Chapter 1: New Environment
The Dark Recusant
Chapter 1
New Environment
???: ??? (?? ??, ???; ??:30 am)
Ugh...What a dream. I raise my hoof to my...wait, HOOF!?
I immediately pulled my hoof back and examined it. It--the hoof--was a silvery grey and the arm connected to it was a light blue. I looked at the rest of myself and found that not only my arm and hand had become equine, but all of me did. My whole body was a light blue color and all of my hooves were silvery grey. My tail (and maybe even my mane) were brown. I also noticed that I had a blue, cat-like eye on my flank.
I look around at my surroundings and found myself in a forest of sorts. It was dark outside where I was, but for some reason, I had no fear of the dark, or even what was in the dark. I couldn’t even tell it was dark. It was almost as if I had a natural night vision. I looked through the canopy of the trees and I saw the moon, but it looked different from the moon I recall seeing.
I’ve heard of people saying that they see a man on the moon face. I never could see it, mostly because the moon I recall looked smaller. The moon here--wherever here was--looked bigger and any details seem to be magnified as well. I could see what looked like a unicorn face on the moon face.
I then heard a voice, almost indistinguishable from the surrounding environment.
“I will be coming on the longest day of the thousandth year. Prepare my coming.”
The moon started to lower in the sky. Once it reached the farthest west, the sun started shining from the east. As the sun rose a bit higher in the sky, I could see a little bit further than what I saw in the dark. Beyond the edge of the forest was what looked to be a small town or village.
I decided to head to the town and find out when, where, and what I was. I slowly began to head towards the village, a long and clumsy process. It took me a moment to get walking right (left front with right back and vice versa), but once I got it down, it was easy.
As I was walking towards the village, came across a small stream close to a path. As I crossed it to get to the path, a glance down showed that I had a horn on my head. I wonder what that is for.
Once on the path, I notice that opposite the road was an apple orchard. I wondered why I didn’t notice that before, although, I may have mistaken the trees as part of the forest. Looking over the fence, I saw an orange horse or pony with a blond mane and tail and a stetson hat bucking the trees. On her flank was a brand or tattoo of three apples. Each of the trees that she bucked had bushel baskets underneath them to catch the falling apples from the trees.
After bucking one of the trees, it briefly glanced my way, it did a double take, and then walked towards me. I didn’t find that surprising. I used to be very good with various horses and such. What surprised me was that the pony spoke a greeting.
“Well, howdy-do!” she said in an upbeat tone and a thick south-western accent. “Ah don’t recall seein ya around here. Ah’m Applejack and Ah run this here apple orchard, Sweet Apple Acres. What’s your name?”
I didn’t respond…immediately. To be honest, I never thought that an equine would posses the ability to speak, and in intelligible English. I must have stood there with my mouth open like a fish out of water, because Applejack’s face went from happy to concerned.
“You alright, Sugarcube?” she asked, “Yah seem to be confused at somethin.”
Best to test my abilities of speech. It’s now or never. “Uh...I...I’m...Uh...Ahem!...I’m sorry. My name’s Zack. I’m new around here. I just need to know where, when, and what I am.”
“You are are on the edge a Ponyville, and Ah reckon it is roughly June 18th, jus a few days away from the Summer Sun Celebration. Ah don’t know why you would ask what ya were, seein as you’re a pony n all.”
I think I stuck my hoof in my mouth with that last question. I’m horrible at lying, but what else can I do? “I’m sorry. I’ve been on the road for a while and one can lose track of time, location, and--in my case at least--identity.”
Applejack looked at me as if she was either trying to comprehend what I said or think over what I said. I may need to watch what I say, if I am to survive here.
“Well, I reckon you are here for the Celebration. If ya need anythin, I’ll be here. The Apple family has been asked ta work with the food for the Celebration,” Applejack said, as she picked up a stray apple from the ground with her hoof (don’t even ask how she did it). She offered it to me, and I accepted it (in my hoof, amazingly). Just the smell of the apple was tantalizingly good.
If these apples smell this good, then their taste is better than what my family grew. I took a bite...Holy Crabapples! This...Is...The...Best...Apple...EVER! “Wow, I can tell that quality food will be served for this,” I said
“If it ain’t got quality, it ain’t from the Apple Family.”
“Good point,” I stated, “So which way to Ponyville?”
Applejack pointed North, “Jus go down the road a piece an you’ll get ta Ponyville sooner than the rest o the Apple Family.”
“Sounds good, thanks.”
I started making my trek towards Ponyville. A while later, I arrived in the edge of Ponyville. The town (or village) looked very humble, but no one seemed to be lacking. I saw no homeless, nor did anyone (anypony?) seem to be struggling to handle feeding their families or paying for said food. As a matter of fact, everypony was setting up decorations and other various nicks and nacks.
