Chapters Chapter One – Rainbow’s Pride, Part One – A Challenge is Issued
It was another fine day in Ponyville as usual thanks to none other than Rainbow Dash who was relaxing on a cloud after an exhausting morning of getting the weather just right, Scootaloo was trying to chill out next to her idol but her anxiety was getting the better of her and she found it impossible to relax while the Pegasus she idolised was sleeping just one cloud over, she thought about saying something in order to ease her anxiety but didn’t want to disturb her hero. This was rendered a moot point however as a Pegasus shot past surprising and waking Rainbow Dash, he circled back landing on the same cloud as the young filly, his coat was bright orange and he had a mane and tail that resembled a flame, bright yellow with red at the tip and his cutie mark was an arch of fire, however his most peculiar was his face with dark lavender irises and a wide grimace across his face, Scootaloo almost jumped in frightened anticipation when he looked in her direction.
“Excuse me young filly, is that cyan Pegasus you're gawking at really Rainbow Dash?” The Pegasus asked with doubt in his voice, Scootaloo’s nerves got the better of her and she found herself unable to speak so she remained perfectly still.
“Yeah, I’m Rainbow Dash, what’s it to ya?” Said Rainbow Dash finally stepping out of her waking daze to acknowledge the Pegasus.
“Nothing, I just didn’t think you’d be so small, If you are the Rainbow Dash those ‘Wonderbolts’ were at least right about one thing...” The mysterious Pegasus said still grinning away Rainbow Dash was shocked.
“... You know the Wonderbolts?” Dash said, eyes wide at the claim of the orange Pegasus.
“Well of course, I just left a race with them...” He said gazing in the direction of the Canterlot race track.
Rainbow Dash scoffed “Oh, and how did that turn out for you?” she said, confident in the ability of her idols.
“It was over before they were even out of the starting gate, for your information.” He said laughing, through his words.
“What are you saying, you weirdo?” Rainbow Dash said unsure of what she just heard the orange Pegasus laughed out loud at Rainbow’s question.
“Do I really need to spell it out, maybe I should use terms you’ll understand... I beat them in ten seconds flat.” The Pegasus said mimicking Rainbow Dash’s voice for the latter portion of his statement.
“Just who in Equestria do you think you are?” asked Rainbow Dash getting aggressive.
“I thought you’d never ask, my name is Solar Flare. Oh, but you can call me Sol.” He said, smirking. The Pegasus named Sol said never dropping his giddy smile.
“...and what do you want?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I came here because I’m looking for the fastest Pegasus in Equestria, the winner of the Best Young Flyers competition, who performed a Sonic Rainboom when she was just a filly, according to Spitfire of the Wonderbolts that Pegasus is you.” Sol said pointing his hoof at Rainbow Dash.
“Well you found her, now what do you want from me, advice from the greatest?” Rainbow Dash asked incredibly smug that Spitfire acknowledged that she was the fastest Pegasus in Equestria .
“Well, you got cocky all of a sudden, no nothing as trivial as advice. I have a question and a challenge.” Sol said putting his hoof down and looking into Rainbows eyes.
“So... what is it?” Rainbow asked confident that she knew what he would ask her.
“So... do you think you’re faster than the Wonderbolts?” Sol chuckled while spreading his bright orange wings wide, each feather with a red tip.
Chapter One - Rainbow’s Pride, Part Two – The Sunburst
It only took Rainbow Dash a few seconds to put together a makeshift starting line out of the clouds
“Now where should we race to?” Sol asked.
“What do you think? First one to Sugarcube Corner or maybe the Everfree Forest?” Rainbow Dash questioned.
Rainbow Dash Sol began laughing “Are you kidding, I like a good laugh but I thought you of all people would take racing seriously, first one to Las Pegasus is the winner. And to make it fair I’ll even give you a five second head start!” He said, yet it was barely coherent through his uproarious laughter.
Rainbow Dash was simultaneously shocked and insulted “Okay buddy, two things. First I don’t need your pity when it comes to flying. Secondly Las Pegasus is halfway across Equestria.” Sol just laughed harder every time Rainbow Dash opened her mouth “This dudes like some crazy, flying version of Pinkie Pie. There’s no way I can race somepony to Las Pegasus” Dash thought to herself as Sol composed himself.
“I knew you wouldn’t be up to it, that's why I offered you the head start... but if it really is too much for you...” Sol said gently kicking a tuft of cloud.
“She can take anything you throw at her, smart guy!” Scootaloo shouted apparently finding her nerve “Rainbow Dash is the fastest, strongest, coolest and most awesomeist Pegasus in the world and there’s no way she’d ever lose to a citrus coloured creep like you!”
Sol just laughed at the little fillies shouting “Quiet back there in the nosebleed section.... plus you realise that you’re “citrus coloured” too right?” Sol shouted back at Scootaloo, but the fillies cheering had reignited the spark of Rainbow’s confidence.
“Hey nobody treats my number one fan like that, you’re on! First one to Las Pegasus is the fastest flyer in Equestria.” Rainbow Dash said taking her mark at the starting line.
“I know I am but how flattering it will be to hear it from you.” Sol said taking his mark beside her “Half-pint, if you’ll do the honours... Be sure to use your outdoor voice.” Sol said motioning to Scootaloo.
“Ready... On your mark... GO!” Scootaloo shouted and instantly Rainbow Dash exploded from the starting line with her trademark rainbow afterimage trailing behind her... however Sol remained motionless Scootaloo hovered over to him “Umm... I said go. Hello?”
“One.” He said out loud to nobody in particular.
“What are you doing. GO!” Scootaloo shouted in frustration.
“Two.” He continued.
“She said she didn’t want a head start, didn’t you hear her?” Scootaloo was losing her patience with this weird guy who was treating Rainbow Dash like a child.
“Three. Neither did the Wonderbolts and that turned out to be no fun at all. Four.” He said keeping his smile. Rainbow Dash hadn’t even noticed that Sol was yet to take off she turned her head to see how close he was AND HE WAS STILL JUST STANDING THERE! Rainbow Dash wanted to choke him, she stopped in mid flight she would’ve shouted but she was too far away by now.
“Whatever, his stupid rule, his problem.” Rainbow Dash said flapping in place.
Sol stretched out his wings and said “... and five.”
Solar Flare took off with an afterimage that resembled flames trailing behind him which was all that was left for Scootaloo to look at back at the starting line, Sol almost instantly caught up to Rainbow Dash and tapped her on the nose “I didn’t think it would be enough of a head start, all of you Pegasus nowadays are so slow...” Dash was speechless this pony was right now, literally, flying circles around her.
“What... but... how did you... ARGHHH!” Rainbow Dash took off once again but this time Sol wasted no time in catching up to her.
“Hey, let me read your mind.” Sol shouted as he caught up to her, barely trying “Ahem, How is he so fast? There’s no way I can beat such a sexy and impossibly fast pony.” Sol was mimicking Dash’s voice again but she was just focusing on the race, he continued taunting. “Now, how about you take off the kid horseshoes and whip out the Sonic Rainboom so you can leave me in the dust and I can go home defeated? Hmm?”
“Like I’d need that.” Rainbow said, smiling as she built to top speed managing to get some distance between her and the smug Pegasus, Sol just began laughing to himself and veered off course “Ha, giving up?” Dash shouted and continued on.
Rainbow Dash must have been flying straight for half an hour without so much as a glimpse of the orange pony, "Maybe I can take it easy for a bit." Dash thought to herself but what she saw ahead made her stop dead in her tracks. Spelled out in the clouds ahead of her was ‘Who’s giving up now?’ with Sol lying on top of the question mark, he got up and flew down to Rainbow Dash “Oh hi, It’s about time you got here, what do you think of my little cloud sculpture, it was originally just going to be “Giving up?” but I just had too much spare time so I decided to add to it.” Sol said managing to speak through his laughter and gestured to the sky writing, Rainbow Dash was trying not to look horrified and managed to choke back some tears of frustration before taking off at top speed and approaching the sound barrier Sol was in hot pursuit leaving behind a trail of flames as he flew after her “Have I waited long enough now, are you finally going to do the Sonic Rainboom?” Sol said as Rainbow Dash shattered the barrier and blew everything within a five kilometre radius away destroying Sol’s sky writing and even knocking him back “BEAUTIFUL!” he exclaimed his hoofs held wide laughing like mad cow.
Scootaloo could see the Rainboom from way back at the starting line as she was checking for a referee cutie mark “YEAH, WOOHOO! Show that orange freak what for, Rainbow Dash!’’ Scootaloo cheered ecstaticly.
She was flying at maximum speed her mane and tail flowing so fast behind they looked almost immaterial she soared over Lake Horseshoe between Ponyville and Las Pegasus “There’s no way, there’s no way, there’s no way, there’s no way, THERE’S NO WAY HE CAN CATCH UP TO ME NOW!” Rainbow Dash screamed.
“We’re about halfway there now, if you want to quit and call it a draw, I would totally understand” Sol shouted flying well behind Rainbow Dash.
“Yeah, you would say that, you’re losing!” Dash said, she was the one that was laughing now. “Sonic Rainboom, eh?” Sol asked “Yeah I invented it, isn’t it the most awesome thing you’ve ever seen?” Rainbow Dash said guessing that this idle chatter was meant to distract her while flying at this speed.
