Voices from a Terrible Past (an epistolary tale)

Chapters

(From Twilight, to Celestia) A Very Strange Spell
(From Rainbow Dash, to all my friends) Blaze's Progress
(From Twilight, to Celestia) Magic Experiments
(From Limestone, to Pinkie) Rock Farm Update
(From Rainbow Dash, to all my friends) Reserve
(From Limestone, to Pinkie) Military Problems

(From Twilight, to Celestia) A Very Strange Spell

Dear Princess Celestia,

I haven't gotten another letter from you yet, so I decided to write to you anyway. If you are wondering why... well... I'll try my best to explain. When I was testing out some of the spells Atravet gave me, one spell caught me completely off guard. At first, the spell was supposed to transform liquid into a solid form--i.e the chair I mentioned last time--but instead of reverting back into a chair... it did something else: it started to become viscous and turn several shades of purple, pulsating and gyrating like jello!

I freaked out when the blob-like creation continued to warp into different shapes, yet still remained the same hues of purple! And it was making lots of warbling and humming noises. The cacophony ebbed down after a while; and that's when it started to... mold itself. Portions of the purple blob began to shape into a familiar, if not foreboding, shape: a pony! I'm seriously not kidding! Not only that but when it stopped molding itself, the pony looked a lot like... me.

Its body was the same shape, its coat and mane are the same colors as mine. It didn't at all resemble a gooey, liquidy pony, rather it looked like a genuine clone of myself; horn and wings included!

I honestly had no idea how to approach it, but I did so anyway. When I attempted to say "Hi", it responded, with a typical "Hello". It's voice was the same as mine, which is what frightens me. I know this doesn't sound so terrible, but it still made me feel uneasy. It even mimicked everything I did, and sometimes say. I even went as far as to show it a simple magic spell... which it performed impeccably. The notion alone is harrowing enough on its own.

It didn't have the same cutie mark, so that's good... I think. It's cutie mark depicted a full moon with three six pointed stars.

I had a really hard time calling the pony "it", so I decided to give her (at least, I think it's a her) a name: Nightfall. I know, it's not the most original name in the world, but it's what I could come up with at the moment.

I've been doing my best to study her actions and take notes on her behavior. Spike wasn't keen on having this "pony" here. I'm also beginning to think that he was right to be skeptical about Dr. Atravet's "new spells". There is probably more to this participation than he's leading on, and I don't think I want to test out any more of his spells.

I have to go now. I hope this letter gets to you and I hope to hear from you soon.

Should I trust my instincts on this one? Let me know if you have an answer.

Princess of Friendship,

Twilight Sparkle

(From Rainbow Dash, to all my friends) Blaze's Progress

To all my friends,

I know I haven't heard back from you guys, but I thought I'd write anyway.

So far, Blaze has been making a smooth recovery... but there's a problem. I still can't come home yet. Here's the reason why: The Wonderbolts have been scheduled to perform another show, this time in Manehatten. It's gonna be another while before I'll ever get to come home. I'm very sorry! I want to be there for you guys, really I do, but Spitfire still needs me for this!

Even though Blaze's wing is getting better, they still need me to perform shows... for some reason. I don't know, they never explained anything to me. I wish they did though! Cuz if they did, then I could tell you guys. There's something going on that they're not telling me, and I want to know why.

But, enough about that. I've been hanging out with The Wonderbolts some more, as well as some other ponies I don't know. Those ponies wore mostly green uniforms and hats, which could mean they're from some branch of military. As for what, I don't know.

Remember what I said about The Wonderbolts making cool new suits? Turns out, they're made for more than just flying... they're also for combat apparently. I don't remember much, but I saw Spitfire and a few other Wonderbolts talking with the ponies in green uniforms next to one of the suits. As for that thing I wasn't supposed to tell you... I'm admittedly a little nervous about writing out the details; I wouldn't want them to find out.

Also, Princess Celestia came by the HQ earlier! Normally I'd be excited... but not this time. I overheard her talking to Spitfire about a forbidden spell. Other than that, I can't really remember.