I wonder if this has anything to do with The Summer Sun Celebration. I start walking towards the building that looked to be Town Hall, but something from the sky said otherwise.
“WHOOAA!” I heard, before I suddenly felt as if a poorly aimed and overly sized golf club decided to clobber me in my side. OUCH! FLIP! My Back! I tumbled on the ground with whatever hit me until I was face first in a puddle of mud.
What in the world hit me? I pulled my face out of the mud to see what had hit me. On top of me was a cyan pony with wings (if that can be called a pegasus, then I’m a unicorn). She had rainbow colored hair (mane) and tail. She had a cloud with a rainbow colored lightning bolt on her flank. She looked at me with an embarrassed grin. “Heh heh heh. Excuse me?” She said.
Without responding, I got up, and she tumbled into the mud as I moved. Serves you right. I began to twist my back, trying to get the new cricks in my back out.
“Hey! What was that for?!” the pegasus asked.
“I’m making sure my back isn’t broken.”
“No, not that! The ‘dumping me in the mud’ thing!”
“You did crash into me and got me into the mud. Just a simple payback.”
“Give me some slack, okay! I may be the best flyer in all of Equestria, but...even I have accidents sometimes,” she said.
“I’m sure you do. By the way, my name’s Zack,” I said offering my hoof.
“Rainbow Dash, Best flyer in Equestria, Soon to be Wonderbolt, and Resident Weather pony!” she bragged, as she shook my hoof.
“That is quite a mouthful,” I joke, “I hope to see you again soon.”
“Yeah! Same here,” Rainbow said as she zoomed off.
I wiped most of the mud off of my muzzle and resumed my determined trot to Town Hall. Opening the doors, I saw a few unicorns setting up decorations inside. Each of their horns were glowing, some sort of magic. I saw that the decorations were being levitated, shrouded in different glows. One unicorn stood out from the others, both in the beauty department and management department.
The unicorn was an ebony white color and her well style mane and tail were a deep purple. She had three diamonds on her flank. As she was blinking, I could tell that she had some light blue eyeshadow on. Dang! She really knows how to look beautiful...not that I know what ‘beautiful’ is here.
“Amethyst, darling, could you raise that banner up a few more inches. The room will look dreadful if we don’t get everything perfect,” she said to a light purple unicorn, in a sophisticated accent. The unicorn, Amethyst, nodded and raised said banner up a few inches with her magic.
The white unicorn dramatically sighed. “That looks much better, don’t you think?” she asked to no one in particular.
“I actually think it is pretty nice,” I comment.
The unicorn turned towards me. “Oh, why thank yo-WHOAH! Oh, my goodness, darling! What happened!?”
I looked at myself and finally noticed that Rainbow Dash had gotten more than just my face in the mud. I had mud caked on me in places that I didn’t even know I had (considering my new equine body).
“To make a long story short, a rainbow maned pegasus used me as an emergency landing pad,” I said, “If you think the impromptu mud bath is bad, her rough landing made my back worse.”
“Well, then. It seems that just a bath won’t be enough then,” she said, with a look of disgust. Her face then changed to a form of excitement, “A trip to the spa it is then.”
Wait! What?! Since when did I hint that I need a trip to the spa!? “But…I didn’t…”
“Hush now. You need to relax and a spa trip can help. Amethyst, you and everyone else can go home. I’ll wrap this up tomorrow.” The unicorn then started pushing me towards the door, all while I was complaining (mostly mentally).
************************
Ponyville: Ponyville Spa (June 18th, 1000; 1:00 pm)
“The usual, please,” the unicorn said as soon as both of us were in the door.
“Just a few moments please,” somepony shouted from the back.
“Now what?” I ask, “I’ve never been to a spa before.”
“Then this will be a refreshing experience,” she said as she sat on a nearby chair. “So, you were telling me your name and other things, yes?”
No, I wasn’t. “My name’s Zack.”
“Rarity, nice to more officially meet. Where are you from?”
What do I say? I sat on the chair next to her and folded my arms in thought. “To be honest, I can’t really remember,” I said.
“What?!” Rarity exclaimed, overdramatically, “How?”
“I’ve been on the road for so long, I never had any place to actually call home or say ‘I’m from wherever.’ Understand?”
“That long? Where have you been?”
“I never stayed anywhere for longer than the night, and that isn’t enough for me to mentally process where I’ve been or what I’ve seen.”
“Well, if you stay here until after tomorrow, you will see a spectacular sight that you will always remember,” she said.
“Oh? What is that?”
“The Summer Sun Celebration!” Rarity exclaimed. “The longest day of the year!”
The longest day of year. Is that when that voice said something about returning?