“Don’t get me wrong it is beautiful, but I liked it better when it was called a Sunburst.” Sol said as he began to approach the Sound Barrier.
“Sunburst? What are you talking about?” Dash asked when suddenly she heard a very familiar bang but instead of a rainbow, flames spread out in every direction as Solar Flare shot past her looking just like she did whenever she performed the Sonic Rainboom, Rainbow Dash was caught up in the blast and began to lose speed.
“But I’m the fastest...” Rainbow Dash choked out while slipping into shock caused by the concussive blast caused by Sol’s Sunburst and the last thing she heard was his roaring laughter, before plummeting into the lake below.
Chapter One - Rainbow’s Pride, Part Three – Crushed
Rainbow Dash regained consciousness washed up on the beach of Lake Horse Shoe she assumed she had been out for several hours because it was evening now, she suddenly remembered why she ended up unconscious on the beach “He could’ve been to Las Pegasus and back seven times over by now. I guess I should just head home.” She started to fly but her wings were so stiff “I really overdid it this time, maybe I should just walk till my wings feel better... let’s see east side of the lake... I’m five hours from Ponyville walking! I guess I better get moving.” Rainbow Dash collapsed on the beach still in exhaustion.
About twenty minutes must have passed until she heard a familiar gentle voice on a boat out on the lake “Oh my... Girls I think I see her...” A timid yellow Pegasus said.
“Where? All I see is water.” An orange pony with a southern drawl asked looking out other the lake .
“Rainbow Dash! Darling where are you?!” a fancy white Unicorn asked.
“Water, water everywhere and not a Rainbow Dash in sight.” An energetic pink pony sang out.
“She’s over there on the coast, quick Applejack, Fluttershy get to rowing, Rainbow Dash, we’re coming to get you!”
A purple unicorn using her horn as a searchlight shouted to Rainbow Dash, She got up on two legs and shouted back to them “Twilight, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity and even Fluttershy... wow, I thought you were scared of open water?”
“I’m terrified.” Fluttershy responded.
Soon enough all six friends were reunited and after having a group hug on the beach the colourful ponies herded back onto the boat and began rowing to the other side of the lake “How did you guys know where I was?” Rainbow Dash questioned.
Pinkie Pie spoke up “Scootaloo said you got into a race with some hotshot Pegasus... isn’t that a fun thing to say... Scootaloo, Scootaloo, Scootaloo, Scootaloo, Scootaloo, Scootaloo, I’m adding that to the list, pickle barrel, kumquat, chimicherrychanga and Scootaloo...” Typical Pinkie Pie.
Rarity decided to take over the story telling “... Right... Scootaloo (the little dearie) said that you were “chilling out” and some rude Pegasus came along and challenged you to a race all the way to Las Pegasus of all places, when he came back without you, she asked where you were and he told her to check the bottom of Lake Horseshoe and he took off laughing. The poor little filly traumatised by what that horrible Solar Flare said came running to us for help. So we arrived at the lake rented a boat and set out to scour every detail of the lake until we found you.” Rarity finally stopped for breath as Rainbow Dash felt tears welling up in her eyes again.
“Thanks guys, so I guess I lost the race, huh?” Rainbow Dash said looking out on the open water.
“Ah reckon y'all should consider yourself lucky to even be alive after falling like that, from Celestia only knows how high.”Applejack said trying to comfort her.
“I don’t even want to think about if you had been flying over land, or if the fish in the lake hadn’t broken the surface tension for you.” Fluttershy said through gasps as if she was about to start hyperventilating, Twilight Sparkle was the only pony not to say anything as she was lost in thought about similar encounter she had earlier how these two incidents might be related...
Chapter One – Rainbow’s Pride, End
Chapter Two – What makes a Genius? Part One – Minced Words
Earlier that day...
Twilight Sparkle was jostled awake by her childhood friend and personal assistant Spike, a baby dragon whose egg was hatched by Twilight personally as part of her entrance exam into Princess Celestia’s academy for only the most intelligent Ponies furthermore Twilight was chosen as Celestia’s personal protégé,Twilight was the brightest of the bright. “Twilight, wake up!” Spike said shaking the Unicorn’s bed “We have a customer.”
This perked Twilight from her dreariness. “A customer, we don’t get many of those, hay, I don’t think we’ve ever had a customer aside from Rainbow Dash borrowing the entire Daring Do series.” Twilight said as she quickly straightened her mane and went downstairs to greet their guest; Twilight saw that their customer was an Earth Pony who appeared to not be much older than Twilight fixated on the bookcases bordering the room, her coat was a deep chestnut brown and her mane was a much darker brown almost black, she wore an emotionless look on her face that was almost a scowl but with no malice behind it just... nothing and the cutie mark on her flank was an open book. “Maybe her special talent is reading!” Twilight thought to herself thinking that she might of found a new friend who shared her love of reading all kinds of books.
“It’s very nice to meet you, my name is Twilight Sparkle, what’s your name?” Twilight said grinning widely at the brown Pony that suddenly turned her attention to Twilight who jumped slightly when the Earth Pony’s cold gaze met with Twilight’s.
“I’m looking for any well detailed book on the history of Equestria following Celestia’s inauguration.” The Pony said in a dull monotone completely ignoring Twilight’s question, Twilight was discouraged by this but wasn’t going to give up that easily.
“That’s a really interesting field of study...” Twilight said as she used her unicorn magic to search for the book .“I have some personal experience in that field myself as one of the Princesses students, I also know her sister very we-..”
“Yes Nightmare Moon who nearly plunged Equestria into an eternal night time... twice.” The Earth Pony said dropping her monotone and showing a grin as Twilight found the book she was looking for.
“I believe she prefers to be called Princess Luna now. I think this book should have any information you might need. I’m sorry, what did you say your name was?” Twilight said in an effort to avoid getting into an argument and put the book down on the counter in front of her.
“I didn't tell you my name because I didn’t think you knowing would serve any purpose, but if you must know, my name is Nebulae.” She said as she opened the book and began quickly turning through the pages, Twilight wasn’t sure whether she should try filling this silence or not in a panic Twilight said the first thing that came to her mind.
“You seem very intelligent and well read despite being an Earth Pony...”
Chapter Two – What Makes a Genius? Part Two – Lonesome in the Ivory Tower
Nebulae looked up at her with a raised eyebrow. “I guess you mustn’t keep particularly intelligent company then...” She said as she held up the book. “This book isn’t right... Do you have anything on Discord being toppled from power when he tried to take over Equestria?”. Twilight was surprised by Nebulae’s response she was expecting anger or for the Pony to leave the library in disgust, she certainly wasn’t expecting such a casual response, but something in her response didn't sit well with Twilight
“Wait, what do you mean by ‘intelligent company’, are you talking about my friends? I’ll have you know I’m best friends with two Earth Ponies and I don’t think that they’re unintelligent.” Twilight said not sure what Nebulae was implying with her comment and completely ignoring her latter question.
“Don’t get me wrong I am well above the average intellect of Earth Ponies and all types of Equine for that matter. I was simply making an observation, since you found it surprising that an Earth Pony had a slightly above average vocabulary and zeal towards reading you already considered me more intelligent than any of your Earth Pony friends. Let me guess... your Earth Pony friends are in fact very dense in comparison to your superior Unicorn intellect. Believe it or not, Earth ponies can do other things aside from cook and grow crops or is your opinion of us stuck in pre-Equestria times.” Nebulae said while never changing her ice cold expression. Twilight was so confounded she stuttered when attempting to respond.
“I-I’m sorry. What do you mean?” Her Emerald eyes just kept staring forwards, barely even blinking. She muttered to herself.
“Great. Now I have to sit here and explain a kid’s story.” She continued with her response. “In the story of Hearths Warming, The Earth Ponies were seen as coinless peasants and farmers, despite neither the Pegasi, with their strength and weather control, nor the unicorns, with their intelligence and magic, being able to figure out how agriculture works. I believe that you should show respect to all races, or did your parents and Celestia forget to teach you that?” Twilight was infuriated; somepony just walks into her library and talks to her like she was just a foal.
“What!? You think you’re the smartest pony alive? What makes you think that you’re smarter than me?” Twilight snapped at Nebulae, Spike just stood there with his mouth open, it wasn’t often that Twilight lost her cool like that. Spike, knowing what Twilight was capable of, tried to intervene.
“Twilight, keep your cool, OK? Now just take a deep breath.” Said Spike cautiously .Twilight listened, agreed and inhaled a deep breath of fresh air. However, before she could exhale, Nebulae responded to Twilight’s question, completely ignoring Spike in the process.
“I don’t think I’m the smartest pony alive, I believe that I am the most intelligent Equine to ever have existed and that nopony will ever surpass me. Of course I don’t have the necessary data to discern this fact; however it’s a very well educated guess. You may think that my cutie mark means my talent is reading but in fact it represents two superpony-like qualities of mine, complete comprehension of knowledge and perfect memory, however along with these qualities comes a crushing existential nihilism that screams at me about my own mortality and now...” Nebulae trailed off. “I’m afraid I’ve already said too much. But I’m willing to answer any questions you may have, put your knowledge to the test against my own, Twilight Sparkle” Nebulae said never once wavering from her tone and showing the slightest smile, Twilight and Spike both stood absolutely stunned by what they had just heard .