Is Tank getting fed (asking you, Fluttershy)? Are you paying any attention to him? Please say yes!

Even though I'm around many famous Wonderbolts, it's just not the same without you guys. I get talk with a lot of them, but now I've only been talking with a few; Soarin included. The other few Wonderbolts I talk to regularly are mostly newer members. They're really cool though! I got to know em over time, and we're practically friends. Not like our friendships, but still.

I wish I could tell you more about em, but I've gotta go. I'll be needed in the morning. Spitfire's orders.

Your awesome friend,

Rainbow Dash

P.S. Oooh! Almost forgot! I also heard that the Princess has gotten a few letters (from Twilight) but couldn't reply to them because she was busy. (Just thought I'd let you know)

(From Twilight, to Celestia) Magic Experiments

Dear Princess Celestia,

It's been a long time since I last wrote to you; very long in fact. So much has happened, I can't even explain it all! Maybe I'll save that for another time, for something else has come up.

I have been working nonstop on the assignment given to me by scientist, Dr. Atravet! He is also a masterful magic user, who has developed research on newer spells discovered by those before him. He told me himself that I would be the perfect candidate to test out these newer spells. I have to admit, he was pretty vague when I asked him what the spells do; which at first made rather unsure about the whole thing, but I didn't want to question a professional like him.

Once I began to divulge in the experiments, I noticed something different about these spells. They all did something different, like one spell was able to revert a solid object--or to be precise, a chair--into a liquid form!

Another spell allowed the user's body to become opaque for a short period of time. I'm not sure what I'll use it for in the near future, but it might come in handy someday.

I'm still doing my best to figure out what the other spells do, but I am certain these spells will do great things for ponykind in the near future. And I'm sure every mare and stallion will learn how to use these spells for the greater good... and hopefully not evil. Not sure how useful the aforementioned spells will be, but I think they will find some use.

Oh, and Spike has been assisting me with the experiments. He's expressed some doubts about Atravet's assignment, and even went as far as to say that he doesn't trust the guy at all! He's a typical, friendly scientist, Dr. Atravet. I can't understand why Spike would be so skeptical; after all, since I haven't done a lot princessy things in a while, I needed something to do with my time.

That's not to say I've spent all my time in the castle; Oh ho, no. I took long breaks every once in a while, such as hanging out with my friends of course.

I'll write back to you once I've found something new to discuss; like any further details regarding the new spells.

Oh, by the way, I've scheduled another get-together with my friends. I want to share more information with them before I write anything else. I need to go to bed soon. I'm way to tired to write right now.

So sorry to end this letter so soon, but every princess needs their sleep.

Princess of Friendship,

Twilight Sparkle

(From Limestone, to Pinkie) Rock Farm Update

Dear Pinkie Pie,

I know right? Weird that your sis, Limestone, actually took the time to write you a letter? But that's not important. What is important, is what happening at the farm. It's been a while since you came down to your old home; since Hearth's Warming, actually. Maud's been away for long while, and Marble is helping around the house. The only reason I'm taking the time to write ya a letter, is because nopony else would.

I intend to continue working around the farm after I get done with this letter. Not much is happening with Mom and Dad, so I won't bother talking about'em. Things have been going well as usual, but something doesn't feel right. I've been hearing a bunch of noises around the farm lately; weird noises.

One day when I was working in one of the crystal mines (by myself), I started hearing what sounded like that whirring noise you'd hear from a drilling machine. And, considering we don't use any machinery, I'm pretty suspicious about it. I don't know if it's just some nearby miners digging, or something else entirely

Most of the time I ignore it and go about my business, but it's been driving me crazy! I know for a fact our parents wouldn't believe me if I told'em! What should I do? Should I tell them, even if they won't believe me; or should I keep it to myself?

If you have an answer, please tell me.

Anyway, I haven't asked you how you've been. How's life for ya up in Ponyville? Anything weird happening there, or is it just normal? I just hope this isn't something sinister; I wouldn't know what to do if that were the case.