“Oh, Rarity, you’re early,” I heard a quiet voice say. I turned to the spa entrance and I saw a butter yellow pegasus with a long pink mane and tail walking in. She had a very timid appearance. When she saw me, she hid her face in her long mane.
“Fluttershy, darling. Its nice to see you,” Rarity said to the pegasus. “I was treating this fine stallion to the Wonders of the Spa.”
“I’m Zack,” I said to Fluttershy. She shuffled her hooves nervously. Is she this shy all the time?
“Fluttershy, Rarity, we’re ready for you,” said a blue pony with pink hair.
“Lotus Blossom, could you add this stallion to my tab,” Rarity said to the pony.
Within a few moments, all three of us were in the main portion of the spa and receiving the ‘Usual.’ It started with a cleaning of my coat and mane (I feel clean.), followed by the sauna (I can’t breath.). The two ponies that ran the spa then put a special face cream on us, minimal on Fluttershy, quite a bit and cucumbers for Rarity and myself (How is this to help us be clean?). We were then treated to horn filing (Well, for Rarity and myself. It was quite relaxing, though.). Back massages came shortly thereafter (Did these ponies get chiropractic training?), as well as a mud bath (I just came from the mud and you want me to get into more?). Hooficures were the last (It feels like a fingernail treatment. Although, I have no fingernails. Regardless, I needed it.).
Throughout the spa treatment, I listened in on Rarity’s and Fluttershy’s conversation. As it turned out, Fluttershy was in charge of music for the Celebration. Come to think of it, I never asked what the Celebration was. “I never did really ask,” I started saying, as we were in the Mud bath phase, “What is the Summer Sun Celebration?”
“You don’t know?” Rarity asked, “Well, darling, the Celebration will take place on the 20th at sunrise, the time Princess Celestia raises the sun.”
Is she the one I’m preparing for? “So, if you want me to stay to see the Celebration, like you mentioned earlier, I would like to know where I can stay and know how I can help.”
“I happen to have a guest room back at my boutique,” Rarity said, “but for the help, you may need to talk to the Mayor for that.”
“Thank you,” I said.
***********************
Ponyville: Sugarcube Corner (June 18th,1000; 2:15 pm)
After having that wonderful spa treatment, Fluttershy went back to her cottage near the woods, and Rarity took me on a tour of Ponyville. We were close to a gingerbread looking building/shop called Sugarcube Corner when my stomach spoke up. Considering it is past lunchtime, I think a snack should be okay. “Hey, Rarity. Could we get something to eat? I haven’t eaten for a while.”
“Of course, darling. The local cuisine is excellent. Sugarcube Corner should be sufficient.”
“Sounds splendid,” I said, mimicking her accent unintentionally. Great! Just what I need! A different voice. I stepped into Sugarcube, surprised that the lights were out, but the real surprise revealed itself when the lights came on with an accompanying shout.
“SURPRISE!” shouted a few dozen ponies.
“GAH!” I shouted in surprised shock.
Before my senses could fully process what had happened, a pink energetic mare jumped in front of me and started speaking in the only English dialect that I couldn’t understand...Hyperactive. I literally wouldn’t be able to remember what she even said. Cue mental shutdown.
*****************************
Ponyville: Sugarcube Corner (June 18th, 1000; 2:20 pm)
Mental reboot in process. Please wait. I opened my eyes to see that I was on the floor, surrounded by the attendees of the party. The more noticeable ones--Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and the pink mare--looked over me in concern (although the pink one was smiling as she did).
“Are you alright there, Sugarcube?” Applejack asked.
I quickly got up and replied, “I’m okay. My...mind just overloaded.”
“That’s Pinke for ya,” she said.
“Pinkie?”
“Yes?” said the pink mare.
“What?”
“You called my name,” Pinkie said.
“Your name?”
“Duh! Didn’t I…”
“Ah! Forget it,” I interrupted in frustration. After a brief sigh to calm down, I explain. “Sorry about snapping. I get frustrated easily, and my mind overloading is one of my few pet peeves that doesn’t help.”
“That’s okay. I may have a smile on my face, but even I have problems and pet peeves,” Pinkie said in a happy-go-lucky voice. It took me off guard and I grinned at the comment.
“Now let’s PARTY!” she shouted. On that cue, music started up and everypony began mingling, acting almost as if I never blacked out to begin with. I managed to get to Pinkie’s side, and asked her a question.
"What’s the occasion? I thought that the Summer Sun Celebration was the day after tomorrow?”
“It’s your ‘Welcome to Ponyville” party!” she said, all-too-excitedly.
She went through all this just to make me feel welcome. Not only that, but many of the townsponies have went out of their way to make me feel welcome. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that this is a paradise.
“Helloooo! You in there?” I heard Pinkie say.
