Chapters For the ponies in Ponyville, the day should’ve been one for happiness, as it was quite beautiful. Celestia’s sun shone high and bright in the sky, the many birds of the forest were singing, and the summer flowers were in full bloom in the fields surrounding the town. It was truly a wonderful day perfect for celebrating the vary notion of being alive.
But for many in Ponyville, and indeed many across Equestria, they were in no mood for celebration. Many were in mourning for the loss of a true leader, a young and intelligent scholar, a beloved daughter, and a dear friend. Around the base of the recently erected Castle of Friendship, the ponies of Ponyville and some from Canterlot gathered to mourn the death of The Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle.
Near the front of the crowd, closest to the wooden stage, which displayed a portrait of the young Twilight Sparkle surrounded by red and white roses, were her five closest friends, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. All five mares had tears in their eyes at the very thought that their dear friend was gone for good from their lives. They couldn’t believe that only two months ago, she had been experimenting with a new type of teleportation spell in order to better conduct visits with the outlying areas of Equestria. However, something had gone horribly wrong, and after seeing a bright flash of light come from Twilight’s castle, her friends had all rushed to the aid of their friend. But when they reached her research room, all they found were scattered books and papers thrown around the room with a charred floor as evidence of a spell overload.
Immediately, they had sent word to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna that Twilight had disappeared. They never believed her to be dead, as she had been working on a teleportation spell and therefore assumed that she had simply been sent to some random faraway place and need only be tracked down. Celestia had instantly mobilized the Royal Guard to search for her beloved former student. The call went out to all citizens of Equestria to be on the lookout for Princess Twilight Sparkle and to assist her in any way required. Messages were sent to the other nations of the world just in case Twilight’s spell had been so powerful as to send her to another country. Nearly every creature in the world was looking for her.
However, as the days dragged by with no sign of Twilight, many began to fear to worst. By the end of the first month, even Princess Celestia began to think the worst. And now, at the end of month two, it was declared official; Princess Twilight Sparkle had been killed in a magical accident. The affects were instantaneous. All across Equestria, a depression struck the ponies. A national day of mourning was declared in honor of the fallen princess. Many ponies openly wept at the news. Twilight’s family and friends most certainly did.
Now the funeral service was about to begin for the Princess of Friendship. Along with her five closest friends, Twilights parents sat in the front row directly in front of the portrait of their daughter. Twilight’s mother clutched at her husband as she sobbed uncontrollably. Twilight’s father rubbed his wife’s back as he shed his own tears. Sitting to their right were Twilight’s brother Shining Armor and his wife Cadence. Their own eyes were glistening as they wept for the loss of a dearly loved sister and sister-in-law. Sitting amongst Twilight’s friends was her number one assistant Spike the dragon. His eyes seemed to be pouring out waterfalls as he tried to hold on to the memories of the mare that was like a mother to him. He had recently begun to feel this way in the months leading up to Twilight’s disappearance and had been trying to work up the courage to talk to Twilight about the matter. Sadly, he had been too late.
Finally finishing off the list of Twilight’s closest companions were the Royal Sisters, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Both stood on the stage facing the crowd of mourning ponies in preparation to give the opening eulogies. Both of their expressions were pained as they attempted to hold in their emotions in front of their subjects. However it appeared to be a losing battle as both royal alicorns had beads of liquid in the corners of their eyes.
After all the ponies in attendance had been seated, Princess Celestia slowly made her way up to podium at the center of the stage, that was adorned with Twilight’s cutie mark. Clearing her throat, she began her eulogy.
"Fellow ponies. Today is a truly sorrowful day for all of ponykind. For today we must acknowledge to passing of one of Equestria’s true heroes; my dear student and beloved peer, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Many ponies here knew Twilight personally as did I. Many here were closer than some. Almost like family to her even."
Celestia paused and looked down at the podium, clearly trying to hold back her emotions. This battle was lost however as when she looked back up, ponies could see the shine of tears streaming down her face.
"I k-know that I m-myself s-saw her as m-more than a s-student. As m-many here s-saw her as m-more than a f-friend. And to have her be gone from our lives so soon…"
Again Celestia looked down at the podium as the tears began to drop down onto it’s wooden top. Luna saw this and thought it best to go up and try to comfort her sister and see if she could keep talking.
