Legacy of the Alicorn: Part I ~ Legend of the All Mother

Chapter 3

Call to Adventure

Celestia anxiously paced around the throne room, having just received word from Derpy, that Twilight and her friends were on their way. The mail mare nearly knocked over another statue as she departed, but Celestia did not even fuss as she fixed the statue with magic.

“Now I see why they call her the world’s fastest cluts!” Spike rolled on the floor laughing. His joy was interrupted by Luna’s petrifying gaze as she loomed over him.

“What is the meaning of your joke?” she asked, almost sounding angry. Spike jumped up and started to back away. While Luna has reverted to her daytime look of a shorter, opaque light blue mane and lighter tinted coat, she still held and aura of dominance that she seems to have trouble turning off.

“Uh… nothing… I was just saying how clumsy and fast she is…” Spike trembled before the might of Luna.

“Luna please. This is no time for theatrics.” Celestia said, pacing past the two of them.

“Apologies sister. I am a bit weary from having not slept sense yesterday evening. I will try to control my behaviors.” Luna walked over to the throne and sat down on her black and blue lace pillow residing next to the larger red and gold pillow that was her sisters. Celestia continued to pace around the room. It began to annoy the blue mare, “Sister, please calm yourself.”

“I’m worried. What am I to say to Twilight when she gets here?” the white mare asked.

“Say what to her?” Spike implored. The two princesses looked at one another, having forgotten that he was in the room.

“Um, Spike. Why don’t you go and help… Joe clean up the Royal Mess Hall?”

“But I don’t want to clean up…”

“You can have as many donuts as you want afterwards.” Celestia added cutting him off, before his complaining got the better of him.

“Yes! I’m going to eat as many sprinkled donuts as possible!” Spike cheered, hurrying out of the room. His snakelike tongue slurping and whipping around.

“That dragon has a sweet tooth that rivals yours Tia. I do hope that he does not contract dental problems.” Luna said, watching Spike go.

“One of the best dentists in Equestria lives in Ponyville. But onto more pressing matters; what should I say to Twilight when they arrive?” Celestia asked.

“The truth is always the right path.” Luna said wisely.

“But they can’t handle the truth. It would overthrow everything they know!”

“Then do not tell it to them. Tell them only what they need to know. But be sure that what you tell them is the truth.” Luna paused, watching her sister, “Why do you wish not to tell Twilight everything? Would that not make the matter easier?”

“To tell her that everything she knows is a lie? That would not make matters easier.”

“But all is not a lie. You have simply been keeping this information from the pony folk. Why, I do not know.”

“It’s better for them not to know. It’s better if we just forget.”

“Yet, even though they do not know of it, doesn’t mean it does not exist.” Luna wisely spoke from her perch. Celestia stopped pacing to face her, “Your right. I should never have hid our history from them. I just wanted to forget it and move on.”

“Little did we know at the time that it would come back to haunt us. Now we know that eventually, we must answer for the sins of our past and that others will suffer because of it.”

“You speak ill words Luna.”

“And you have ill thoughts Tia. You cannot deny the consequences of our past actions which will reverberate across this realm. Think hard about your decisions, sister. You do not want them to haunt you later on.” Luna eyed her sister closely.

She was right. Within the past two years, the ruler of Equestria has had to deal with many of her past problems she thought she’d solved. The returns of Nightmare Moon and Discord… both were problems thought to have been resolved, both resurfaced, and both Twilight and her friends had to mend. Celestia felt that she had no power left to rule Equestria with. When the changelings overpowered her at the wedding, she knew deep down that she was losing her strength.

Celestia sat down on her throne, head held low, mind and body full of despair, “For once in my life, I don’t know what to do. It was always so clear to me, but now… my mind is a thick fog that cannot be penetrated.”

“Do only what feels right Tia. There is no right or wrong path, just the one we choose to make.” Luna tried to comfort her sister.

Celestia smiled, “You are far wiser then me Lana.”

“Wisdom is given to us through age and self reflection. You gave me plenty of time for both. Love and friendship is gained by our actions and virtues. And you far outrank me in that category.” Luna pointed out.

The white mare chuckled, “Oh Luna. Now I see why mother paired the two of us together. Whatever would I do without you?”

“You would be miserable for another one-thousand years like last time.” The sisters chuckled at the thought.