I jerked back from the sudden inquiry. “Sorry. I was...lost in thought,” I said, feeling a bit embarrassed, “I’m going to head over to the snack table.” And that’s what I did.
********************************
Ponyville: Carousel Boutique/Rarity’s house (June 18th, 1000; 6:30 pm)
That party was a blast! I never had such high quality sweets, or met such friendly faces in my life. Pinkie and everyone else were having a good time, so I had a good time as well. I was able to meet Applebloom, Applejack’s younger sister, Sweetie Belle, Rarity’s younger sister, and Scootaloo, one of Rainbow Dash’s biggest fans. There were many other ponies I met, but I shouldn’t go too far.
It was nearly 5:30 when I insisted that the party end so that I could see the rest of Ponyville, and everypony else could get back to their lives. Pinkie reluctantly allowed us, Rarity and I, to go--and she came with.
By the time I managed to both see the remainder of Ponyville, and learn how to interpret Hyperactive, it was time to head in. Rarity and I said our good-byes to Pinkie and got to Carousel Boutique. Sweetie Belle was waiting for us. Once we got inside, just looking around told me one thing about Rarity. She takes fashion to a whole new level. Everything was so well done, I wouldn’t be surprised if it caught the attention of a few fashion stars.
“Wow! You really know how to do clothes.”
“You flatter me, but those are just the generic rack clothes,” Rarity said, “If you want to really see art, my custom made work is far superior.”
“I wouldn’t doubt it,” I said, “I also think you always are looking for a challenge.”
“Of course, Darling.”
“Please, just call me Zack.”
“Of course, Dar...er...Zack...Ahem...Where was I?”
“A challenge,” Sweetie Belle inserted.
“Oh, yes,” Rarity said, “I always want to make garments that are chic, unique, and magnifique.”
“Sounds spectacular,” I said in the Rarity’s accent. Ugh, again!
“What would you like?” Rarity asked unexpectedly.
Huh? “What?”
“I always want a challenge and I haven’t done much in terms of stallion clothing. I do believe that a set of clothing should do you well.”
“I don’t have any way to pay you,” I complained.
“Don’t worry yourself over it,” Rarity countered, “you are my guest and I would be a generous host to Anypony that would be my guest.”
I hung my head down with a groan. I don’t want to take advantage of her, but I also don’t want to be a bad guest. What do I do? Thinking hard, I realized something. She said she wanted a challenge. I might have the challenge for her.
“Do you think that you could design something that can be casual, and formal AT THE SAME TIME?”
“That sounds interesting,” Rarity comments.
“Can you do it?”
“Of course she can,” Sweetie Belle said, “My big sister could make anything that looks good.”
“I’ll leave you to it, then,” I said to Rarity.
“Alright then. I’ll need to take your measurements and then Sweetie Belle can show you to the guest room.”
I hope she doesn’t go all out with it. I followed Rarity to the stand and she measured almost every inch of me. She then gave me a once-over look and dismissed me. I then followed Sweetie Belle to the guest bedroom. On the way, I asked Sweetie Belle about Rarity.
“Is she always like this to guests?”
“A lot, yeah,” she replied, “Why?”
“I just didn’t want to take advantage of her hospitality and generosity.”
“She doesn’t mind much.”
“That’s what worries me,” I said.
We reached the bedroom and I looked around the bedroom. I familiarized myself with the bedroom. So much for me thinking I can get away from her generosity. Looking around, I saw that every knick and knack was high quality and looked expensive.
Sweetie Belle and I went down to the main floor and enjoyed a pretty good dinner (once again, expensive and high quality). As we ate, she asked the usual FAQs that anypony asks somepony they just met and I answered them as honestly as I could. After dinner, I went back to the guest room and fell asleep around 8 or 9 pm.
Chapter 2: Friendship is Magic (Part 1)
The Dark Recusant
Chapter 2
Friendship is Magic (Part 1)
Ponyville: Carousel Boutique/Rarity’s house (June 19th, 1000; 7:00 am)
‘MEEEOOOOW!’ *CRASH*
Huh, Who, What? I bolted awake and rushed to the door. The door to the bedroom was enveloped in a red aura and opened up. I looked around the hall, trying to find out where and what made that noise.
“Opalescence! Naughty cat! Why did do that!?” I heard Rarity shout from the main floor.
Groaning, I head down to the main floor and I see Rarity scolding her cat for knocking over a few mannequins (or pony-quins). As she was busy talking, I took the liberty of picking up the pony-quins...with my magic. Wait...MAGIC! I nearly lost my magical grip on the pony-quin I was handling at that revelation. It was surrounded in a red aura. Looking into a mirror, I saw my horn enveloped in the same aura. Magic is new to me...but I’m handling it well. In fact, everything I’ve experienced so far hasn’t bothered me or given me too much trouble.
