, if they can be with others with a Bardic heritage, they might come back, and add music to the harmony that the Tree of Harmony fosters, and bring a great new golden age to Equestria. Please, as my last request, find them and bring them back where they belong. All my love to you, Dusty Feathers. I hope to see you all walking the Elysian Felds one day."
Twilight was racked with emotions. She wanted to cry, be joyous because something good might come out of it, confused by the enigmatic way this came out, anxious to put her research skills to good use, and when she set down the letter, the sisters were carefully opening up the old papers, and it revealed the birth certificates of fraternal twin foals—a brother and a sister. The boy was named Quill, the girl was named Downy, and both were absolutely adorable, with olive green coats and light green manes, almost white, like a lime cream. Twilight then said, "But, we moved that portal to the Crystal Empire for safe keeping. Even if she wanted to, she would have to go all the way there."
"But, did you not make a permanent one, Princess Twilight?" asked Luna, "If she had been able to ask us, we would have sent her your way."
Celestia then added, "Yet, telling us or not, we have quite a problem on our hands. They are really ponies, but have been living as those human creatures you've spoken of, and that is not going to be easy for them."
"If they even want to come back," added Luna, "And that is also if you could convince them of this universe."
Twilight pondered it, and then she said, "I'm going to need some help, and I need access to some of the oldest writings the library here has. I am sure I can find out the history to things! The more we know, the better prepared we can be to finish this mission. I only hope they are still in the local area. It would make finding them that much harder!"
"Then do not delay, Princess Twilight," Luna said firmly, "Lives, and even the future of Equestria could ride on this!"
"And when you let Sunset Shimmer know why you are coming, send her my love," added Celestia, "I want her to know I am so happy to hear that she has changed her ways, and she is welcome to visit any time."
"Right away," she said, and headed out the door to begin her quest.
Twilight headed to her old room, spotted Spike, and said, to him, "Hop on! We're on a mission!"
He got all excited and said, "Awesome… Um, are we going to get the others?"
"Not this time," she answered, "This takes research, and there's only one pony I know that can help."
"What about me?" pouted Spike, thinking he might get left out.
"Hey, we're going to need you," he said, "We'll need you to fetch books, papers, quills, ink, coffee and doughnuts, and maybe some runs to the Hay Burger if it comes to it."
"Wow!" he said, "I haven't seen you study this much since your quadratic equations final!"
"It's far more important than that," answered Twilight, "Though, proper execution on the variables of such math is somewhat important, this is far weightier."
Spike just shrugged, not having a clue on how to respond to the math reference, but he said, "What is it we are studying?"
"Ancient Equestria history," she answered, "And race of unicorns known as the Bardics."
He shrugged again, not sure how to answer that as well, and just decided to wait until she briefs her study partner on the mission.
Moon Dancer was hip deep in a chemistry experiment, measuring the levels of exothermic reactions of Cesium and Potassium in water. She had the Cesium heated in a tube and able to be dripped out in a semi-liquid state in various amounts so it would not react with the air too quickly and taint the data. She had a goodly amount in the dropper, and she was being very careful as she was dripping out the next amount. Just then, the door slammed open and said, "Moon Dancer, I need your help!"
That caught her by surprise and she jumped at the sudden intrusion, knocking the whole beaker into the tub of water. Shocked, she teleported right in front of Twilight and pounced on top of the pair, pushing them out and closing the door behind them, screaming, "Fire in the hole!"
A massive explosion followed, sending water and glass everywhere. The bang echoed through that wing of the castle as Moon Dancer yelled, "What were you thinking!"
"What was that!" Twilight shouted back in shock.
"Ugh!" groaned Moon Dancer, going back into the room, into the lab section, and now stamping out a small fire that had started, "I was working with Cesium and water! You startled me and made me knock the whole thing into the water!"
Twilight could only manage a sheepish, "Sorry," as they went in. The lab was a mess, shards of glass stuck all over the lab, but luckily, the books were spared. "Come on, Spike," sighed Twilight, "Let's help her clean up and we can fill her in on why we're here."