***{Legacy}***

Out in the Canterlot Train Station, many high class ponies wearing dresses and suits meandered along the platform, guffawing and talking with one another, waiting for the next train. Several dozen guards patrolled the area, keeping a watchful eye on everypony and everything. Flanked by four guards, Shining Armor, Captain of the Royal Guards, stood valiantly amongst the high class ponies.

Having been summoned from his honeymoon in Ban’ei, the stalwart stallion was a tad annoyed, having been promised several weeks of leave and time away with his new wife. Being summoned back to work from across Equestria was not his idea of a vacation. He shifted uneasily in his armor, remembering when the mail pony arrived with the summons from the princess. Cadance was heartbroken, but accepted that it was his duty to do whatever the princess asks. Soon he will be done here and he can head back to enjoy a few more days with his bride.

A loud long screech echoed down the tracks. All the ponies turned to see the Ponyville Express making its way into the station. It chugged to a complete stop, perfectly aligned with the platform. All the doors along the train sprang open to many ponies and creatures disembarking. Shining looked around the different cars. Twilight and her friends hopped out of the back car, all giggling, having enjoyed their trip. Shining motioned to the guards next to him and they moved down the platform.

“Miss. Twilight Sparkle.” He announced sternly. Twilight turned to her brother, a big smile on her face, “Shining!”

She moved in for a hug, but he held his hoof out, “I’m here on official business. You and your friends need to come with me.” He motioned to the four guards, who surrounded the six ponies. They paved a path out of the station.

Shining led the way through the crowded streets of Canterlot. Many ponies were out and about shopping, eating, and enjoying the sunshine. Rarity was beside herself, seeing all of the fancy ponies and celebrities sporting the latest fashions from the biggest designers. It was a dream come true! She tried to make her way over to them, but one of the guards pushed her back in line.

“Uh! Excuse me! I just wanted to see that wonderful fedora over there.” Rarity scoffed. The guard stared her down. The white pony decided that looking at fashion could wait. Twilight trotted up to her brother who did not acknowledge her approach.

“Shining, what’s going on? Why are you so serious?” she asked.

Shining continued marching forward, “You’ll have to ask the princess.” Twilight looked at him taken aback. He sighed. A part of his usual relaxed state returning, “I’m sorry Twiley. It’s just that I was summoned in the middle of my honeymoon, for no apparent reason.”

“The princess didn’t tell you either?”

“No. She just said come back right away. Heck of a way to spend a vacation.”

“How’s Cadance?” Twilight asked, changing the subject.

“She’s great, though been acting a little moody lately.” He saw the anxious look on Twilight’s face, “No, she’s not a changeling this time, I promise. I just hope I can get back for a few more days.”

They continued on through the crowded streets of Canterlot. Many ponies turned to their marching congregation with curious glances. While the increase of guards following the changeling attack has now become a part of daily life, it is not usual that ponies get a special escort from the captain of the guards.

The normally pristine and lively palace was more like a fortress now. Twilight felt like it was the changeling attack all over again. Dozens of guards patrolled the walls and flew around keeping a vigilant eye on all creatures in and around the castle grounds.

“Why are there so many guards?” Twilight asked as they approached the main gate.

“I don’t know. It wasn’t like this when I left.” Shining stopped in front of a group of guards blocking the entrance to the palace.

“Captain Shining. What is your purpose for entering the palace.” One of the guards said.

“I was here a few minutes ago.”

“I’m sorry sir. General Stonehoofs orders. We must not let anyone in without permission from the princesses.”

“Ah… the general. Well I have brought Twilight and her friends as was requested by Princess Celestia.” Shining said in a much more authoritative tone. The guards looked at all the ponies before him. He nodded his head to the other guards who all lowered their spears.

“What the! What are you doing?!” Shining yelled. The Mane Six all huddled together, stared down by the spear tips.

“I’m sorry sir. We have to check you.” The guard replied. One by one the guards poked each pony in the chest, including Shining and his four guards. “Alright they all check out.” The guard announced. He stepped aside and let the ponies pass through.

“Uh! How rude! Never before have I been so violated.” Rarity said when they entered the main palace.

“I guess its all part of the security. Come on let’s get to the princess.” Shining hurried along the pathway to the throne room.