Spike spoke up. “Okay ladies, It’s an old fashion pop quiz, First pony to three correct answers wins, first pony to complete their answer gets the point. Question one, what type of spell is Starswirl the Bearded famed for inventing?”He said, book in hand.
“The Amniotic Spell.” Nebulae answered while Twilight had taken a split-second to ponder whether or not the answer was the Time Travel Spell
“CORRECT!” Spike shouted “Come on, Twilight you knew that one.” Nebulae leaned towards Twilight, and said “I know you were thinking of the time travel spell yet the problem is that it isn’t just one spell, ones that go backwards, ones that go forwards, ones that briefly pause time so he wasn’t famed for any singular one of them. So, as I have explained, your answer was... lacking.” Said Nebulae while Twilight groaned to herself.
“Question Two, There is a flower that is found in Equestria which causes the strange-”Spike began to say before Twilight quickly cut him off, afraid of being too slow again. “POISON JOKE!” She exclaimed gleefully Spike continued his question “Condition known as Cutie Pox when prepared improperly?”
“The Heart’s Desire.” Nebulae answered calmly. “Maybe you should wait until I finish the question Twilight...” Spike said. “It’s the thoughts of your friends that are causing you to hesitate or jump in before gathering all the data, you should let it go so you can focus on the problem at hand and not worry about what troubled your friends in the past.” Nebulae said with what sounded like an air of self-righteousness in her voice.
“SHUT UP!” Twilight said getting that ‘magic kindergarten’ look to her. “Question Three, who is the only pony to wield the Elements of Harmony single handed?” Spike asked. Nebulae looked perplexed by the question, as if there was no possible answer. “PRINCESS CELESTIA, WHEN SHE BANISHED NIGHTMARE MOON!!!” Twilight shouted with all of her might “Correct.” Spike declared he and Twilight both turned to Nebulae who appeared to be biting down on her lower lip as if she was trying to keep her mouth shut “I’m sorry to cut this short but I’m afraid I have to go.” Nebulae said now speaking as if she was screaming inside but quickly composed herself.
“But the contest isn’t over...” Twilight said as Nebulae turned around in the doorway. “If you’re going to claim that wrong answers are correct then it isn’t really much of a contest anyway, nevertheless you and I both knew who was going to win. It doesn't take perfect comprehension to know that.” Nebulae stated and then walked away before Twilight had the opportunity to stop her, Spike shut the door and picked up the history book that Nebulae had left behind.
“What a weird pony, what did she mean by ‘claiming that wrong answers are correct? Was she talking about Celestia?” Spike said as he put the book on Twilight’s desk
“I don’t know, Spike, I just don’t know.” Twilight said as she sat at her desk.
Chapter Two – What Makes a Genius? Part Three – A Rage Filled Instant
Twilight spent the rest of the day studying hard so that she would be ready if she ever came across that stuck up mare again she had completely forgotten that today was the Pony Pet Play Date and just let Owlouicious sleep through til 6 pm when Pinkie Pie burst through her door. “Twilight! Danger! Hurry!” Pinkie squealed and motioned for Twilight to follow her.
“Augh, what is it Pinkie?! I can’t have you bothering me with all your stupid problems!” Twilight barked at the pink pony.
“Geez, what’s got you all crabby?” Pinkie asked knowing this wasn’t like Twilight and losing all sense of urgency.
“I’m sorry, I’ve just had a really weird and stressful day, now what’s wrong.” Twilight asked regaining her composure, terror suddenly struck Pinkie Pie as she remembered. “Rainbow Dash is missing!” Pinkie screamed while she grabbed Twilight and ran to the rest of the group; they proceeded to fill Twilight in on what Scootaloo had told them and they went off to Lake Horseshoe to find Rainbow Dash.
Chapter Two – What Makes a Genius? Part Four – Applejack and The Goliath
The Next Day...
It was the heat of Applebuck Season and it was Applebloom’s first year helping out, even Big Macintosh is in perfect health this year it was still a lot of work and no matter how they worked they couldn’t seem to put a dent in their workload “Is it always this much work?” Applebloom asked carting the fallen apples back to the barn.
“Just be glad that yall are still too small to buck the trees, all you have to worry about is carting duty.” Applejack said filling another tub full of apples
“But it’s such hard work!” Applebloom managed to say through exasperated gasps, Applejack rolled her eyes “Yall need to learn to appreciate the value of hard work.” She said getting fed up with Appleblooms attitude
“BUT WHY!?” Applebloom continued whining “Aggh, Big Mac, can you help me out with her?” Applejack said gesturing to her brother;
Big Mac let out a sigh and turned to Applebloom “Look at it this way, maybe you’ll get your cutie mark in apple cartin’.” Big Mac said and then got back to working.
Suddenly it felt as if a small earthquake had hit Sweet Apple Acres a giant stallion stepped through the trees crashing through the branches on his way towards the Apple Family, this giant stallion made Applejack look like Applebloom in comparison, his coat was a dark red and his mane was a bright blonde, his cutie mark resembled a mountain. He stood twice as tall as applejack and while walking through the trees his head struck one of the tree’s sturdier branches. Big Mac was in awe at the size of him, Applebloom was trying to remember the creatures from the Everfree Forest that Zecora and Fluttershy had told her about and tried to find one that matched this giant’s description, Applejack was quite clearly scared although, as always, she tried to keep her welcoming nature. “Well howdy, Stranger! You might want to duck under that branch.” The giant gave a bored look in response, leaned back and smashed his head into the branch with a loud, sharp crack the branch broke and splintered causing it to fall to the ground.
“I’m Red Giant.” He said in a low, booming voice while staring down at the stunned Applejack with his dark brown eyes. “Yes you are!” said Applebloom getting vertigo just imagining being that that tall “Are you the Apple Family?” Red Giant said panning his eyes over the three ponies gazing up at him.
“We certainly are, uh... sugar cube.” Applejack said uncertain of how to address this gargantuan stallion
“I’d heard you were having trouble with your Applebucking season and I thought I’d come and lend a hoof.” Red Giant said with a roguish smile but Applejack thought something was up especially after what happened to Rainbow Dash the day before, but darn it if Applejack was going to let her manners go out the window
“We’d be glad to have any help we can get.” Applejack said giving the benefit of the doubt. “Big Mac you keep puttin’ those apples in the carts. Apple Bloom, you can go back to the barn, check on Granny Smith with her sorting. After that, yall can put the Apples in the barrels for sale. I’m going to show this guy how to buck apples.” She said motioning for Red to follow.
Applejack walked over to the tree while the sun was eclipsed from her sight by the giant pony. She gave the instructions on how to buck apples. “The trick is to rock forward on your front legs like this.” She said demonstrating. “And then when you begin to feel your legs move back then kick out like this!” She said while striking a tree with her hind legs. Red Giant walked over to a tree and did as Applejack had explained. His legs launched out and the tree was gone, vanished from the eyesight of Big Mac and Applejack. However across the forest of apple trees, at the barn, Granny Smith had nodded off while sorting apples and so Applebloom had started putting the apples from the carts into the barrels for selling. “This is easy!” She thought to herself. All of a sudden a large tree shot through the wall, nearly landing where Applebloom was standing. She didn’t scream she just stood there in a state of mute terror. She heard Granny Smith wake up, babbling incoherently at first.
“How long have we had a tree there?” Applebloom turned towards Granny Smith, her eyes wide with terror. Granny Smith shrugged and got back to sorting the apples. The apples fell off the uprooted tree which was now being supported by the wall on the other side of the barn.
Back with Red and Applejack, Applejack was outraged. “Now I’ve always tried to be polite but that’s takin’ it a bit too far! We work hard to grow each and every one of these trees.” Red rolled his eyes “Let me try again.” He said with boredom in his eyes he walked up to another tree and just struck forward with one of his hooves. The force affected the apples, shaking them so violently they launched off the tree in all directions and distances shortly after the shaking had stopped the tree began to crack from where Red had struck the tree. Seconds later, it fell onto the ground. Applejack was devastated, Big Mac thought this was all just a dream and Applebloom was still frozen to that spot out of fear of death.
Red Giant sighed “I was told this was supposed to be difficult. It’s just glorified busywork!”He said, being able to be heard from anywhere in the acres due to the volume and octave of his voice. Red left the farm, bored with the job, Applejack was terribly shaken, she just stood there for a whole minute trying to process what had happened over the last few minutes. Big Mac walked over and snapped his sister out of the daze she was in. “What are we going to do now?” Big Mac asked.
Applejack came to her senses “Well, I just don’ know how we’re gonna have time to fix up the barn and get all these apples bucked, the cost of repairing the barn is gonna hurt our sales pretty badly on its own.” The orange pony said tears welling in her eye, it was clear she was shaken up “But first, I’m thinkin’ a cider break.” She said as they walked towards the barn.
Chapter Two - What Make a Genius?, End
Chapter 3 – Just one Smile? Part 1 – All the Ponies Will Agree
The Next Day...