As Luna approached however, she began to notice a shining light out of the corner of her eye. Looking up towards the top of Twilight’s Castle, she saw the most unexpected sight. A ball of white light was slowly forming at the top of the Castle and was steadily descending towards the crowd as it grew bigger and bigger. As it got closer and closer, more and more ponies began to take notice until everpony present was fixed on the light. Suddenly, the light flared out and everypony covered their eyes to protect themselves from being blinded. After a few moments of being engulfed in white, the orb’s light began to lighten and the ponies began to slowly look back at the light, which was now directly in front of the stage. As it dissipated away, it revealed a sight that shocked everypony.
In place of the light was a mare wrapped in white robes. Nestled into her mane were two olive branches. Clinging to her hooved were golden shoes with wings attached to the sides and sticking out of a brown saddlebag were long scrolls. Nothing about what this mare was wearing was familiar to the ponies present, however her purple fur, mane, wings and horn were along with her violet eyes.
"TWILIGHT?!?!" All five of her friends shouted.
The young alicorn looked at her friends with a soft smile and tears in her eyes. She then ran up to them and wrapped them all up in a large hug with her wings, which seemed to be bigger to them, before they could do anything else.
"I’ve missed you girls so much." She whispered.
Author's Note
Here is a story that I have had in my head recently and I wanted to see where it goes. I've always had an interest in Greek Mythology and there are definitely some connections between it and the show.
Hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 1: Where I've Been
"Twilight! You're back!"
"Oh darling we missed you so much!"
"Where have you been you egghead?"
"We sure missed you sugarecube!"
"OMYGOSHOMYGOSHYOU'REBACK!"
"Oh my precious baby!"
"My faithful student!"
"Twily!"
Twilight was nearly drowning in happiness as she was surrounded by her friends and family once more. It had been far to long since she had last seen them and felt their embraces.
"Oh I am so happy to be home again!" She said happily as she hugged everypony around her. "These past three years have been so lonely without you by my side."
After she said this, her friends and family stopped and looked at her in disbelief. Twilight was confused at the looks they were giving her.
"What's wrong everypony?" She asked.
"Twilight." Twilight turned around to see Princess Celestia looking at her with a worried look. "Have you really been gone for three years?"
"Yes I have." Twilight answered, starting to feel a little worried. "Why?"
All of the ponies surrounding Twilight looked at each other. Finally Celestia spoke up again.
"Twilight. You have only been gone for about two months for us."
Twilight's eyes went as wide as dinner plates at this information. "Only two months?!" She exclaimed as everypony nodded around her. "That explains why none of you look any older then when I left."
"And I guess what you said explains why you are so much taller now." Rainbow Dash now chimed in.
The rest of the ponies noticed that what the cyan pegasus said was true. Twilight was indeed taller than she had been when she had disappeared two months earlier. She wasn't as tall as Celestia but she was taller than Luna. Her wings also fell into the same range in terms of size. They now looked much more powerful than they had been last. She looked much more like a thousand year old Princess than a young and awkward scholar now.
"Also darling." Rarity approached Twilight now, looking over the clothing that she was wearing. "Wherever did you get such an ensemble? I must say that I am filling with inspiration as we speak."
"Oh these?" Twilight looked at her robe and shoes and glanced up at her olive branches. "Well the shoes were given to me from Hermes as a gift and..."
"Hold one now." Applejack interrupted. "Who in the heck is 'Hermes'?"
Twilight paused for a moment before realizing that her friends had no idea where she had been. She giggled slightly at herself for not explaining things sooner.
"Sorry everypony." She smiled. "Almost confused you all. How about we go into my castle and I can explain what I have experienced these past three years."
Soon Twilight and all of her friends and family were gathered into her personal study in the west wing of her castle. As everypony began to take their seats to listen to Twilight's tale, the young alicorn looked around her study and long missed books with tears in her eyes.
"I have missed this place so much." She whispered.
"W-we wanted t-to make sure that if you c-came back, it would be just as you left it." Twilight turned around to see Spike had walked up to her with glistening eyes. "I came in and arranged the books and everything everyday."
Twilights tears broke free at this information and she brought the young dragon into a loving embrace with her fore hooves.
"Thank you so much Spike." She whispered as she cried tears of joy. "I truly love you and missed you so much my son."
Spike perked up as he heard Twilight refer to him as her son . It was something that he had recently been wishing he had heard from her before she had disappeared and to hear them spoken now brought even more tears to his eyes. "Y-you're welcome T-Twilight. I l-love you to."