After fixing the disaster, they were walking to the castle library, and Moon Dancer said, "So, let me get this straight: we're doing research on some kind of Bardic ponies? I always knew them as legends and even fairy tales."
"Truth is, I thought the same thing," answered Twilight, "But remember, in every legend, there is an element of truth. If there is anything to this, we have to get the history."
"You still haven't told me why yet," answered Moon Dancer.
At that, Twilight filled her in, and now she was stunned. "Wait," she said, "All my theories and hypotheses on parallel universes has been correct?"
"Seems so," answered Twilight, "Oh, and I loved that article on it in Scientific Equestria. It sure hair lipped the 'the universe is closed' crowd. How could they not understand the concept of the 11 dimensions is beyond me."
"Well, string theory is quite clear to me," pondered Moon Dancer, "Plus, with the properties of matter, light, and magic, how could you claim a closed system…especially with magic in the equation?"
"Well, considering what I might have to do, knowledge like this is going to come in handy."
"Well, what shocks me is that different universes have different beings be dominant. I cannot imagine a world without open magic, and where there is only one sentient species."
"In the multiverse, anything is possible."
They were in the library now, and Celestia met her there. Moon Dancer immediately bowed as Celestia said, "Please, you do not have to stand on ceremony for me right now. I am also grateful for the help of one of the school of magic's top graduates."
Moon Dancer blushed and noticed they were now standing in front of a barred gate, inside which were some very ancient books and scrolls with reading tables and magnifying glasses for some of the small print on some of the pages. Moon Dancer's eyes nearly fell out of her head. "You…you mean we get to go in there?" sputtered Moon Dancer, "I would have given my front teeth just to spend five minutes in there!"
Celestia chuckled and said, "Well, now you'll get more than five minutes. You two will have all the time you need. Happy hunting."
Celestia let the guard there know that the pair, along with Spike, were allowed free entry in and out as needed, for the research they were doing was going to be extremely important. The guard looked at them firmly and said, "Take no more than a few books at a time and be extremely careful with them. Some could crumble with the wrong touch, so use your magic to handle them. Use spill proof containers for drinks and no food inside. If you must eat, eat outside the room. Some of those codices and scrolls are originals, only copies, and are irreplaceable."
Nodding, they then started to get to work.
The first thing they had to establish was what they knew about the legends. They knew that it was a time where there was a power vacuum after the uniting of the three tribes and before the two sisters. This, of course, was a large chunk of time, but the best thing to do was to find writings and histories closest to each end of those times and work either direction. Twilight started at the uniting of the tribes and Moon Dancer went backwards from the two sisters. All the while, Spike was playing pony Friday and tending to all the matters they needed. It took 12 hours, but Twilight finally came across a book mentioned in a scroll called "The Bardic Tome."
At that, she knew that would be a great reference and searched all over until she came across a codex marked in an ancient tongue. The tongue was an ancient unicorn language, and she did recognize a little here and there to realize the tongue they spoke, (as she learned in class,) was a blend of the tongues of the three tribes, and new terms that came about once that blending was nearly complete. It took her a bit, but she remembered her translation spell and cast it on the book, and sure enough, it was that for which she looked. Moon dancer came across a reference to something called "The Great Equestrian Civil War." Looking at the dates, she went to the histories around those dates and started scanning for the books. She pulled it out, and it seemed to be an older version of the tongue they spoke, but not quite standardized, as it was about the middle time of the blending of the tongues of the three tribes. It could be followed, but it would take some work. She also employed the translation spell, and in her case, it did not take as much effort. Yet, they saw the clock and realized they should take a break and rest. They both let the guard know that they would come back in the morning and went up to Twilight's old room to sleep. It was certain they would have an incredible day when they awoke.