It was an ordinary day for Pinkie Pie, she woke up and was greeted by Gummy tickling her face, he was trying extra hard to make Pinkie laugh this morning tickling her up and down her legs and neck “Hee hee hee, stop it Gummy. I need to get ready.” Pinkie shook Gummy off and went to see the twins Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake, making Ponies smile was Pinkie Pie’s purpose in life and so she started her day the same she way she started every other day trying to make the Baby Cakes laugh, so far she had mixed results with one hundred and eighteen mornings of laughter, seventy two of crying and thirty seven mornings where they just sort of looked at her... but Pinkie counted those as wins anyway, this time no matter what she tried she just couldn’t get them to stop crying not even the ol’ bag of flour over the head tricked worked this time “That’s weird, ‘flour over the head’ has never failed before. No messy diapers, what are you crying about? Oh well, you win this round. You babies are so random.” Pinkie Pie said failing to appreciate the irony of her comment and heading out to make as many Ponies smile as possible “Bye Mrs Cake, you might want to check on the twins!” Pinkie yelled as she ran out the door, Mrs Cake poked her head out of the kitchen “Hmm, what was that? A customer?” But Pinkie Pie was out the door.
Pinkie Pie started her daily walk through the town it was usually the high point of Pinkies day walking through town and greeting everypony that she ran into, she saw Cheerilee buying some flowers “Hey Cheerilee, got a big date planned?” Pinkie asked grinning ear to ear expecting Cheerilee to smile back, Pinkie was a little shocked when Cheerilee looked up at her with a scowl
“I don’t see how it’s any business of yours.” Cheerilee said angrily and walked off in a huff
“She’s right that is her business! I should watch what I say about other pony’s personal lives, but that was a little harsh, especially for Cheerilee. Oh well on with my walk.” Pinkie continued with her walk but no matter who she smiled at all she got back were scowls or looks of confusion “What is going on today?” Pinkie saw a turquoise unicorn named Lyra sitting on a bench in her strange posture “Hey there Lyra, Happy Birthday! I think I have some cake here somewhere. I have cake stored all over Equestria, in case of cake emergency.” Pinkie said pulling a plate and slice of cake out from a knot in a tree, Lyra just looks bewildered she responded, her voice holding a tone of fear “Who in Equestria are you and how did you know it's my birthday?”
“I’m Pinkie Pie, I planned your last birthday party for you. How can you not remember who I am?” said Pinkie grabbing onto Lyra’s head but Lyra just smacked her hooves away “Get away from me you weirdo!” Lyra shouted and ran home. Pinkie Pie sat down and looked around at everypony who was just staring at her after Lyra’s outburst as they quickly got back to their business
Pinkie Pie saw Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell playing in the park “Hi girls!” Pinkie said running over to them “Scootaloo, I added your name to my list of funny words that are fun to say.” The two fillies just looked at Pinkie like she was insane “What? Would you girls like some candy?” Pinkie said pulling out a bag of candy
“Who’s this nut?” Scootaloo said wondering if this pink pony had escaped from the hospital “Let’s get of here; Rarity says not to talk to strange ponies.” Pinkie wasn’t going to let them go without an explanation for this “Scootaloo! How could you not remember me, we just talked yesterday when you told us about that crazy Pegasus who beat Rainbow Dash!?” Scootaloo was alarmed by this, she hadn’t even told the other Cutie Mark Crusaders about the race
“How could you possibly know about that, I only told Rainbow Dash’s friends, you weren’t there! ...The only way you could know about that would be if you were with that Pegasus, Solar Flare! Come on Sweetie Bell, let’s go find Applebloom.” Scootaloo said as she pushed Sweetie Bell away
“BUT I AM RAINBOW DASH’S FRIEND... AND RARITY’S. WE’RE ALL BEST FRIENDS, I TOLD YOU THE STORY OF MY CUTIE MARK AND I’VE HELPED YOU TRY TO GET YOUR CUTIE MARKS SO MANY TIMES I’VE LOST COUNT!!!” Pinkie shouted after the two fillies “Please don’t run away...” Pinkie said pathetically, everypony else in the park was slowly backing away from the crazy shouting pony in the centre of the park, Pinkie Pie’s hair went limp and straightened itself out as she looked around, saw that she was all alone and collapsed to the ground.
Chapter 3 – Just one Smile? Part 2, True Friendship
Pinkie Pie was contemplating where she could get a bucketful of turnips when everypony was scared her when all of a sudden she saw Rainbow Dash running towards her. “NO! No no no!” Yelled Rainbow Dash as she tackled Pinkie to the ground and messed up her mane to the best of her abilities “No! No turnips, no rocks and no flour! Not twice in one lifetime.” Rainbow Dash said as the two Ponies got up
“Oh Dashie! You remember that?” Pinkie said feeling better already “Unfortunately... I’ve been trying to forget that crazy par-.” Pinkie quickly interrupted “No! No forgetting! Dashie please tell me you remember my name.” Pinkie said bawling openly “Pinkie Pie, you’re one of my best friends, how could I possibly forget you, even for a second? What in Equestria could make you think that I would?” Rainbow Dash said beginning to get frightened with how serious Pinkie was being, “
I don’t know how or why but everypony has completely forgotten me!” Pinkie said while her mane began to get its volume back now that Dashie was here “Let’s go find the others and see if we can get to the bottom of this. The whole reason I came to find you was that we were all helping Applejack fix up her barn, apparently some giant stallion totally demolished it.” The pair of ponies walked off to Sweet Apple Acres
“Rainbow Dash, what took ya so long?.. What’s wrong?” Applejack asked wondering why Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were looking so down “Twilight? Everypony? I think we need your help.” Rainbow shouted as her friends all rushed over to see what the problem was “Rainbow, Pinkie, What going on?” asked Fluttershy who gently hovered down from the roof, Twilight stepped forward “Why do you two look so scared?” Pinkie was elated “I’m just so happy that you guys remember me!” said Pinkie pulling the other four in for a group hug
“Why wouldn’t we remember you darling?” asked Rarity while hugging Pinkie Pie “We don’t know how, but for some reason nopony could remember Pinkie Pie, we asked a few ponies on the way here and they all remembered me but none of them even knew Pinkie Pie’s name.” Rainbow Dash said, Pinkie Pie let go of the hug and said
“Twilight we need you to put on your thinking cap and fix everypony’s memories” as she mimed putting on a hat, Twilight Sparkle began pacing back and forth “Hmm, I remember reading about a spell that could have this kind of effect but if the entire town or perhaps everypony that’s ever known Pinkie Pie is affected, except for us of course, then it’s on a much larger scale than anything we’ve seen before...” Twilight said trying to recall what she had read
“Let’s go to the library and see if we can find your book.” Rarity said as they all walked out of Sweet Apple Acres through the tow- “Wait just a cupcake frosting minute!” shouted Pinkie suddenly noticing that something was off
“Rainbow Dash is walking!” Pinkie said pointing her hoof at Rainbow Dash who was standing firmly on the ground “What? So I’m walking, what does that mean to you guys? Fluttershy isn’t flying either!” Rainbow Dash said getting defensive “But Fluttershy doesn’t fly every second of every day of every year.” Said Pinkie Pie trying to recall a moment since she met Rainbow Dash that she wasn’t flying when she could help it. Everypony surrounded Rainbow Dash with questions about why she wasn’t flying
“SHUT UP!” Shouted Rainbow Dash and shut up was what everypony did, Rainbow let out an exasperated sigh “Look everypony, right now we should be more concerned with the cloud of Forget-Pinkie Pie-Gas or whatever that has apparently hit Ponyville as opposed to my personal problems, look I can in fact still fly.” Said Rainbow Dash as she flapped her wings flew into the air did a barrel roll and landed on the ground again “I just feel like walking for a while, is that okay with you guys or maybe we could just get to the library?” everypony else looked around awkwardly unable to say anything.
As if sensing the tension a grey coated Pegasus crash landed directly behind the group “Hey girls, who’s that pink pony over there?” said the wobbly-eyed Pegasus, Pinkie looked down as she was painfully reminded of her situation
“Even Derpy doesn’t remember me...” Said Pinkie flatly “Actually, this is perfect! I wonder what’ll happen if I point out a glaring contradiction in this no Pinkie reality.” Twilight said beginning to come up with a question that Derpy couldn’t possibly answer if Pinkie didn’t exist in her memory “Derpy how did you and I meet?” Twilight asked Derpy seriously
“What’s going on Twilight? Why are guys acting so funny, who is that?” Derpy asked “Please just answer the question.” Said Twilight ignoring everything Derpy said “Well, you were pretty withdrawn, but we met at your welcome party. Is this going to take much longer, I have letters to deliver after all.” Derpy said
“Just one more question, please. Who planned, threw and invited you to that party?” Twilight asked trying to get Derpy to confirm her suspicion, one way or the other “Wow, how could you guys forget, I thought she was your best friend?” Derpy said looking quizzically at Twilight... maybe; it was hard to tell with Derpy “Who?!” Derpy gave an oblivious smile and said calmly
“Monoceros, of course.”