I finished fixing the pony-quins and then followed Rarity into the kitchen. Apparently, she was in the process of making breakfast when her cat knocked over the pony-quins. Easy to be angry when it comes to fashion and interruptions, huh.
“How well did you sleep, Zack?” Rarity asked.
“Well enough,” I said, “The alarm was unexpected, though.”
“So sorry about that. Opalescence was in one of her moods.”
“It’s okay. How’d the designing on the outfit go?”
“The designing went well. It was the brainstorming that was the trouble.”
“How so?” I inquired.
“I thought of all the casual clothes I’ve made, as well as any formal clothes, and had to think of how both could work in their opposite or work together,” she explained, “It was rather difficult to find how they could mesh into one form of garment.”
“And?”
"Once breakfast is over, I’ll see to showing it,” she said walking to the kitchen door, and called out “Sweetie, breakfast is ready!”
“I’ll be down in a moment, sis!”
Rarity used her magic to lay out breakfast, consisting of over easy eggs, perfectly toasted toast, and mixed fruit. Sweetie Belle joined us in the moment she said and we ate. After eating, Rarity had me close my eyes and she led me into the back room to view the clothing she designed.
“Okay, open them,” she said. I obeyed and I saw a greenish tan vest that looked elegant yet simple. It had a few pockets, giving it more use rather than to be worn. It may not be what I was expecting, but it suits me.
“I believe that I will look presentable before the Mayor,” I said with a grin.
“Indeed you will,” Rarity compliments.
**********************
Ponyville: Mane Street (June 19th, 1000; 11:30 am)
Come on, she should be here by now. I was fuming, as patience wasn’t my strong suit. A few years in High School taught me that much. As for why I was impatient, I had been assigned by Mayor Mare to guide the Summer Sun Celebration Official Overseer to the various ponies in charge of the main aspects of the Celebration. Oddly enough, I met with all of those ponies and spent the night with one.
I finally see a golden chariot fly in for a landing. About time! I walk towards the chariot as the two occupants, a lavender unicorn and a purple dragon exited. The unicorn thanked the two pegasi guards that pulled the chariot and then walked back to the dragon.
I walked close enough to hear the dragon say, “Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about.” Pinkie Pie was walking nearby and the dragon gestured towards her. “Come on, Twilight. Just try.”
Pinkie Pie paused at what the dragon said, and looked at the two. The unicorn, Twilight, looked nervous as she tried a simple greeting. “Uh..Hello.” At that, Pinkie rose off the ground with a dramatic gasp and rushed off, leaving the Twilight and dragon to stare in bewilderment in the direction she ran.
“Well, that was interesting, alright,” Twilight said to the dragon, with a slight look of annoyance. “Now, where’s the guide. He should have been here by now.”
You’re one to talk. I try to calm down as I walk over to them. “I’m over here,” I say over towards them. Twilight notices me and she walks up to me with a professional look. When she got about a foot or two from me, her face went from professional to confused.
“What’s with your mane?” she asked.
“What are you talking about?”
“I just saw it turn from black and white to brown,” she said with concern.
Sure, it did. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but back to business. I’m Zack and I’ve been asked to guide you around Ponyville for checking the preparations.”
Twilight regained her professional posture, and cleared her throat. “Well then, I’m Twilight Sparkle…”
“Who’s this?” I interrupt, gesturing to the dragon.
“I’m Spike, Twilight’s Number One Assistant,” the dragon said with pride.
“As I was saying…” Twilight began again.
“You would like the list and for me to shut up?” I asked, with a small smirk on my face.
Needless to say, she was not amused.
******************************
Ponyville: Sweet Apple Acres (June 19th, 1000; 12:15 pm)
“Summer Sun Celebration Official Overseer’s Checklist,” Spike read. “Number One: Banquet Preparations.”
“Here we are! Sweet Apple Acres!” I say as we walk through the entry way.
“YEEHAW!” We heard Applejack exclaim as she ran full sprint towards an apple tree. When she got to the apple tree, she stopped, but let the momentum from her legs carry into a buck on the trunk of the tree. The apples from the tree then fell into several strategically placed bushels at it’s base. She then crossed her right leg over her left one, with a proud look on her face at the display.
Twilight sighed, “Let’s get this over with.” She walked over to Applejack and said, in a professional tone, “Good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle…” she began, but was interrupted by Applejack grabbing Twilight’s arm and shaking it hard. I tried my best to not laugh.
“Well, Howdy-doo, Miss Twilight. A pleasure makin’ your acquaintance,” she said, “I’m Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like makin’ new friends.”