For a few moments, both Twilight and Spike held each other in the soft loving hug, until at last the sound of a throat being cleared caught Twilight's attention. She looked up to see Princess Celestia looking at her with curiosity.
"Well Twilight." She said "I am sure that you must have quite the tale to tell us all."
"Yeah like where the heck you have been all this time!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
Twilight sighed and broke her embrace with Spike, but kept him by her side. "Alright then. I guess I should start with what happened after I overcharged that teleportation spell."
Twilight groaned with pain. Her head felt like it was being pounded by a thousand iron hammers. Though she wasn't that surprised. She had nearly overloaded with magic on that last attempt at the spell. As she opened her eyes, she was feeling more annoyed with herself than anything for being foolish enough to brashly attempt such a powerful and untested spell.
"Stupid Twilight!" She chastised herself. "What were you thinking when you did tha......?"
She abruptly stopped her self reprimand when her eyes finally adjusted and she was able to fully take in her surroundings.
She was lying on a white marble floor in a large rectangular room that was easily the size of Celestia and Luna's throne room. Along with the floor, almost all the rest of the room was made of white marble except for a few large squares of black granite tiles on the walls. At the opposite end of the room from Twilight were two large doorways, absent of actual doors, leading out to long dark hallways. In the center of the room was a large rectangular pool filled with crystal clear water. Along the edges of the pool were tall marble pillars, four along each width with eight along each length. They held up the edges of a large skylight that was the same size of the pool. Posted along the walls were flaming torches and running along the bases of the walls were large flat granite benches. In each corner of the room were large white clay pots with ferns growing out of them. Next to the benches were other clay jars and tables adorned with bowls of fruit and golden chalices that rivaled even the elegance those of Canterlot Castle. It was a room of pure opulence and class that Twilight knew Rarity would absolutely faint over.
Just as she had finished taking in the breathtaking architecture, Twilight's ears picked up the sound of something approaching from the doorway on the left. She quickly ran over to one of the large jars by the closest bench. She crouched down behind the jar to hide as she found that it was a good five feet tall and she could easily hide behind it. She waited and controlled her breathing so as to not make any loud noises when the stranger walked in. After a few moments, the mystery creature at last appeared in the doorway.
The creature was human in appearance, though much different from the humans that Twilight had encountered at Canterlot High more than a year ago. Unlike the skin tone of the humans at Canterlot High, which was very similar from the coats of ponies in Equestria, this human's skin was pale with a slight tinge of brown that Twilight could only assume was a tan. The human was male, and had long blonde hair flowing from his head and down his back stopping just below his shoulders. He wore a simple red toga that Twilight had only seen worn by ponies in Saddle Arabia. His feet were bare as was the right side of his upper torso, from which Twilight could see the outline of well defined muscles. The human then walked over to the closest bench and looked over to the pool on his left. Then, much to Twilight's surprise, he began to remove his toga!
Now Twilight had read through some human biology books while she was at Canterlot high and had seen pictures of the human body absent of clothes. She had never seen any human naked before. And now she was beginning to blush as she took in the well toned and sculpted muscles and figure of this human before her. She blushed even redder when she caught sight of certain areas that she again had only seen in textbooks. From what Twilight had learned in the human world, this human was definitely among those in top physical condition.
After setting his toga down on the bench behind him, the human then made his way over to the edge of the pool and began to walk down the steps leading into the water. After walking down a few steps until the water was up to his waste, the human sat down on the steps and leaned back with his arms on the side of pool. Twilight heard the human sigh as he settled into what she could only assume was perfectly warm water. For a few moments, Twilight just sat behind the jar she was hiding behind peeking out to stare at the human. Her mind began to frantically race to decide what she should do next as it seemed that the human was apparently not going to leave for a while. Should she try and communicate with the human or should she just try and sneak out? Her options were greatly reduced however when the human spoke up for the first time.
"Why don't you come on out from behind the jar and join me?"
Twilight froze when the human spoke directly to her. She knew he was speaking to her as there were no other creatures in the room to speak to. Now Twilight's brain began to fiercely debate on whether or not to comply with the human's request.
"Come on out. I promise no harm will come to you."
Twilight inhaled deeply. Exhaling, she made up her mind and stepped slowly out from behind the jar and into the view of the human. When she looked at the human, he was staring at her with dark green eyes that bore an expression of calm kindness. He beckoned her with his finger to come closer, and Twilight slowly approached him with caution. When she was less than two feet from him, she stopped and simply stared at his smiling face warily. The human however continued to smile with an understanding expression.