Chapter 3 – Just one Smile? Part 3 – Monoceros
All six ponies were running as fast as they could towards Twilight Sparkle’s house “Wait, I don’t get it who in thunderation is Monoceros?” Applejack asked not breaking her pace Twilight responded to Applejack’s question between breaths “If my theory is correct then this ‘Monoceros’ is the one casting this spell over Ponyville. She's written out Pinkie and replaced her with herself”
They arrived at the library where Spike opened the door for them “Hey Twilight, what’s the hurry?” Spike shouted to them as they got closer “Spike, bolt the door we need absolute privacy.” Said Twilight as she ran across the threshold of her home
“Umm, okay. What smells like cotton candy?” Spike said as he locked the door “Even Spike doesn’t remember me. Maybe I should do an episode with him sometime.” Said Pinkie Pie just being Pinkie Pie “Oh, if you guys want privacy is it alright that Monoceros is already here?” Spike said as he gestured towards the other room
“WHAT!?” said all six ponies in unison, they all peered nervously into the next room where a light grey Unicorn with a perfectly straight dark grey mane with deep blue eyes was sitting in one of Twilight’s chairs reading a book titled ‘The Complete Encyclopaedia of Spells’ at first Pinkie thought that it was her older sister, she was a dead ringer except for that horn “Oh good, I was wondering where you five had gotten to.” She said peering up from the book “Who are you?” Said Twilight preparing an offensive spell but Spike stood in the way
“Guys, it’s Monoceros, she was with you when you beat Nightmare Moon and Discord, Fluttershy she helped you learn to be assertive, Rainbow Dash remember when your old friend Gilda showed up, you two were pulling all those pranks, you gave me the hiccups remember? .” Spike said trying to reason with his friends
“Spike why don’t you go eat some ice cream while we sort this out?” Twilight said trying to avoid getting Spike caught up in a sticky situation “I’m only leaving because I want to okay! But I’m coming back once I’m done.” Said Spike as he ran off towards the kitchen “Now, really, who are you?” Twilight asked preparing her spell again
“Why, Twilight, whatever do you mean? It is I Monoceros. Your friend, you’re best friend, the element of laughter, whose one joy in life is making everypony smile.” Said Monoceros dramatising every word she says and over acting every gesture now that she was standing up they could see her cutie mark resembled the constellation ‘Monoceros’ “How do you know that you’re the only Ponies immune to this amnesia, what if this ‘Pinkie Pie’ is the culprit, you’re memories are the only ones being altered and everypony else has the correct memories.”
Twilight Sparkle looked unsure, rattled by the grey pony’s logic but Rainbow Dash stepped forward confident in her friends “There may be no way of telling what’s what right now but if I know one thing... then I know that Pinkie Pie is my friend!” Rainbow Dash’s words sparked confidence in the other five and Monoceros decided to give up her facade “Oh fine, you win. Convincing you all that I’m your friend and Pinkie was your enemy wasn’t really part of the plan anyway. I’m the villain and I replaced everypony’s memory of Pinkie Pie with memories of myself.” Said Monoceros sitting back down and continuing to read through her book.
“What is your plan? To alter our memories and separate us?” Said Twilight
“Cold” Said Monoceros
“I’ll bet she’s jealous of Pinkie Pie and so she’s stolen her life.” Said Rainbow Dash
“Colder”
“You’re trying to make all her good deeds naught by removing everypony’s memories of her?” Asked Rarity
“Getting warmer now. Here's a hint, what would that do to our lovely Pinkie Pie?”
“It would ruin her purpose in life.” Fluttershy chimed in
“Less warm.”
“Yall’re tryin’ to show her how mean Ponies kin be when they don’ know ya from Adam?” Asked Applejack
“Freezing cold, but it’s good to know the state that all your minds are in. Why don’t we hear from the pony of the hour... Pinkie Pie?” Monoceros said as she finally put her book down and looked expectantly at Pinkie, Pinkie knew the answer but didn’t want to believe it, how could a pony do something so... evil
“You’re deliberately trying to drive me crazy.” Stated Pinkie
“HOTTER THAN THE CENTRE OF A STAR” Shouted Monoceros standing straight up, “You can come in now they figured it out...”
Chapter Three - Just One Smile, End
Chapter Four – Convergence, Part One – The Stars
Monoceros’ horn lit up and a chunk of Twilight’s tree house simply vanished from sight and in walked Red Giant, Nebulae and Solar Flare who immediately looked over the six friends standing side by side.
“What a sorry looking bunch, you guys don’t look half as competent as the last ones.”Solar Flare said as he landed and folded his wings.
“Did you find anything?” Nebulae asked Monoceros, in her uninterested tone.
“Nothing... not a single piece of remotely relevant information.” Monoceros said as she chucked the book she was reading to ground
“YOU!” Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash all shouted in unison.
“Ah, Rainbow Dash... How was the bottom of the ocean?” Solar Flare said, invading Rainbow’s personal space. Dash was able to see directly into Sol’s eyes, she was unsettled by his ecstatic nature.
“Actually, it was a lake.” Nebulae interrupted, seeming to be annoyed more with the mistake than the unnecessary taunting.
“Whatever, that’s not the point.” Said Solar Flare, glancing back for a second to make eye contact with Nebulae.
“What is your stupid point then?” asked Rainbow Dash shoving Solar Flare away.
“I’ll bet you wish that you could fly as fast me don’t you, hmm? Speed that makes your beloved Wonderbolts look like snails in comparison but I don’t need to prove that again, do I?” Solar Flare said stifling his usual mad laughter.
“... and what in tarnation are yall doin’ here should you be off smashin’ up somepony else’s barn or have ya had enough?” Said Applejack while she trotted towards Red Giant.
“No, my part of the plan was simply to smash a tree into your barn so you wouldn’t be able to finish your applebucking in time.” Said Red Giant in his deep booming voice.
“But why would yall do that? What do you stand to gain from me losin’?” Said Applejack, surprised by Red Giant's direct answer
Solar Flare quickly chimed in “Because it’s fun, it’s really just reality, Red wanted to do it, you couldn’t stop him and therefore he did it!” Twilight was used to her home being destroyed and overrun by crazy ponies by now so it didn’t take her too long to recover from the fact that she was now missing a wall. Twilight began to speak, trying to deal with the situation logically
“Listen, I don’t know who you are or why you’re he-.” But that was as far as Twilight got because before she could finish her sentence Solar Flare’s hoof was in her mouth.
“I’m not surprised, there’s a lot you don’t know, but Twilight... Don’t you get it? You must be able to see it by now. Imagine what you could come to know if you simply cut off all this dead weight.” Solar Flare went on as he gestured to Twilight’s friends.
“Hey, leave her alone!” Pinkie yelled Solar Flare then turned his attention to the pink Pony, before she could blink Solar Flare was right beside her.
“... and what about you Pinkie? All those smiles that you work so hard to see, gone just like that, it’s enough to drive somepony insane. I know the feeling; I used to be just like that...” Solar Flare said drifting off for a second “Sorry, not time for the origin yet.” Said Solar Flare as he remembered what he was doing “But seriously Monoceros, couldn’t you keep it in your horn for just a few more days? We still had Wallflower and Charity to deal with.” Said Solar Flare now getting in Monoceros’ face, much like he had done to Rainbow Dash earlier.
“Actually my name is Fluttershy...” Said the timid yellow Pegasus, while trying not to draw attention to herself.
“And you can address me as Miss Rarity.” Said Rarity piping up but the four mysterious ponies just continued to ignore them.
“Yeah, sorry but I just got so excited imagining her face when it happened. But the rainbow one ruined it; you should’ve done a better job with her.”Responded Monoceros, in a very snide tone.
“Are we going to let this degrade into a petty debacle or are we going to do what we came here to do?” Said Nebulae, getting sick of her friends quarrelling.
“Hey I’m not arguing, I’m just trying to stall until the perfect moment.” Said Solar Flare peering outside at the setting sun.
“And what moment would that be?” Asked Twilight Sparkle. still confused.
Solar Flare just grinned his grin and said “Twilight, of course.”
Chapter Four – Convergence, Part Two – The Truth
“Though I suppose dusk is more accurate.” Solar Flare said panting as all ten ponies lie aching on the ground after the crash landing, it had all happened so suddenly, one moment they were all standing in Twilight’s tree house the next all six friends had crashed into the floor of the Canterlot throne room. The sonic blast caused by this sudden movement had caused all the stained glass windows to shatter into millions of pieces, two Pegasus guards charged into the room followed by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna the latter of whom had just gotten back from raising the moon.
“Twilight Sparkle, what is the meaning of this?” said Princess Celestia who helped her pupil stand up in her daze.
“Sorry Celly, that ones on me, hypersonic flight you know, it can get pretty hectic going back and forth with passengers a dozen times in just a few seconds.” Said Solar Flare dusting small shards of glass off of himself.
“Don’t worry ‘your highness’ I’ll get these windows fixed right away.” Said Monoceros dramatically emphasising the ’your highness’.
“But that’s impossible, you four can’t possibly be here.” Said Luna, eyes open wide and staring at the scene.
“Now Nightmare, seeing that you’re here it lends itself to reason that we can be here as well. ” Said Nebulae as Monoceros magically pulled the glass out of her mane.
“But you were trapped in the stars, you took my place in the moon!” Said Luna, Twilight and company couldn’t make heads or tails of the situation.
“Princess Celestia, do you know these crazy ponies?” asked Twilight, flicking a piece of glass out of her mane.
“Know us? We’re her best friends in the world!” Said Red Giant as he cracked his neck after the rough landing.
“WHAT!?” Shouted the six friends in unison.