***{Legacy}***

Meanwhile, the Royal Mess Hall was needless to say… a mess. Wearing his little pink apron adorned with a red heart, Spike pushed a chart around filled with dirty dishes and stinky garbage, “Geez, this isn’t what I was expecting when the princess told me to help clean the mess hall.”

Joe, Canterlot’s number one donut maker and mess hall cook was busy cleaning the tables with a rag and a water bucket, “Yeah well, better get used to it Spike. This is what I do for a living.”

“Same here.” said a third voice. Joining the robust stallion and the baby dragon was a young pegasus guard who wore armor similar to Shining’s but of a lower rank. Squire Swift floated around the tops of the tables whipping them down with a rag on his hoof, “And here I thought joining the Royal Guards would be all noble and righteous.”

“It is.” Joe said, “We are nobly cleaning up the mess hall.” Everyone laughed.

“Say, why is Shining Armor back anyways? I thought he was on his honeymoon.” Joe asked Swift.

“I don’t know. All I know is that he woke me up early this morning; surprised the hay out of me. Said that he was here on important business and that he might need me. I guess he didn’t cause’, now I’m here.”

“That’s weird. The princess summoned Twilight and all our friends to. She seemed really nervous about something.” Spike added.

“Hmm. Something’s always up when secretive things begin happening. Mark my words, something big is going down.” Joe said solemnly. Spike and Swift looked at one another. Their anxious glances affirmed that they were thinking the same thing. Continuing their work, they heard the sounds of hooves coming from the outside hall. Spike looked over and saw Shining Armor with Twilight walking behind him. The others closely followed surrounded by four guards.

“Twilight!” Spike yelled running up to her. The guard nearest him held out his hoof to stop him. Shining pushed it away, “It’s alright, where in the castle now.”

“Twilight what’s going on?” the dragon asked.

“Your guess is as good as mine.” Twilight replied sounding worried.

“You have no idea what the princess wants?” Spike followed along with them. Swift and Joe poked their heads out of the mess hall to see what was going on.

“No she never said. Not even Shining knows.”

“That’s weird.” Spike was suddenly stopped by one of the guards.

“Sorry Spike. You’re not allowed in the throne room right now.” he said. Spike stood there dumbstruck as the ponies continued down the hall to the throne room.

***{Legacy}***

Shining Armor lead the way into the throne room which was less festive than usual. The normally ornate hall seemed to be filled with a lingering gloom, as if something was in the air that made the room less joyful and bright. The princesses sat on their pillows observing their guests from afar with a formality that is rarely seen in this court.

Shining leaned over to Twilight and whispered, “The Princesses are being very formal, so I suggest you and your friends follow the manners of the court.” Twilight looked at her friends who all seemed to be on edge at the strangeness of the situation.

Shining cleared his throat and bowed low to the Princesses who nodded their heads, “I present Twilight Sparkle and friends.” He stepped aside letting Twilight and the others walk down the long red carpet to their rulers. Shining followed behind them like some stalking assassin. Upon reaching the bottom to the steps that led up to Celestia’s radiant form, Twilight was reminded of when she was a filly and started her training under the princess. It was very similar to the entrance of today, the formal address, the guards, the slow awkward walk up to the throne, waiting patiently for the princesses to speak. The ponies hearts raced as they tried not to give way to their fears.

“I am glad that you all have come.” Celestia said. Her voice held its normal motherly tone that everypony was use to. A sigh of relief emanated from the mouths of the Mane Six.

“You are most likely wondering why I have summoned you here under such urgency. I hope that, in time, you will understand why. For now, I wish to tell you a story.” She continued. Luna glanced at her sister; perplexed as to where she was going with this.

“She called us here to tell us a story?” Rainbow whispered to Rarity, who promptly kicked her to keep the blue pegasus quite.

“I am sure that you know Luna and I have traveled here from a far off land. We were seeking a new land to spread the idea and methods of harmony and friendship; ideas that you all embody within yourselves.”

“So you’re saying that there is another world outside of Equestria?” Twilight asked, her schoolgirl roots returning, excitedly imploring her mentor for more knowledge.

Celestia continued, “That is correct, though it is another continent that sits across the Vast Sea. It is just as large as our home here, though much older having been populated for many thousands of years. I am sending you six ponies to the Dream Valley, our previous home. There you will find a pony known as the Seer of Fates. She has very important information for me that pertains to the future of Equestria…”

“Why are you sending them? Why not me your majesty?” Shining Armor said alarmed. Luna remained silent next to her sister.