“Friends?” Twilight shakily said. “Actually...I...uh…”
Applejack stopped shaking Twilight and said, “So, what can I do ya for?”
Twilight’s arm didn’t stop shaking until Spike stopped it. He giggled a bit at the moment, and I had a light smile. Twilight looked at both of us with a mean look before turning back to Applejack.
“Ahem...Well, I am, in fact, here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration,” Twilight said quickly, “And you’re in charge of the food?”
“We sure as sugar are,” Applejack said with pride, “Would you care to sample some?”
“Well as long as it doesn’t take too long.”
Applejack rushed to to a dinner bell (or a giant triangle) and began to clang it loudly. “SOUP’S ON, EVERYPONY!”
Rumbling was heard and suddenly Twilight, Spike, and myself were knocked off our hooves and feet by a stampede of ponies. When the disorientation faded, we were seated at a table in a pavilion. Applejack then popped up beside us and said, “Now, why don’t ah introduce y’all to the Apple Family?”
“Thanks, but I really need to hurry,” Twilight said, but Applejack began the introductions. I could hardly keep up with the names, but when she took a breath, she slowed down considerably. It allowed me to at least get Applebloom’s, Big Macintosh’s, and Granny Smith’s names. Granny Smith, an elderly pony, was snoozing on a rocking chair during the introductions.
“Up and at-em, Granny Smith! We got guests,” Applejack said loudly to wake the old Apple. Granny snorted as her sleep was disturbed.
“Huh? Wha? Soup’s on? I’m a-commin’,”She sputtered as she slowly walked to the group.
“Why, I’d say, they’re already a part of the family,” Applejack said. When Twilight heard that amid some of her munching on some of the spread treats, whatever was in her mouth ended up on me.
“Ah ha ha. Okay. Well, I can see the food situation is handled, so we’ll be on our way,” Twilight said. Sheesh, what is her rush?
“Aren’t you gonna stay for brunch?” said Applebloom, with a cute face.
Twilight’s face softened a bit as she replied, “Sorry, but we have an awful lot to do.”
Everypony, myself included, suddenly looked sad, with a collective ‘AWW’ of disappointment. Twilight looked around at everypony’s sad look with a nervous look before (reluctantly) giving in. “Fine.”
With a ‘YEEHAW’, the meal started.
***********************
Ponyville: Town Square (June 19th, 1000; 2:00 pm)
“Food’s all taken care of, Next is Weather,” Spike announced as he walked ahead of Twilight and myself. She looked a little miserable.
“Uhh, I ate too much pie,” she mumbled.
“If you knew your limits, you would’ve thought twice before eating that much,” I mumbled loud enough for her to hear.
“What was that?”
“Nothing!” I said a bit loud. “So, Spike, who’s got the weather?”
“Hmm, there’s supposed to be a pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds,” he said.
Twilight and I looked around for Rainbow Dash, but found only clouds. “Well, she’s not doing a very good job, is she?” I said, laced with sarcasm. Before we could take another step, a blue and rainbow blur, crashed into Twilight. Both her and the colorful projectile tumbled into a nearby mud puddle.
Rainbow Dash quickly lifted herself off of Twilight and looked to see who she crashed into. With a sheepish giggle, she apologized, “Uh, ‘scuse me. He he, let me help you.” She flew off and came back with a raincloud. After positioning it above Twilight, she bounced on it a few times, causing a small downpour on her. While Twilight became clean, she became miserably soaked as well.
“Hee hee, Oops. I guess I overdid it. Um, uh, how about this? My very own, patented, Rainblow Dry,” She said proudly, after creating a small rainbow colored tornado to dry Twilight. She floated to the ground and bragged, “No, no, don’t thank me. You’re quite welcome.”
When she landed, she took one look at Twilight’s new mane style and burst out laughing, falling to the ground. It was only a few seconds before Spike and I joined in. She totally deserved that.
“Let me guess, you’re Rainbow Dash,” Twilight deadpanned.
Rainbow Dash jumped up from her prone position. “The One and Only!” she boastfully exclaimed, “Why? You heard of me?”
“I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear!” Twilight shot back. She sighed and continued, “I’m Twilight Sparkle, and the Princess sent me to check on the weather.”
“Yeah, yeah. That’ll be a snap,” Rainbow said, “I’ll do it in a jiffy, just as soon as I’m done practicing.”
“Practicing for what?” I ask.
“The Wonderbolts!” she said, pointing to a poster on a nearby wall. “They’re gonna perform at the celebration tomorrow, and I’m gonna show ‘em my stuff.”
I was confused. “Who’re the Wonderbolts?” When I saw Rainbow’s face, I realized that I said that out loud. Help.
“YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE WONDERBOLTS!!!!!!!” Rainbow exclaimed very loudly, “How can you not know them, Zack? They’re only the Best Flyers in Equestria...after me that is.”
“Are you sure?” I asked with a bit of challenge in my voice, “Given your track record,” I gestured to the overhead clouds, “It’s unlikely that a group of talented pegasi would allow a pegasus that lounges about instead of doing a job assigned to her.”
“Hey, I could clear this sky in ten seconds, flat.”
Twilight caught on to what I was doing and egged her on further, “Prove it.”
At that, Rainbow Dash took off in a blur, and began to kick, punch, and smash every cloud in visible sight. I kept time and exactly ten seconds after she started, she was done.
“What’d I tell you? Ten...Seconds...Flat!” She announced in pride, “I’d never leave Ponyville hanging.”
Twilight’s and Spike’s faces had the priceless look of surprize. I probably had it too, had I not known that most who brag at least have the skill to back up most of those claims. “You should see the look on your face,” Rainbow said with a giggle, “Ha, you’re a laugh, Twilight Sparkle. I can’t wait to hang out some more.”
With that said, she flew off. “Wow!” Spike said, “She’s amazing.”
“I wouldn’t have thought that she was that fast and skilled,” I commented, “She honestly looked lazy, but that is far from the truth.”
“Grrr! Let’s just move on!” Twilight said, rather loudly. She began walking towards Town hall with Spike and I following closely.
I can just see the look on Rarity’s face when she sees Twilight’s hair. It...will...be...PRICELESS!
[/i
]**********************
Ponyville: Carousel Boutique (June 19th, 1000; 2:30 pm)
Just as I had predicted, when she saw Twilight’s mane, she freaked. Within a heartbeat, she was rushing Twilight to the boutique, not only to fix her mane, but to also try on various outfits. When we got there and got her mane fixed, Rarity was fitting outfit after outfit on Twilight. After a few minutes, Rarity tried to engage in conversation with Twilight.
“Now go on my Dear. You were telling me where you’re from,” she said before tightening Twilight’s outfit...a bit too tight.
Twilight strained to speak, “I’ve *Gasp* been sent *Gasp* from Canterlot *Gasp* to…” *Snap!*
“Huh! CANTERLOT!” Rarity exclaimed, “Oh, I am so envious! The Glamour! The Sophistication! I’ve always dreamed of living there! I can’t wait to hear all about it! We are going to be the best of friends, you and I.”
Twilight’s eyes widened with a look of horror. Rarity didn’t notice that, but she did notice the outfit. “Emerald?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!” As Rarity ran into her supply room to fetch the gems, Twilight pulled off the outfit and ran to a lovestruck Spike.
“Quick, before she decides to die my coat a new color!” she said in haste. She put Spike on her back and ran out of the Boutique.
I ran to the door and shouted out, “Just follow Woodland Path and you’ll get to the last pony on the list!” Hearing the supply room door close, I turned to see Rarity looking left and right to try and find the missing mare. “She left to finish checking the preparations.”
“Oh, well, we’ll at least be able to see her at the Celebration,” she said.
“I’m sure we will,” I said. I then thought out loud, “Something seems off about her.”
“Like what, Darling?”
I jumped a bit, having forgotten that I spoke out loud. “Well, I noticed that she seems to have an aversion to making friends.”
“She didn’t seem bothered with it when I said that we would be best of friends.”
“That’s because you didn’t see her face when you did say it,” I countered, “plus, I saw how she reacted to most of the ponies in town when they mentioned anything even similar to friendship. Applejack mentions friendship, she tries to deny it. Rainbow Dash does the same, she doesn’t acknowledge it. You said what you did, she looked as though the world was going to end. I can only imagine what she will do when she meets Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie.”
“It may not turn out well, if what you say is true,” Rarity said. “Oh! Speaking of Pinkie Pie, she had said that she was hosting a ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party later at the Golden Oaks Library.”
“I can only guess who that’s for,” I say, remembering from the instructions that Twilight was to live there for the time being. “I guess we should head there and see what we can do to help.”
*******************
Ponyville: Golden Oaks Library (June 19th, 1000; 8:00 pm)
What is taking her so long? She better not have gotten lost. I was now in the Golden Oaks Library. We, meaning more than half of Ponyville, have been waiting for several hours for the Guest of Honor. Rainbow Dash had been on top of the Library to keep an eye out for Twilight and Spike.
Finally, Rainbow Dash flew in through an open window and whisper-shouted, “She’s coming! Take cover!” We all hid in various parts of the library just as the door opened with Fluttershy flying in with Spike in her arms.
“You simply must get into bed,” she said with a soothing soft voice. Twilight rushed in after her and pulled Spike out of her arms. She then practically pushed Fluttershy out of the door.