"Please join me in the water." He said calmly. Twilight could've sworn she felt her mind being physically reassured by his voice. "It is quite warm and relaxing."
Again, Twilight hesitated. But after a few moments, she slowly stepped down into the water on the right side of the human. She found that he was right about the water as it's warmth began to relax both her mind and body as she eased into the pool. She didn't complete let her guard down as she sat down next to the human and continued to analyze the situation in her head.
"Feeling better?" The human asked. Twilight slowly nodded as she couldn't help but agree that she did indeed feel better. "Good. Now can you please tell me your name? I don't recognize you as one of my uncle's creations."
Twilight hesitated again for a second before answering. "My name is Twilight." She said softly. "Twilight Sparkle."
The human smiled. "That is a very nice name Twilight." He replied. "My name is Apollo."
Now Twilight was for certain that she was not in the universe of Canterlot High, as there were no one in that world that she knew who had that name. "Nice to meet you Apollo." She smiled. "That is a nice name as well."
Apollo chuckled. "Why thank you Twilight." He smiled. "Now tell me. Why have you found yourself in my bath chambers?"
Twilight looked down at the water nervously. She didn't want Apollo to think that she had broken in. "I...I don't know actually. I was performing a spell when I overcharged it and I woke up in here."
Apollo raised an eyebrow at this answer. "You were performing a spell?"
"Yes." Twilight answered. "And I ended up here and I don't know how." She looked around the room. "Where are we anyway?"
"You are in the home of my family." Apollo said with a hint of pride. "You are now on Mount Olympus."
"Mount Olympus?" Twilight asked perplexed. "Where is that? I have never heard of that place in the human world."
"Well that is because you are not on the human world now." Apollo chuckled.
Twilight looked up at Apollo with even more confusion. "But you are a human aren't you?"
Apollo shook his head. "No I am not, though I, like most of the rest of my kind, have taken the form of a human, I am not one of them. Though we do watch over the humans."
Twilight looked at Apollo with even more wonder. "Then, what are you?"
Apollo smiled at Twilight. "Now I know that you are not one of my uncle's creations." He then sat up straighter and prouder. "My family and I are known to the mortals as the Olympians. We are the Gods and Goddesses of the heavens and the earth below us."
Twilight's eyes flew wide with shock. She was in the presence of a god! She immediately began to feel intimidated by Apollo, until she felt his hand touch her shoulder and administer and instant calming sensation that prevented her from having a nervous breakdown.
"Calm yourself Twilight." He said reassuringly. "I will not harm you. My kind only punish those that displease or offend us, and as far as I can tell, you have not offended me, nor any of my kind."
Twilight breathed a sigh of relief at this information. Then, with that fear out of the way, her mind returned to that of the curious scholar.
"Um...Apollo?" The male god nodded. "What exactly are you the god of?"
Apollo smiled. "I hold control over the great star the sun. It is my duty to raise it and lower it over the the Earth below. I also hold sway over the domains of music, medicine and knowledge."
Twilight's eyes lit up again in surprise at this information. Apollo held the same duties as Princess Celestia back in Equestria! This made Twilight wonder who held the duty of raising and lowering the moon in this world.
"I can see that you have many other questions young Twilight." Apollo broke her train of thought. "So I shall provide with you the opportunity to have them answered." Apollo then stood up and began to exit the pool, causing Twilight to blush again as she was given a clear view of his naked body. "Come. I shall take you to see my father."
Twilight snapped out of her embarrassment and followed Apollo out of the pool. She stood by him as he closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Twilight then felt the sensation of warmth radiating from Apollo's body, and in a few seconds, his once dripping wet body was perfectly dry. He then wrapped himself back up in his red toga and looked down at Twilight with a smile.
"Follow me. I am sure that my father will be most interested to meet you."
Twilight walked alongside Apollo as he led her out of the room and down the hall. "Um..Apollo?" She piped up. "What is your father's name?"
"Zeus." Apollo replied. "My father, and King of the Gods, is Zeus."
Author's Note
Hey everypony!
Couple of tips to understand the actions of the characters in this chapter, and indeed throughout this story.
Apollo is a oracular god. hint hint
Anyway I hope you all enjoy. Will continue to update all of my stories so don't worry.