“I have complete faith in my student and her friends to complete the task given to them.” The princess remarked.

“We accept this mission!” Twilight piped up. She turned to her friends, all of whom, besides Pinkie, seemed less enthused. “What’s wrong girls?”

“Do we all have to go?” Rainbow asked, her broken wing twitching lamely next to her, “I mean it’s just a messenger’s job. Even Derpy can do that.”

“This is no mere courier mission. To get to Dream Valley, one must pass through the Everfree Forest, climb over the Griffon Peaks, traverse the Sleepless Jungle and voyage across the a body of water so vast, that few creatures would dare attempt it.” Luna said with great dread in her voice. The other ponies looked at her somewhat terrified; feeling like Zecora was giving some kind of weird omen.

“The six of you show bonds of friendship that cannot be broken. Together you can accomplish any task that stands before you.” Celestia added, trying to defuse the tension left by Luna, “I have chosen the six of you because I know that together you can overcome all the hardship that lie ahead. The journey to Dream Valley is a long and dangerous road, but so long as you stand together, no harm will befall you.”

Twilight turned to her friends, “Come on girls! This is an adventure that comes only once in a lifetime!”

The other ponies glanced at one another, feeling that they really had no choice in the matter. Constantly being pushed into the affairs of state was indeed fun and exciting, but when work piles up and the family feels left out, it makes it hard to keep going.

“Well. Do we have to go now? I have to finish an order for a very important client.” Rarity said; a hint of whining hidden in her speech.

“And whose gonna’ help Big Macintosh when apple bucking season comes around? Apple Bloom’s too young to help out.” Applejack added.

“Yeah. And I got a shot at joining the Wonderbolts this year! Though now that my wing is all messed up…” Rainbow Dash looked at her poor wing.

“I can’t believe you guys! You would rather do boring work then go on a quest to save Equestria!” Twilight stared at her friends in astonishment. Never would she have expected them to act like this, especially in front of the princess.

“Well Twilight. It’s all fine and dandy for you because this is your job. But the rest of us have to support ourselves and our families.” Applejack retorted.

“And we have our own ambitions we would like to achieve. All this running about is hard on the spirit.” Rarity added. Twilight looked at her friends as if they were strangers come to kill her.

“The fate of Equestria is in our hooves and you’re just going to walk away? All those chores and jobs won’t matter if Equestria is destroyed! What if we hadn’t united when Discord was causing chaos, or when the changelings attacked? What about when you joined me to stop Nightmare Moon, and we didn’t even know each other then!” the purple unicorn nearly shouted in the great room. Luna shifted uneasily on her pillow at the mentioning of her former self. Celestia knew that she had to intervene.

“I am deeply sorry that you six must go though trials that many a pony would refuse to go though. But believe me when I say. You all were destined to do great things; chosen by a fate far greater than any of us. Your dreams, your goals, your lives are very important to you and you must cherish them; but there comes a time when none of that will matter when a greater force threatens its existence. It is then that you must all stand united and fight to protect what is precious to you.” Celestia’s words sunk deep into the six ponies before her. Even Shining felt inspired by her speech, and was less annoyed that he had come. Luna however, was remaining usually still. While her head was turned to the Mane Six, she was not looking at them. Her mind was full of thoughts that only she and her sister knew about. Twilight looked over her friends, who all seemed to have come to a silent agreement.

“Then it is settled.” Rarity said, feeling slightly uneasy, as if the matter had been decided for her.

“Let’s hop to it then.” Applejack added. The look on her face echoed that of Rarity’s.

“I love hopping!” Pinkie jumped around the group sporting a large grin; the only happy pony besides Twilight.

“Thank you princess. We will be on our way imminently!” Twilight bowed, followed by the others, though they seemed less enthused, feeling stuck between what they want and what they had to do. Celestia and Luna returned the favor with a polite nod.

When the group had gone, Luna turned to her sister, “You seemed to have forgotten to mention the part about our sisters and the fate of our homeland.”

“That will come in due time. For now, they are happy; and will face any opposition with determination.”

“I also noticed you unintentionally mentioned mother in your little speech.”

“I did?” Celestia watched her student walk down the red carpet, “I didn’t mean to…”

“I appreciate it Tia. You are very much like her. Being the eldest; you did spend the most time with her.”