“These varmints are lyin’ right Princess? Apart from being downright impossible, yall wouldn’t even give the time of day to ponies like this right?” Said Applejack putting her trademark hat back on.
“I’m afraid that what Red Giant is saying is completely true and I would expect nothing less from him. Along with Luna and myself, these ponies were the first wielders of the Elements of Harmony.” Said Princess Celestia, bowing her head.
“But Princess, you sa-.” Said Twilight struggling to comprehend how such jerks could represent Harmony but Solar Flare butted in.
“What? Did you think that Celly and Nightmare each represented three elements or something? Let me spell it out for you. Red Giant, never able to tell a lie, was the Element of Honesty, Nebulae with her charm and immeasurable hospitality was the Element of Kindness, Monoceros who always put everyponies needs before her own was the Element of Generosity, Princess Nightmare, who was content to spend eternity in her sister’s shadow was the Element of Loyalty, Celly who had brought us all together and taught us about friendship was the Element of Magic and lastly, drum roll please, I, Solar Flare, who always tried to lighten the mood whatever the situation was the Element of Laughter. Together the six of us rose up against Discord and sealed him in stone, we give Nightmare desire for more in life and how do we get than-...”
Celestia stepped forward “You need to listen.” Interrupting Sol mid sentence
Solar Flare dropped his grin for what must have been the first time because even Nebulae, Red Giant and Monoceros looked shocked “NO! WE’VE DONE NOTHING BUT LISTEN FOR THE LAST ONE THOUSAND AND TWO YEARS, THIRTY EIGHT WEEKS, TWENTY ONE DAYS, EIGHTEEN HOURS, FORTY SEVEN MINUTES AND TEN SECONDS! NOW IT’S OUR TURN TO SPEAK AND WE ARE GOING TO SHOUT!” Solar Flare let out a sigh and regained his composure.
Celestia was wounded by Solar Flares words but she had to stay confident “What did Discord do to you four?” Celestia asked trying to remember how her friends use to be.
“Face it Celestia, it wasn’t Discord. It was you. With your ‘I am the sole protector of Equestria’ attitude, once you banished us you even took over changing the time of day yourself.” Red Giant said, glaring at the royal sisters.
“You used the spell I taught you to purge all memory of us from Equestria and even rid the text books of any mention of the four of us even going as far as to give you and Nightmare sole credit for getting rid of Discord by yourselves.” Monoceros said, spitefully making sure the words hurt both Luna and Celestia.
“It was my only choice, I had to make sure that what happened to the six of us would never happen again.” Celestia defended herself but Nebulae became aggressive as well.
“But it did happen, it kept happening, in some it was more subtle and in others it was obvious and it’ll happen to these six as well, we’ve made sure of that.” Nebulae said, sound in the knowledge that Celestia knew she was right.
Fluttershy found her voice first “What will happen to us?” She said trembling slightly.
Solar Flare flew over to the six friends “I’m glad you asked Wallflower, we became twisted, we became evil and worst of all we became real.” Solar Flare said, his trademark grin had returned to his face but this time there was more of a sense of malice behind it.
Red Giant spoke first “My Honesty became a harsh perception of Reality.”
Nebulae was next “My Kindness begets good deed after another but to no end and I eventually degraded into a sense of Nihilism.”
Monoceros took her turn “My Generosity was taken advantage of one too many and I realised that it was great for everypony else but for me it was just Sacrifice.”
Solar Flare once again had the floor “And I realised that Laughter was no consolation when you’re laughing alone but I got too used to the sound of my empty cackling and I simply called it Madness. You already know that Loyalty wasn’t enough to keep Nightmare Moon company during those cold nights all alone and she turned to pure Envy and lastly our beloved Princess Celly who drove her friends and family away with the Magic she held so dearly, but you can’t hug magic and she was left all alone in complete Solitude. And so the Elements of Hatred were created. That’s the name I came up with, what do you think? ” Solar Flare finished.
Nebulae decided to pick up were Sol left off “I, Red, Sol, Monoceros and Nightmare Moon joined forces one last time, to banish Celestia to the moon so that she could watch Equestria live under eternal night for the rest of her days but she deflected the spell at us transforming Nightmare into the Mare in the Moon and sending the four of us to the centres of surrounding stars unable to escape, unable to die. But I had planned for this and I had Monoceros perform a spell that would allow a normal Pony to move a star in manner similar to how an Alicorn raises the moon and stars each night, in much the same way that there are spells that allow Earth Ponies to walk on clouds, it was difficult and took many years but we managed to move the stars to the moon and free Nightmare Moon. ” She finished her speech and took a deep breath.
Luna had heard enough and shouted at the top of her lungs “MY NAME IS LUNA!” She charged at Nebulae with her horn bared, Monoceros acted quickly teleporting Red Giant into Luna’s path and he immediately prepared to kick with all of his force, Twilight Sparkle had seen the damage this red stallion could do and she quickly tackled Luna and teleported the both of them a few metres to the left and the giants mighty kick connected with nothing but thin air.
“Enough of this madness!” Princess Celestia yelled horrified at how close to death Twilight and Luna had both just come “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry for what’s happened to you four but I had no choice, it was the five of you or the entirety of Equestria. I had to do what was right for Ponies everywhere and I couldn’t allow myself to be absorbed by the same madness that claimed all of you and I had to cut all five of you off.” Celestia explained.
“One thing that I’ve always wanted to ask you Celly.”Solar flare hadn’t even seemed to listen to her apology. “What was it like banishing five of the strongest and smartest Ponies to have ever been born, including your own sister, a fellow Alicorn?” He asked ,trying to hurt Celestia in the simplest way.
“Stop it!” Said Celestia, reliving her darkest moments.
“To essentially have harnessed the powers of the Elements of Harmony all by yourself, it must have nearly burned you from the inside out, hmm? How did you not go mad with the power? ...Just imagining it is almost too much for me.” Solar Flare said while he continued ignoring her.
“I’m begging you please, just stop!” Celestia screamed at the Pegasus, she recalled what had led to this horrible chain of events.
Monoceros speaking louder, picked up the conversation “What’s the matter Celestia? Does it hurt? Are you having trouble remembering? Well, friend...”she said adding a sarcastic emphasis to the word ‘friend’ while her horn began to glow “LET’S SHOW EVERYPONY HOW IT WENT!” As she said this a grey orb floated into the centre of the room. “What do you think, Sol? First day of school?”
Sol began cackling “Great idea, Minnie.” He said through the laughter. The grey orb expanded and before anypony could do anything, they found themselves looking in on a happy scene. A brightly decorated room with a banner that said ‘Welcome to the Alicorn Princesses, Celestia and Luna.’
Chapter Four – Convergence, Part Three – Destiny
Over one thousand years ago...
“Sol, the Princesses are going to be here soon and all you’ve done is fill the balloons I gave you with water.” Said a serious looking brown filly no older than eight.
“Lighten up Nibbles. I’m just tryin to have a little fun, no reason for me to stop just because some fancy Ponies are stopping by our school” said a young Solar Flare as he chucked another water balloon at a young Red Giant who had come out from hiding to see what Nebulae wanted.
“I told you not to call me that! Why can’t you see that this is a big deal? This is the first Pony School in Canterlot and the Child Princess Sisters, Celestia and Luna are coming to commemorate the event themselves.” said Nebulae who was sick of Sol’s stupid nicknames and goofing around when suddenly a young grey unicorn burst into the room just as Sol dropped a balloon on Nebulae, the unicorn quickly caught the balloon with her magic and Sol let out an exasperated sigh.
“Minnie, why do you feel the need to ruin everything.” Said Sol, bored with his job. Monoceros looked shocked. “Me? Ruining? I’m not the ruiner, I’m the ruinee... er, ruiness? That’s not the point the Princesses are here!” she said, startled by the trumpet fanfare. She chucked the water balloon behind her which landed squarely on Princess Celestia’s horn, soaking her wet.
Everypony was deathly silent, the other student’s were out in the court not aware that the Princesses had gone inside to inspect the classrooms personally. At this time Celestia’s mane was only a soft shade of pink and Luna’s mane was short kept and light blue, even at her young age Celestia stood slightly taller than your average Pony. The silence was eventually broken when Celestia started laughing and Luna joined in after a few seconds as well, within a few moments all six ponies were in uproarious laughter.
“Now do you see Luna? This is why I do these visits personally; I get to meet so many brilliant ponies. Tell me, what are your names?” asked Celestia, Solar Flare jumped on this opportunity.
“I’m Sol, future fastest flyer in Equestria! This tall colt is Red Shrimp, the straight haired monochrome Unicorn is Minnie and the chestnut filly shooting daggers with her eyes is Nibbles. I guess you can be Celly and Lulu then.” Sol said sitting on Celestia’s back. Monoceros teleported Sol back over to them and Red Giant held him down while Nebulae tried to fix the situation.
“I’m so sorry Princess, our friend is, for lack a better word... an idiot. I’m Nebulae, this is Red Giant, Monoceros and you already met Solar Flare, for all his debauchery he really is a talented flier and can see the lighter side of any situation. Hehehe.” Nebulae laughed nervously.
“Actually, I’ve always found that laughter is a necessity.” Said Celestia as she shook out her mane in an attempt to get it dry.
“YES! Finally somepony who gets it! Laughter is as important as breathing to me.” Said Solar Flare excited that somepony shared his view .