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 8
The new week started, and they tried to get back to a normal routine, but it was clear that it could never really be that way again, knowing what they all knew now. The Rainbooms had now included the twins, though Applejack thought it might not be good, knowing what they could do together with the magic of the twins added in. When the twins were just singing together, things were happening in a greater way than before when they played, but they also seemed to be keeping control of themselves. The main trick was trying to keep their wits about them, getting into the music, but not so much that they lose all sense of all that was going on around them, and that seemed to be the point when things got out of control. However, when the band was altogether, it was much harder, mainly because it seemed any musician playing with them would be caught up in the spell of the music, off which they began to feed, and then, they got more into it, and things started to go off the rails. Too often, Sunset had to step in and stop them before it went out of control. It was the Wednesday practice, and they were working on mixing some of the old 60s stylings in with what they normally played before the twins came, and they were trying to do a combination retro/modern version of “Good Vibrations,” but it started getting real trippy, causing far more of a magical aural to emerge from them than normal, and it was turning hypnotic to anyone watching. Sunset was getting swept up in it, but Twilight had more seeming control and shook her out of it, and Sunset said, “Cut, guys, cut, it’s happening again.”
“Okay, let’s try that ‘Circle Sky’ one you taught us,” said Rainbow Dash, “Less seems to happen on that one.”
They played the song, and this time, the imagery was as if they were in an actual concert before a stadium of screaming fans, so it was not so bad. They went into “Sloop John B”, and keeping focus, it looked like they were at sea on an old sailing ship, though they went a bit too focused for a moment and the girls actually began to smell the salty air and feel a bit of spray. Sunset snapped her fingers, caught their attention, and it calmed a bit. Indeed, they were learning to control it, but not all that well. She even wondered if that might not be all that controllable after a while. They finished the session, and Dash said, “Well, we made more progress today.”
In truth, she didn’t need to worry about that much.
That weekend, they attended the Wondercolts game, and though they lost, it was still a close game, and everyone was able to put their problems behind them for a while. Mac couldn’t be there, however, because they had a game at his school the next day, and their coach wanted them in early to be rested for the big day. The girls and Quill were walking them back to the shelter, chattering back and forth about the game and other matters, and when they found themselves in an isolated area, headlights from a pick-up truck shone on them, and out of the truck came the three men that had tried to accost them before, except this time they had crow bars and baseball bats, and the one in front looked fit to be tied. He pointed at the rest of the girls with the bat he held, saying, “If you girls don’t want to get hurt, I’d suggest you all leave now. It’s those two we want.”
By the time the police got there, they came in on the tail end of the performance and could not believe their eyes. Was this really happening? By the time they stopped, they got out of the car and came over to the assailants, who were now on their knees, docile, with blank stares, dilated pupils, and were now merely drooling vegetables. Nothing anyone could do could snap them out of it, and it seemed like they had just had a lobotomy performed by music. The police, not sure how to report this, just asked the girls to act like nothing had happened, and they would make up something like they took a trip from which they won’t be coming down. They escorted them to the cars and prepared to take them to the hospital, and they all turned to the twins. They were at a loss for what to say, but Sunset was saddened. Because Princess Twilight had been filling her in about Bardic magic, they indeed have some spells that subdued, if they went too far, they could end up hurting others, and that was against their instincts to harm others. Yet, for these two, they had not yet learned this control, and what they had done essentially fried those men’s brains. Sunset decided that now was as good a time as any to be blunt, and she said, “Well, congratulations: you two unknowingly put forth a subduing spell and took it too far. Those men will never recover, and they are going to be in a semi-vegetative state for the rest of their natural lives. While I would say they kind of brought it on themselves, and not think much, this goes against everything the Bardics believed, and everything you two believe. You might as well have killed them.”