“Everything I know she taught me. She was a far greater teacher and mentor then I will ever be.” Celestia added somberly. Remembering a happier time when she was young.

Luna held her expert poker face, showing no real emotion, though her eyes gave her away. They were brimming with tears. She quickly cleared them away, “What will you do when Twilight finds out about everything you have kept from her?”

“That is for her to decide. Better that she finds out for herself, then to have it told to her.” Celestia sighed. Luna could see that this decision was tearing her apart; it was something she did not come to lightly. It seemed, for the first time, in a long time, the ruler of Equestria was sad.

After a long pause of silence Luna said, “You have much faith in you student, sister. I wish I could share your optimism.”

“Hope is one of the few things we must hold onto. Especially in times of great peril.”

***{Legacy}***

Spike fidgeted with his hands outside the throne room door; looking up at the cathedral like double doors. Swift stood next to him, much less nervous, though his gut told him that something was wrong, “Relax Spike. It’s not like the princess is going to condemn them to death or something. Come on.”

“But what if she does? What if it’s because we haven’t given her a friendship report in over a month?!” Sweat rolled down Spike’s scaly head.

“I think the princess is a little too busy to be bothered with a friendship report.”

“What do you mean?” Spike turned to the Pegasus. Swift sat down and looked around. Only a few guards stood by, but he knew they would not say anything. He leaned in close to Spike and whispered, “Joe was right. The princesses are up to something. Think about it. The last time Celestia called in Twilight and her friends was to save Equestria. What do you think is going on now?”

“You mean to say something really bad is going to happen?” Spike trembled at the thought.

“Maybe…” Swift shot up strait as the doors opened. Shining Armor approached the baby dragon and his subordinate, “Swift. I’m heading back to Ban’ei for another week. Keep an eye out for me and report anything strange going on.”

“Yes sir!” Swift saluted. Shining gave a nod before walking on.

“What was that about?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know. But I better get back to work. See you Spike.” Swift spread his wings and bolted out of the hall. Spike turned back to see Twilight in front of him, the other ponies walked passed, all seemingly worried or irritated about something. Pinkie joyfully hopped out of the throne room singing a song…

We’re off on the road to adventure,
We certainly do get around!
Through the dark Everyfree Forest,
Over the Griffon Peaks, oh so cold!
Cutting our way through a sleepy jungle,
And sailing on the great big ocean,
We are the adventurers of Equestria,
Off to see the Valley of Dreams!

“So, uh… how did it go?” Spike asked Twilight, walking with her.

“Splendid! We are going to go explore a whole new part of the world! This is so exciting!” Twilight squealed.

“Oh, cool! I can’t wait!” Spike jumped onto Twilight’s back. While she did not mind him riding on her, she paused to look back at him.

“Uh, well Spike. Celestia only wants the six of us to go.”

“But…”

“Luna says it’s very dangerous to go on. I don’t know if you can handle it.”

“You can take my place.” Fluttershy said hurriedly, trotting over to the two of them.

“Yeah, I mean you had him mimic me before.” Rainbow said with a chuckle.

“I can go Twilight! I’m a dragon! I would be really helpful! I promise!” Spike begged.

“Oh, poor Spiky wiky! He’s just too young to traverse the vastness of the great earth. Oh how I would love to have him go with us!” Rarity chimed in her lushes’ voice. Pinkie hopped around, changing the tune of her song…

Oh Spike would love to come,
But he’s just a little too young.
If only he were bigger,
And just a bit fitter,
Then he could be our,
Dragon!

Pinkie almost screamed the last line, boasting a huge smile on her face. While the others gave a small chuckle, Spike was not amused.

“Oh, it’s alright Spike. Someone’s gotta take care of the library while Twilight’s gone.” Applejack said, attempting to cheer up the baby dragon. He was having none of it.

“Come on girls. Get ready by tonight so we can leave tomorrow morning.” Twilight lead the group on.

“Uh how are we getting to the other side of the world? Are we walking there?” Dash asked. The others seemed to agree.

“I know that Dr. Whooves has been working on some kind of airship. Maybe we can ask him to barrow it.” Twilight thought on the matter. Spike sat silently on her back, arms crossed, an angry look on his face.

“Oh an airship would be lovely! I’ve seen some of them in Canterlot and they are simply marvelous!” Rarity could feel the social status increase at the prospect to being on an airship.