Well, Pinkie, I guess I better get go'n. Sorry if the letter seems too short. Our dad's probably wondering why I'm procrastinating by now. It's not normal of me to shirk my duties as you know.

Hope everything's going well for you up there.

Your sister,

Limestone Pie

(From Rainbow Dash, to all my friends) Reserve

To all my friends,

I had lot's of fun hanging out you guys the other day! I'm sorry I had to leave on such a short notice, but the Wonderbolts have called me in to fill in for one of their injured fliers: Blaze. She suffered from a sprained wing and is still unable to fly for a while. I got to fly for hours and hours with the best of the Wonderbolts that afternoon! It was so AWESOME!!!

Hopefully Blaze recovers from her injury. In the mean time, I have to stay at their headquarters until she recuperates. Which means I won't be back in Ponyville until then. I made sure to tell the weather supervisors I will be gone for however long it takes. I'm sorry it happened so fast.

Still, it was great to perform with them! We had to do a show down in Appleloosa for a special guest performance, so we were there for about five hours. I wasn't paying too much attention to the time though, since we've been practicing way before we came on to perform! We did so many cool stunts! It was the best!

I wished you guys could've come. I'd love to show you all of the cool stunts I performed with them. I miss you guys already--and I'm not kidding or anything, I really mean it. And no, I'm not crying... I have some stuff in my eyes! Maybe Blaze will recover soon, and then I'll get to come home and see you all again. I sure hope so.

The Wonderbolts HQ is still a pretty sweet place, though. They have several training facilities, their own personal gym, some super cool suits they've been making, and their mess hall's pretty awesome too. They've also been making... actually, I probably shouldn't tell you that. Despite that, I'd much rather be home right now.

I have to get going soon. They're having a whole presentation on something new, but they didn't say much about it so I don't know what it is. Oh! And tell Tank I said hi! I miss him too!

Hopefully when Blaze get's better, I'll be back before you know it!

Your awesome friend,

Rainbow Dash

P.S. Could somepony please take care of Tank while I'm gone? (And by that I mean you, Fluttershy)

(From Limestone, to Pinkie) Military Problems

Dear Pinkie Pie,

I haven't seen a reply from you yet, so I decided to write anyway. Well... I found out what that sound was... and it's not good. Turns out, the whirring noise was coming from a drill--as expected. However, that's not the worst part. The ponies drilling are from a military organization. The only reason I'd know that is because they went up on our doorstep! Three ponies--one mare and two stallions--wearing green uniforms!

As much as I didn't want to let'em in, we had no other choice. They were explaining that they were building bomb shelters underground, to house civilians. They told us it would be safer to go into the shelters as soon as they were complete. Our dad asked why they were building bomb shelters on our land, and they told us that they had to be built in case of an oncoming attack.

"Attack from what?" Was what I asked them.

They then explained in some detail about an oncoming invasion. Apparently, there's another land that's been discovered, and The Princesses tried to become allies with them. Needless to say, they wouldn't listen. Instead, they declared war after a futile attempt at negotiating. The military has been making these shelters across Equestria, and have been making sure citizens are preparing for the onslaught that's about to happen.

I didn't care to find out about this other land and it's ponies... or whatever's over there, so I can't tell you any more than that.

Our parents and the rest of us were rather reluctant about going into a shelter, but regardless of our traditions, we probably don't have much choice in the matter. Either we keep each other safe by moving in to the shelters, or we stay here and perish. As much ~~I~~ we are protective of Holder's Boulder, we can't risk any of us dying because of orneriness.

Is the same thing happening in Ponyville? Have they issued these orders in your home town? Please tell me you're alright. Our parents, Marble, and Maud are worried sick about you now! You and your friends better be safe!

I know this isn't much of a happy letter and all, but I won't sugarcoat the truth either. They expect the invasion to be within the week, so hopefully you get this letter soon.

I sincerely hope things are working out for you... please tell me that.

Take care, sis.

Your sister,

Limestone Pie