My Little Pony: the Harmony of Friendship
Chapter 34
Ponaeros was on a fast march, heading for the mirror. He had to secure it, and fast! He had not been prepared to fight a war on two fronts, and with his northern flank starting to collapse, he would have to use the mirror, start over, and then come back. The twins had told him that magic doesn’t work there as it does here, but with what he could do, that would not be an issue. This was creating quite an interesting arc in his formation. The north was caving but forming a 90-degree angle back towards Manehattan, the coasts were falling and pressing in. Baltimare, Fillydelphia, and other places were close to liberation, and the Crystal Empire with Yakyakistan were about to link up with the Grittish army and free Manehattan. Yet, where the twins were, they were making swift advances, so a huge arc had formed across Equestria, and it was hoped before his advance towards Ponyville that they could squeeze him out. Yet, now, with this danger, all that could change in an instant.
At the center of it was Ponaeros’ best elites with the twins and their death metal band. Wherever they were, their foes would quickly surrender and flee without a fight. Ponaeros was now realizing that, if he had kidnapped more and then bent them to his will, he just might have been able to end this within a matter of days. In fact, he now realized, all too late, that had he befriended the bards at the start, he’d already be in charge, immortal, and god of this world centuries ago. Still, with that mirror, he had another chance at locking this down. Therefore, he realized that what was about to happen next was an all or nothing play. He would have to win here, or it was all over. Yet, what could stop him now.
The princesses were gathering in the expanse between Canterlot and Ponyville, ready to go. They only hoped that Discord could get all the bards and Bardies there on time. They had learned the song, and the original bearers of the Elements of Harmony were going to be the singers/chanters in this, with the bards and Bardies singing and playing in the back. The four princesses would cast their special love spell to tap into the Tree of Harmony itself in an attempt to tap into the elements now imbedded in the tree. With all the parts combined, they stood a chance of breaking the spell over the twins and neutralizing the power that Ponaeros wielded. Perhaps they could put an end to this foolish war that has now already cost many ponies their lives. Once the spell was cast, Twilight could join her friends and act. Yet, they still needed the others, and Discord was certainly late. Perhaps it was more than it could be done for him to get them all there…
…and then they looked up!
Discord was coming down wearing military khakis and a helmet with four stars on it, brown knickers and boots. He had all kinds of medals on it, and he was coming in…by parachute! And it was not just him, but all the bards and Bardies were coming this way, but with looks on their faces that showed they were not exactly willing participants in this entrance! Everyone on the ground just shook their heads as they all began to land on the ground, Discord landing right on the large stage constructed for the central players in this plan. Adjusting the mirror sunglasses on his nose and placing the horse whip under his arm as he strutted, he said, all gruff, “The object of chaos is not for some poor pony to act the fool for his country; it is to make the other dumb pony to act the fool for his!”
The bards and Bardies all took their positions and awaited the princesses to do their thing. At about this time, the advancing lines could be seen. Equestria’s own was already moving past, fleeing, but Dash saw this and got on a mic and screamed, “HALT!” in the best command voice she could muster. She then admonished, “Hey! And just where do you all think you’re going?”
Ponaeros was feeling smug and confident, but some of his scouts came and said, “Great dark lord! The fleeing lines have stopped and are standing their ground…and get this…behind a large stage with every single bard and Bardy I think the land has. In fact, all four princesses are there, along with five other ponies of various kinds standing with them.”
It didn’t take long for them to advance, but once there, Ponaeros gave the command to have everypony stop. He got on a loudspeaker, but before he could speak, Celestia was using the royal voice and said, “Ponaeros, you are losing this war! You really thought your crazy plan could work, but everywhere you do not have direct control, you are losing on every hand! You are desperate, and you are looking to end this, but indeed, it will end this day, but not the way you think. Yet, this is your last chance. Surrender, or feel the full power of what this land has.”
We hear you talking about the war that’s raging, the tyranny you’re staging;
With that, the refrain kicked in as every bard and Bardy started to sing, “With love as our strength in the games that we play; in the sadness of war, know that peace finds the way!”