“What do each of you find important, my little Ponies?” Celestia asked the other three friends.
“Always telling the truth.” Said Red Giant.
“Always treating others nicely.” Said Nebulae.
“It’s more important to share than to have.” Said Monoceros, lastly.
“I think you’ve found your Ponies.” Said Luna smiling.
“Found your Ponies? For what?” asked Nebulae.
“I’ve been asked to be the headmaster of this school and I’ve been looking for a group of gifted Ponies to be my apprentices, so what do you say?” Celestia asked with a reassuring tone.
“You want us? Quite possibly the four most socially inept Ponies to be your personal protégés?” asked Solar Flare.
“Yes, I’ve met a lot of wonderful Ponies that I’m glad to call my friends but I’ve never met anypony able to throw a water balloon at me and laugh it off like it was nothing. I’d be proud to call you Ponies my friends.” Said Celestia.
“We’re in!” They all said in unison...
Ten years later
It’s graduation day and Princess Celestia is addressing her students “... and I’m proud that I could oversee the growth of every single one of you. But enough from me let’s hear from your class valedictorian, Nebulae Castor!” said Princess Celestia as she stepped away from the podium and Nebulae stepped up to speak.
“My fellow students, I feel blessed to have spent all these years learning alongside you and it isn’t my intention to bore you all to death with a longwinded speech so I’ll simply say, as the first graduating class of the Canterlot Academy it is up to us to set the standard for matur-...” She was cut off by loud noises from the crowd.
“YEAH! YOU TELL ‘EM NIBBLES!” Shouted Solar Flare from the audience.
“WOOO!” Cheered Monoceros, Red Giant quickly sit them both down and covered their mouths and nodded to Nebulae to continue
“Ahem, to set the standard for maturity and excellence.” She concluded her sentenced.There was a thunderous applause and the crowd soon dispersed to meet with their loved ones.
“The four of you have grown so much.” Said Luna who flew over to them.
“And you haven’t aged a day since we met, that is so rude of you!” Said Monoceros, the four ponies were now about half a foot taller than Luna (except Red Giant who was almost twice her size) and were roughly the same height as Celestia.
“So what now, Celly?” Solar Flare asked putting his hoof around Celestia.
“I’ve had your positions in my castle planned out since the moment I saw you four in action. Solar Flare, you are the new Captain of the Royal Guard, Red Giant you will be Luna and my own personal Bodyguard, Monoceros you will be my Court Wizard, here’s the key to Magic Archive and lastly Nebulae you will be my Royal Advisor. You’ll each be the youngest Ponies to hold these roles so remember, all eyes are on you.” Celestia said preparing herself for the shocked responses, Red Giant then pushed Solar Flare away from Celestia.
“Nopony gets that close to the Princess.” He said in his low voice and all six friends started laughing together.
Chapter Four - Convergence, End
Chapter Five – Chaos, Evil and Confusion, Part One – The Grand Galloping Gala
“What was that? Were we just seeing the past? I’ve never seen a spell that could recall the past so clearly.” Asked Twilight shaking her head
“My specialty is mind and memory spells, falsification of history, memes and erasure of memories. It took some effort to alter the memories of everypony in Ponyville. In comparison to that showing everypony in the room one thousand years in the past is remarkably easier.” Said Monoceros
“If you can alter memories then how do we know what you’re showing us is true?” Asked Pinkie Pie, Solar Flare put his hoof around Pinkie
“That’s a good point, how DO we know we’re seeing the truth, Celly?” Solar Flare said gesturing to Princess Celestia, she looked away from him
“It’s all true. But what do you gain from showing the six of them the past if you’re only trying to remind me of my sins.” Celestia said as Monoceros began charging her spell again
“I’m trying to show them that their beloved and benevolent Princess hurt those closest to her and made the deepest sacrifice... Anyway back we go! I’m thinking the first ever Grand Galloping Gala.” A silver flash came from Monoceros’ horn and suddenly they were in the Canterlot ballroom.
Red Giant had taken over Solar Flare’s role as head guard for the gala, he had ditched his post because he said the music was too boring and he wanted to shake things up, Nebulae was greeting everypony that entered and Monoceros was taking a shot at bartending. Everypony was dressed up nicely, Red Giant was in full guard armour, Nebulae was in a dark green dress, Solar Flare was wearing a three piece black and white suit and Monoceros was wearing a white button down shirt with a black apron over it. Nebulae had come in to see how everything was going and almost fainted when she saw Sol on stage she saw Luna on the dance floor and made a b-line towards her
“PRINCESS LUNA, HOW COULD YOU JUST LET HIM GO UP THERE?!” she asked having to shout to be heard over Sol’s singing
“HOW DO I STYLE MY HAIR!? I JUST USE MAGIC AND LET IT SORT ITSELF OUT! ” Luna shouted back
“NO, SOLAR FLARE IS TOO LOUD!” Nebulae said running short of breath
“HE SHOULD BE PROUD, HE HAS A GREAT VOICE!” Yelled Celestia from behind Nebulae, the music stopped suddenly but Nebulae had already started her next sentence
“WOULD YOU USELESS ROYAL HORNHEADS LISTEN TO ME!” Nebulae shouted
“Wow Nebulae, how about you tone it down a bit?” Said Solar Flare from the stage, Monoceros and the Princesses were the only ones laughing while Nebulae had turned a bright shade of red, everypony else was in stunned silence
“I’M SURROUNDED BY IDIOTS!” Nebulae shouted as she stormed out the door and slammed it behind her only to open it two seconds later and shout back through the door “IDIOTS!” She shouted one last time and slammed the door again
“And on that note, we’ll be taking a short break.” Said Sol and he flew over to the bar “Apple cider please, Minnie.” Sol said tapping the bar with his hoof, Monoceros put the mug on the bar and slid it over to Sol who caught the mug and drank it down
“That was hilarious Sol! But Nebulae is going to be very upset with you for taking over the band... and that thing where you humiliated her in front of everypony whose anypony.” Monoceros
“Yeeaah... I’ll take another cider, just in case.” Sol said as he took another and drank it down
Chapter Five – Chaos, Evil and Confusion, Part Two – Discord Fever
“I’m so glad you decided to hold this gala at night so that I could be here. I can hardly express my delight.” Said Luna levitating a drink over to her and taking a sip
“Well it wouldn’t have been much of a party without the two of us here.” Said Celestia
“Thank you! We’ll be here all night!” Shouted Solar Flare on stage as he launched into another “rock” song as he called it but suddenly a loud echoing laughter interrupted him
“Huahaha, ohh, You Ponies certainly know how to have a good time, I’ve never seen such a lively soiree.” Said a disembodied voice that echoed through the hall, Red Giant and Nebulae quickly charged into the hall, Celestia’s horn lit up with magic
“Who’s there? Only a madmare talks to thin air and you do not want to make me mad! I demand that you show yourself!” Commanded Celestia
“That must be the voice of the beautiful, lovely and heroic Princess Celestia shouting at an unknown enemy ‘SHOW YOURSELF’ I love it, ready to fight it off all by herself.” The voice said
“Yeah, just come out.” Said Luna also preparing a spell
“Mmm, I don’t get the same vibe from you, but it’s not really expected of you is it Luna? Being the younger and weaker sister, it is Celestia’s job to protect all the weaker ponies isn’t it. Celestia’s getting on a bit y’know, maybe the throne would suit you better.” The voice said
Solar Flare threw off his jacket and loosened his tie “What is this, open mic night? Come on out and show me the ugly face to go with that dull voice.” Said Solar Flare uncharacteristically serious but still smiling
“HAHAHAHA, Oh you crack me up every time Solar Flare. I think you’re my favourite.” The voice said
“This isn’t possible.” Said Red Giant
“And where have you been Red Giant? I could’ve destroyed the Princess at anytime... Hahahahah, although I still could and no amount of giant ponies will make a difference, you’re weak Red, sad but true...” The voice said
“I can’t find a source, that voice is coming from... everywhere?” Nebulae said trying to pinpoint the voice
“Well if my ears don’t deceive me, that’s the sound of an over-opinionated Earth-Pony who’s out of her league.” The voice said
“Is anyone else as sick of this as me? You obviously didn’t come all this way from nowhere land just to take cheap shots at each of us, so drop the act AND SHOW YOURSELF!” Said Monoceros throwing off her apron
“Oh, fine then! You really do ruin everything don’t you Monoceros?” The voice said and a flash came from the centre of the ballroom
A strange dragon like creature rose out of the floor as if it was the surface of water, the floor even rippled and he let a bellowing laughter “Ohhhhhahaha! It’s so nice to meet you all for real.” The creature said
“What are you? Some kind of chimera?” Asked Nebulae completely enamoured with what was standing before her
“Oh, how rude of me. No I’m afraid that I’m nothing as simple as a chimera, I’m the first and only of my kind I am a Draconequus and my name is Discord.” Lightning struck behind Discord as he finished his sentence, Nebulae and Luna were quietly ushering everypony out of the ballroom
“Whoa! Nice effect.” Said Solar Flare admiring Discords creation of lightning without storm clouds.