“Yes, yes. We’ll get right on that,” she said hastily, “Well, goodnight.” She then slammed the door and rushed to the middle of the room.
“Huh, rude much?” Spike asked.
“Sorry, Spike,” Twilight said, “But I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming and we’re running out of time…”
As soon as she said that I felt a bit dizzy and I blacked out.
*****************************
Ponyville: Golden Oaks Library (June 20th, 1000; 5:00 am)
Urgh, What happened. Why did I black out.
I suddenly heard blaring music. “Hey, Twilight! Pinkie Pie’s starting ‘Pin the Tail on the Pony!’ Wanna play?!”
“No!” I jolted awake when I heard that. “All the ponies in this town are CRAZY! Do you know what time it is!?”
“It’s the Eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. Everypony has to stay up, or they’ll miss the Princess raise the sun. You really should lighten up, Twilight. It’s a party.”
The music volume eased a bit and I heard mumbling above me, “Here, I thought I’d have time to learn more about the Elements of Harmony, but, silly me, all this ridiculous friend making has kept me from it!”
Cue groan of discomfort. I groaned, hoping to get the attention of the one who was speaking. I heard hoof steps and then Twilight’s voice.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“If okay means ‘I just randomly black out and have just woken up,’ yes.”
“Why do you say that?”
I opened my eyes and gave Twilight a look of, are you kidding me? “I recall you mentioning something about ‘Nightmare Moon’ before I blacked out.”
“You blacked out when I mentioned that?” she asked.
“I think it’s too early to say for sure,” I said, “Maybe you could tell me a bit more about this ‘Nightmare Moon’.”
Looking out the window, she began to speak, “Legend has it, that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the Stars will aid in her escape and she will bring about everlasting night.”
“Escape from where?”
“According to Legend, she used to be one of two sisters that controlled the sun and the moon. As time went on, the younger of the two, the one who controls the moon and the night, became jealous of the elder sister, the one who controls the sun.”
“Why so?”
“She saw how ponies played and worked through her sister’s day, but when night came, they slept through it. It drove her angry to the point that she refused to lower the moon at one point. She was far from reason and became Nightmare Moon.”
“How did she end up on the moon?”
“The elder sister used powerful artifacts known as the Elements of Harmony to banish her to the moon, where she has been for the past thousand years.”
“I heard you mention that you were trying to research the Elements of Harmony.”
“Yes. I had the intention to research them and find them to keep her from bringing everlasting night.”
“Like, redo the seal or something?”
“I’m not sure what they will do. All I know is that they are the only things that can stop her.” She trotted to the window to get a clear look at the moon. “I just hope the Princess was right. I hope it is just an old pony tail.”
Must...Not...Laugh! The door slammed open again. “Come on, Twilight! It’s time to watch the sunrise!” Spike shouted above the music.
Twilight looked at me with a worried face before following Spike. Why do I get the feeling that this night will not end well.
****************************
Ponyville:Town Hall (June 20th, 1000; 5:30 am)
As we entered Town Hall, we were greeted by Pinkie Pie and her antics. I tuned her out as soon as she zipped in front of us. Shortly after she finished speaking, Fluttershy led her song birds in a fanfare introduction. Some time after the Mayor began speaking (and I tuned her out as well), I noticed that Twilight was distracted by something out the window. Looking where she was looking, I saw four stars creeping towards the moon before vanishing behind it. When they did, the unicorn image on the moon’s face vanished.
And that was when I seemed to blackout, but I was conscious the whole time. All I could see was swirling colors and my ears were cascaded with white noise that sounded like screams of fear.
What is going on!? What is happening?! My questions weren’t answered, but I heard voices.
“Zack! What in tarnation are ya doin’?”
“Stop being a meanie!”
“Get off of her!”
“Stay back, you ruffian!”
“EEP!”
“End her life!”
I couldn’t grasp why I heard the voices, but whoever said the last thing, it scared me half to death. I did the only thing I could think about to try to escape this...I prayed.
Dear God, Get me out of this nightmare, Please, I beg of you!
Before I knew what was happening, I suddenly felt myself pulled back into reality. When I got my head clear, I noticed that I was holding a fearful Twilight down with my left hoof and my right hoof was holding a red, ethereal sword...holding it to kill.
As soon as I realized that I was back in reality, I pulled myself back from her. I didn’t know why I was standing over her like that, but it was not me. I never want to kill. Pulling myself from Twilight caused me to crash into the only intact table in the room. Looking around I saw many of the ponies in the room were cowering from me, any Royal Guards that were in the room were either dead or dying, and there were some ponies I couldn’t see very well because they were wearing pitch black robes. And I then saw the one pony that turned out to be the one who screwed up my life that night at the Pizza Hut.
Nightmare Moon!