We’ve got Wonderbolt, thunderbolts, saving fillies and the colts;
The refrain hit again, but louder this time, as now all the Equestrian soldiers were joining in. The Tripes started looking sad, thinking of all the loved ones they left behind, and also of the lies they had been told over a year ago. He had convinced them that they had been oppressed and wronged, but now they were examining themselves. Sure, some had cheated them, but never once did they look internally to see how it might have been they helped contribute to their own plights, and how they could have worked together to solve, not just the problems that put them there, but also how to put in place a way to insure they did not contribute to whatever their bad situation might have been. There are always peaceful alternatives. With this, Applejack started in, saying:
We hear y’all talkin’ ‘bout takin’ the land and makin’ a stand;
On the next run of the refrain, the Tripes were now looking angry, and not at Equestria. They now knew that they were raping the land and hurting themselves. After horrible wars normally follows bad famine, and if they kept it up, they would hurt everypony for which they though they fought. They now knew that they had been duped, and this had to end. Ponaeros was livid! He started to muster all the evil magic that he had learned over time and tried to bring it to bear, but every time he cast, it just fizzled two inches from his face as the spell was snuffing out anything else that could have been tried. He did not realize just how powerful the Tree of Harmony was, because, had there been somepony near the place where it was, he would have seen the area so bright it could melt winter snow! Now Fluttershy joined in, suddenly finding a courage she was seldom able to find and started to chant…
You’re hurting little bunnies, you’re all a bunch of meanies!
The refrain went again, and at this point, all on the Equestrian side was now prancing in place, all in step with the music. So in sync were they now that the ground was starting to shake. They stopped when the refrain stopped, and Rarity suddenly found her voice and chanted:
You talk about having control; your hate and war is really droll.
The refrain rocked through again, and now every Tripe started stripping off their uniforms and throwing them down. The stomping started again, and they joined in as they crossed over and started now to embrace those who, only moments before, they were ready to slaughter. At this, Pinkie stole the show! Doing only as Pinkie can do, she suddenly came onto the stage on Ponaeros’ side from who knows where and started to chant:
Oh, these Tri-Ponies, they’re all really phonies;
With the sixth element adding her part, the spell was tremendously strong now, and the twins were now doing a phenomenon called “Snapping back,” where someone who has been brainwashed suddenly realized that they’ve been deceived. Sure, Ponaeros made some points, but, like all those looking to bend one’s will a certain way, Ponaeros never rally told the whole truth, and because of his magic, made it seem that he was right. No, a spell had not been cast on them per se, but one did hinder their logic to where they were convinced to be there themselves. After that, such magic kept them distracted from such thoughts. Yet, now, that was being broken and coming to themselves. Moreover, Downy now recognized the tune she had been working on, and she muttered, “The failsafe spell…”
Let us tell you ‘bout music, singing, joy that it’s bringing;
They joined in the refrain, adding their magic, and suddenly both they and Pinkie vanished before Ponaeros could lash out at them out of spite. This time, however, the refrain was being repeated over and over and over again, and the magic was such that the thunder of the stomping hoofs could be heard anywhere there were soldiers of any stripe or nation. It started as a soft echo at first, but built up, as the Tree of Harmony had its roots and branches connected to every part of the land, and it was now channeling what was going on in the plains between Canterlot and Ponyville. Moreover, it was having the effect all hoped it would have. Every soldier everywhere was stopping the fight and getting into the peaceful touch the whole thing was sending now. None of them now had a desire for this anymore, for now, nopony could have told anypony else exactly why they were fighting, or what the whole point of this was. They could not even tell you what it was that they as individuals would get out of this, and now just wanted all the pain and suffering to end. Before long, everypony was now chanting, “With love as our strength in the games that we play; in the sadness of war, know that peace finds the way.”
…except for one thing.
The Tree of Harmony was so charged now, it was backwashing the magic back to the source from where it had been gaining it and charging everypony there. Moreover, Quill, feeling bold, got into a mic and shouted, “No, YOU are the one that is finished!”
There was silence there for the space of fifteen minutes, nopony sure just what really happened, and when Twilight finally was able to speak, she said, “I don’t get it. We had him beat, and yet that happened.”
Author's Note
There's one more chapter left to go, so please be watching for it.