“I’m not strong? Big talk coming from a hair-coated snake!” Said Red Giant wounded by Discord’s words
“Oh is that the best you’ve got, SSOOO BORING! World’s strongest Pony? Take a shot then!” He said materialising a bullseye on his chest, Red Giant turned around and bucked with all his might connecting squarely on the target, Discord keeled over and burst like a balloon with confetti flying everywhere
“Pffthahaha, this guy cracks me up!” Said Solar Flare rolling over on his back and laughing.
“Wow that would’ve hurt.” Discord said emerging from beside Red Giant. “My turn...” he put his hand on Red giants head and pressed down, shrinking him to only 3 feet tall. This clearly messed with Red’s mind. He was bewildered as to what had just occurred; he was brought out of his dazed state when he heard
“Okay, FUN’S OVER!” Solar Flare shouted, charging into help, Discord was impressed by the bravery , but bored all the same
“Come on, funny-guy, I thought you’d see the bright side!” he stood, arms wide as a taunt. He was caught off guard when he found he couldn’t move a muscle, Sol’s head connected straight into Discord’s jaw, knocking out one of Discord’s front fangs. “A subtle mind magic that stopped me from avoiding the attack. So we're playing dirty are we? Let’s roll the credits for that attack: Planning by Nebulae Castor, magical effects by Monoceros and decent punch by Solar flare.” Said Discord, before subsequently vanishing from sight. He appeared, levitating above Sol, he reached down and grabbed a hold of his wings.
“HEY, LET GO!” he shouted in response, yet without a single thought and a slight pull Sol’s wings left his back like they had been held on by tape. “WHAT THE..! YOU’RE GONNA PAY FOR THAT!” Said Sol, seething with anger, trying to jump into the air and crashing back to the ground falling on his face. Discord looked over at Monoceros. He disappeared and reappeared, towering over Monoceros. Monoceros’ horn lit up but before she could fire an attack. Discord pulled of her horn with the same effort it took to remove Sol’s wings. He conjured a scoop of ice cream and placed on the underside of the horn “Mmm, vanilla.” He said smiling manically.
“This is beyond the realm of sanity...” Said Nebulae looking at her disfigured friends “There’s no wound, It’s as if you two were born Earth-Ponies.” She said touching Sol’s back where his wings used to be
“Oh, how perceptive Nebulae. Let’s see if I can’t do something about that.” Discord said poking Nebulae on the forehead, Nebulae blinked a couple of times in rapid succession but didn’t feel any different
“What, what did he do? Do I still have all my parts, did he shrink me?!” Shrieked Nebulae incredibly nervous, Discord tented his fingers and asked
“What’s two thousand one hundred and nineteen multiplied by seventeen?” Nebulae blinked absently as she tried to think of the answer, she knew this! She knew that she knew it, why was it so hard
“Umm, forty thousand three hundred and four!” Nebulae said confidently
“Ooh, Sorry the answer is thirty six thousand and twenty three. Ahahahaha!” Discord was rolling on the ground laughing, everypony was staring at Nebulae, who had never gotten a question wrong in her life
“I’m not... This isn’t... I’M SMART!” Nebulae couldn’t think straight, she couldn’t articulate, her extensive vocabulary was just gone
“You’re nothing.” Said Discord standing up and making his way over to the Alicorn sisters.
Celestia was rendered speechless by what she had just seen; it was impossible, Solar Flare, Red Giant, Nebulae and Monoceros were the fastest, strongest, smartest and most magical Ponies she had ever met and now they were powerless this creature’s power was terrifying and he didn’t even seem to be fazed aside from Sol knocking his tooth out with a sneak attack, “What is the extent of his power? He physically had to pull of Sol’s wings and Monoceros’s horn... Maybe if I can just keep my distance?” Celestia thought to herself but was snapped back to the situation when she heard Discord’s voice
“You’re an odd couple aren’t you?” asked Discord as he appeared behind Celestia and ran his finger down her neck “I expected you try and run away while I was dealing with your hilarious friends, the monarchy must continue no matter what right?” Celestia shuddered at his touch and jumped back so that she was between Discord and the others
“He’s right, Luna! Run, get the others away! As far you can, I’ll keep him busy.” Celestia said she prepared an attack and fired, Discord dodged to the left but then something caught his attention
“Hey, Discord!” It was Solar Flare flying at him hitting Discord right in the chest
“I thought I took your wings?” Said Discord grabbing Sol by the neck and lifting him off the ground
“Doesn’t mean I can’t jump. Hehe. As long as I’ve got energy to laugh, I’ve got energy to fight!” Sol said as he spit right in Discords face
“Well, let’s see how loud you’re laughing when you’re six feet underground!” Discord said pointing a finger in Sol’s face but lost his grip on Sol when he was shot in the back from a dark blue beam which knocked him to the ground
“No sister! You and I will defeat this foe together!” Luna said as she flew past Discord, picked up Sol and landed beside Celestia, they prepared for Discord to get back up
“Everypony! I-...” Celestia started but was interrupted by Sol
“Save it Celly. The six of us are going to beat up this bearded weirdo together.”
Celestia’s stern look turned into a smile as she said “I was only going to say thank you.” The six friends suddenly looked over at Discord who was up now and slowly clapping.
“If we’re done with feelings hour, I think we can get down to business.” Said Discord who was beginning to look angry
“The only things that’s “done” here is you Discord!” Luna said
“Yikes, that was lame. Maybe you should leave the jokes to the ex-pegasus, hmm? *sigh* I never thought I’d say this but I’ve had enough fun.” Discord said snapping his fingers and with a flash of light Celestia and Luna’s horns and wings vanished,
Celestia was once again at a loss for words “He’s just been playing with us this whole time? This doesn’t make any sense!” Shouted Luna, Discord let loose with thunderous laughter “Make sense? What fun is there in making sense?” Said Discord looking down and six defeated Ponies “You should consider yourselves lucky I’m letting you even continue miserable little half-lives.” Discord said
“What are you going to do then?” Asked Nebulae
“That blow to your IQ hasn’t done anything to your nosiness has it, Nebulae? Let’s see shall we where should I banish you to? Tartarus... nah, it’d be over too quickly. Hmm... Oh, it’s perfect! The Everfree Forest!” Discord announced and snapped his fingers and all six ponies disappeared with a flash except for Celestia’s crown which clattered to the ground.
Chapter Five – Chaos, Evil and Confusion, Part Three – Exile
The six Ponies appeared with a flash of light within the boundary of the Everfree Forest they could do nothing but gaze in terror as Canterlot fell into a state of pure chaos, buildings broke apart and turned upside down, cotton candy clouds rained down chocolate milk and the entire city appeared to be painted plaid, eventually Celestia could take no more and charged towards the city “I’m going tear him apart!” shouted Celestia but her crusade was cut short when she ran head first into some kind of force field and was knocked onto her flank, everypony ran up to make sure she was okay, the force field was only visible when one of them touched it, Monoceros chucked a rock at it and it went straight through
“Maybe it doesn’t affect inanimate objects.” Said Red Giant his voice sounding a lot less powerful with his diminished stature
“... or maybe...” Said Sol picking up a frog that happened to be passing by and chucked it through the force field which it passed through like nothing was there
“So what that does that mean?” asked Nebulae damning her ignorance
“It means that somehow that monster has created a force field that blocks the six of us specifically.” Said Luna putting her hoof up on the field
“So we’re stuck here! And I can do nothing but gaze on hopelessly as my people are terrorised by that moron! I CAN’T ACCEPT THAT!” Celestia shouted as she smashed her head against the field “What should I do?” Celestia said weakly, she slumped down as a single drop of blood beaded down her face
“I’ll tell what we shouldn’t do, is that we shouldn't give ourselves brain damage.” Said Sol as he checked Celestia for a concussion “I think you’re alright...” Celestia begged to differ; this situation was far from alright.
“There are all kinds of horrible creatures in the forest; maybe we can somehow sic one on him. Point it towards Canterlot and somehow send it on a rampage it might just get him.” Said Luna making observations as they walked around the forest looking for somewhere that they could set up a shelter
“That jerk would probably turn anything we sent at him into a kitty-cat... What is wrong with me?” Nebulae asked not wanting an answer
“My hooves hurt! Is this what walking is like everypony, really boring... and slow. Where are we going anyway? There’s no clearing or anything like that, everywhere looks the same!” Said Sol fed up with walking around everywhere and wishing they would just stop and set up camp
“That’s pretty negative of you Sol, I thought you always saw the bright side?”Monoceros asked trying to think anything that could give them a fighting chance against Discord
“But there is no bright side! Red is one eighth his usual size, Nebulae’s brain is now a box of cats and that takes some getting used to trust me, I know! And the other four of us have been castrated... in a manner of speaking. And we’re going to live out the rest of our days in a dark, dank forest with nopony else to talk to but each other for the rest of eternity and I can guess what the number one topic will be!” Sol said losing his smile but suddenly everypony stopped staring at their hooves and looked as somepony approached over the top of a hill
“I don’t know about you youngsters but I may have a few interesting things to discuss with you.” Said an old pony wearing blue robes and a long beard and the strangest thing of all his floppy hat with bells all around the brim
“And who the hay are you, crazy looking old pony?” Sol said taking a step back but Luna and Celestia stepped forward and Luna turned back towards the rest of the group
“Mare and gentlecolts, I give you Starswirl the Bearded!”
Chapter Five - Chaos, Evil and Confusion, End