“Yeah well… this is Dr. Whooves, so I don’t think its going to be any pleasure cruise.” Dash added. The ponies continued their talk on what to bring and what they could expect on their journey, having left behind any feeling of ill thought and replaced it with naive optimism hoping that the trip won’t last too long. Spike sat silent the whole train ride back to Ponyville.

***{Legacy}***

“Alright Sparkler, fire up the engine!” Dr. Whooves yelled, looking up at the Dirigible Carrier. The large sixty foot schooner with its bulky ridged balloon sack that floated ever so steadily above the wooden ship. Sparkler steadied herself on the deck, pointing her horn at the smoke stacks. Firing a beam of purple magical energy, the engine roared to life sending steam and vapor puffing out of the stacks. The six propellers situated along the entire bottom of the wooden body spun to life. The larger propeller in the back slowly turned, fighting against the brakes that were holding it still.

“It’s working!” Sparkler yelled from the deck. The Dirigible Carrier attempted to lift off, but was held firm by the many ropes mooring it to the ground. Dr. Whooves smiled. It seemed the new engine he was working on for so long was now fully operational. Using magic to heat up conductors which turned water into steam to turn the turbines powering the propellers, finally he created a craft that was one-hundred percent echo friendly and super efficient. Having made a smaller engine for the Flim Flam Brothers Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000, this model was the best yet.

Now if only it could fly, “Okay, I’m going to release the ropes!” he yelled up to his assistant. Sparkler nodded and made her way to the bridge. While the outside was mostly wood, to keep the weight down, the bridge and interior structure had many metal parts in it. Pipes and calling tubes lined the walls to reach the different parts of the two deck ship. Next to the metallic wheel sat the engine lever reading from full reverse to full forward. It was currently at hover. The purple pony got on her hind hooves and place one of her front hooves on the steering wheel, the other on the engine leaver. She bit her lip in anticipation, the goggles Dinky gave her lay loosely around her neck.

Dr. Whooves removed the remaining rope, which snapped from the tension the ship was exerting on it. The ship slowly began lifting into the air. The propellers roared louder, drowning out all other noise. It steadily rose into the air like a balloon. The doctor could not help but smile. Many said that he was crazy when he claimed that he could design an airship twice as large as the current ones and that it can take flight. Now here it was!

The Dirigible Carrier flew off towards Ponyville, the sound of the engines dying off with it. Its captain, no doubt, wanted to impress the locals. Dr. Whooves just stood there and watched it sail along. He made a mental note to himself that the wood might have worked to well. Perhaps he should experiment with a full metal hull. The sound of a door opening made him turn to see Dinky walking out to him.

“Come here my dear.” He called. Dinky made her way over and sat down next to her father, admiring the ship. “Isn’t it wonderful my dear? The Dirigible Carrier is a marvel of science and technology.” He continued.

“What’s it called?” the filly asked.

Dr. Whooves looked at her, “Why it’s the Dirigible Carrier.”

“That’s kind of hard to say all the time. Don’t most ships have names?” she looked at him. The doctor considered her logic. It was true, all ships do have names; something about giving them personality. But he was never good at naming things; he left that up to Derpy. The result of which named most things off of muffin brands or whatever she saw that day. His favorite was the Bran o Hand. A magically powered rivet gun that the doctor invented for iron work, named after bran muffins and a teal unicorn talking about hands. Sparkler shortened it to Branohan, which reminded the doctor of a cockney chap her knew in Trottingham.

“Why don’t you name it.” he decided. Dinky looked back to the ship, brow furrowed.

When Dinky admitted defeat, Dr. Whooves brought her close with a hug, “Fret not my dear. In good time, it will come to you. Your mother would sometimes take weeks to come up with a good name. And believe me, she always did.”

They sat there watching the big ship slowly float around, a soft hum of its engines barely audible over the ambiance of the nearby forest.

“You know you could have just invented wings.” Dinky said after a long silence.

“That will be the next step my dear.” He said putting a hoof around his daughter, “Now that I have made it big it’s time to make it small, compact, light of weight and sustainable for long periods of time. The unfortunate drawback of using magic to power machines is that one must keep repowering it to keep it working. The smaller it is, the more it needs to be… recharged; sort of say.”

“Why’s that?” the inquiring filly asked.

“It has to do with the conductors. I can’t seem to find a good enough material to hold onto magic and not let it ‘leak’ out. The heat it produces quickly wears off when they are small. But I strongly believe that magic is the key to unlocking new possibilities.”

“Is that why you want to study the Elements of Harmony?”

“Indeed. I believe that they are the key to unlimited energy. Imagine. You can power any device with just a single casting of magic, or better yet, tapping into a communal source of magical energy to power equipment and devices. My, it is the next evolution in ponydom!” his thoughts of a technological evolution were broken by the sudden reappearance of the Dirigible Carrier.

“She can’t be done already.” He mumbled to himself, eyeing the ship moving towards him. Before he could postulate a reason for its return, he saw a small white speck growing larger and louder. “Oh dear. Dinky, would you kindly take cover over behind that wood pile. I do believe you mother is coming in for another crash landing.” They both ducked behind the wood awaiting impact.

Within movements, the familiar, “MAIL CALL!!!” came whizzing to them. Derpy was concentrating enough to land on the ground with all four of her hooves, though she was going so fast that she slid across the ground and into the wall of the laboratory, creating a clean pony shaped hole in it. After a series of crashes and clanging followed by a small explosion, Dr. Whooves came out of his cover, feeling that the worst was over.

“Oh my…” he glanced inside his laboratory to see a line of destruction leading to the other side of the room. Pipes, tools, gears and planks of wood were scattered across the floor, having been violently blown from their places by the impact. Derpy’s head appeared on the far side in a pile of rubble. Upon seeing the doctor, she sprang out of the pile, happy as can be.

“It is uncanny how you can cause such destruction, yet suffer no damage yourself.” He remarked. The smile on Derpy’s face dropped as she looked around, “What happened?”

“Never mind. Why may I ask, were you in such a hurry my dear?”

“I have a letter from Princess Celestia! It arrived at the post office just a few minutes ago.” Derpy reached into her bag and pulled out a scroll. Dr. Whooves put on his glasses, which were sitting on a nearby table and read the scroll aloud.

Dear Dr. Whooves,

I must ask of you to provide transportation for Twilight Sparkle and her friends on a mission that they are going on from me. I have heard that you have been working on a large dirigible that can hold many ponies and can take a beating. I hope that you will give Twilight this ship for her mission; in return I have arranged a meeting with myself and Spark of AlSpark Industries in Manehatten. We will discuss your research there.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia

“By the sun and stars! She can’t be serious!” he exclaimed upon finishing the letter.

“What?” Derpy asked.

“I can’t just be giving the Dirigible Carrier away to anypony. It is an instrument of scientific importance and is not meant to be a show boat for questing or whatever.”

“What?” Derpy said again, holding her head cocked to one side, her eyes skewed in two directions. Dinky popped her head through the hole in the wall. She made her way over to her mother, giving her a big hug. Derpy replied with her own big hug.

“I mean, I know she is the princess and all but, she can’t just take away my work like that!” the doctor continued to fume. Sparkler entered through the door looking around.

“Oh, Doctor. There you are.” She stopped when she noticed he was shaking, “Something wrong?”

“The princess wants me to give up our machine for some mission or whatever. We have been working on this for months, and she just wants to throw it all away!” Dr. Whooves began pacing around the room.

“Give it up to who?” Sparkler asked.

“Twilight Sparkle and her friends.”

“Well at least it not just anypony. If anyone is capable of flying it, it would be Twilight.”

“But…” The brown stallion paused to think. She was right. He had often admired Twilight’s intellectual and magical prowess, not that Sparkler is not a good assistant, it’s just that Twilight was always ahead of her at the Magic Academy. “Well… I guess you’re right.” He looked at the scroll again, “It does say she wants to meet with us about the research.”

“That’s great! When?”

“Soon. We’ll meet in Manehatten with Spark. Should be quite the conversation.”

“I can’t wait. And you can ask the princess about the Elements of Harmony again.” Sparkler made her way over to Dinky and Derpy. The doctor looked at the three of them deep in thought, contemplating what to do next. Dinky looked up at her mother with a wide smile.

“Guess what!” she said excitedly.

“What?” Derpy asked in her childlike voice, sounding just as excited as her daughter.

“I just came up with a name for the ship dad and Sparkler made.”

“What is it?”

“The Spirit of Harmony.”

***{Legacy of the Alicorn: Part I ~ Legend of the All Mother}***