Until next time and again I hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 2: Meeting the King of the Gods
As Twilight followed Apollo down the long hallways that she assumed led to his father's throne room, she was nearly bursting with wonder as she took in even more breathtaking sights of architecture and scenery. The long marble hallways contained large bronze statues of female humans, though Twilight wondered if they too were deities, posed in dance like poses absent of clothing, displaying near perfect form. In between each statue were torches similar to those in the bath chambers they had just left. To Twilight's left, large pillars made up the wall and Twilight could see sloping marble steps leading down towards what appeared to be a large terrace covered in bright green grass. At the edge of the terrace, Twilight was startled to see nothing by a sheer vertical drop that gave way to white clouds and blue sky.
"How high up are we exactly?" She asked Apollo nervously. Apollo looked down at the alicorn curiously. Then after taking a glance towards where Twilight was looking, he smiled and chuckled to himself.
"Higher than any mere mortal can reach." He said. "Do not be afraid though. We would never allow anyone to fall off the edge. This is the only truly steep side of mountain. The west side. The other slopes are much safer."
Twilight relaxed a little at this information, but still wrote herself a mental note to avoid walking too close to the edge if she ever found herself there. With that question answered she continued following Apollo down the hall.
Soon after rounding a corner at the end of the hall and proceeding up a long flight of stairs that she could've sworn took forever to climb, Twilight found herself in a room that took her breath away. The room was massive! Twice the size of the Royal Sister's throne room easily, if not more. The room was in the shape of of a large circle and was surrounded by massive pillars with even more torches sticking out of them. Beyond the pillars was even more cloudy blue sky, the kind that Twilight knew her friend Rainbow Dash would absolutely love to fly in. In the center of the room, was something that was surprisingly familiar to Twilight; a large granite table that contained a large map of what Twilight could only assume was this universes world. The sight was eerily familiar to Twilight's own map of Equestria. On the other side of the table, were two sets of six marble thrones, with a single larger throne right in between both sets and right in front of the map table. Twilight tensed up as she saw that this throne was not absent of an occupant.
Seated in the cent throne was another male human like creature. Like Apollo, he wore a simple toga, though this one was white and held together by a circular golden clasp. His muscles were huge, in every way every where, larger than Apollo's by far Twilight could see. He looked to be about in his late thirties by human standards, or at least what Twilight had seen at Canterlot High. He wore large brown leather shoes and golden gauntlets on his arms. His hair was salt and pepper black and gray and he had a medium beard of the same color on his face. His eyes were a bright bright blue, and reminded Twilight of the color electricity made as sparks. He truly was an awe inspiring sight.
He wasn't alone however. Next to him were two more human like creatures, one male and one female. The female one on the left wore a long white dress that reached down to her ankles, though her upper torso was covered in a silver armor plate. Similar to the god sitting next to her, she appeared to be in her late thirties. Her hair was like a wave of dark black night that flowed from her head down her back. Atop her head was a golden helmet of some sort with a red crest sitting atop it. She too wore golden gauntlets on her arms. The last characteristic that Twilight caught was the fact that resting on her right shoulder, the apparent goddess had a large barn owl for company.
The other male present on the right again seemed be the same age in appearance as the one seated on the throne. His physique was also well toned with muscle mass. His hair was much shorter that the god seated beside him, and it was near perfect black, as was his much thinner beard on his face. His upper body was completely bare as his own white toga was wrapped around his waist. His feet also bore leather shoes and his arms, once again, bore gauntlets, though his were silver instead of gold.
As Twilight and Apollo entered the room, the three figures ceased their discussion that they appeared to be having and turned to look at the new arrivals on the room. At once, Twilight began to feel their gazes being directed towards her. She suddenly felt the urge to run away and hide, but then she looked up to see Apollo looking at her with a knowing look in his eyes and a smile on his face. It was a face that seemed to read 'don't worry, I know you will not be harmed'. With this, Twilight relaxed a little as she and Apollo reached the foot of the steps that led up to the Throne.
"Apollo." The figure on the throne stood up and spoke with a deep baritone voice that spoke absolute power to Twilight. "What are you doing here right now? I thought that you were in the bath chamber. And what is this creature?"
"Apologies father for interrupting." Apollo replied as he bowed slightly. "Yes I was in the bath, but while I was there, I stumbled across this creature here." He gestured to Twilight on his left. "Go on and introduce yourself my dear."
Twilight looked up at Apollo, then turned back to the three figures in front of her. Swallowing nervously, she slowly stepped forward until she was right at the bottom of the steps.
"Hello." She said shakily. "My name is Twilight Sparkle. I am the Princess of Friendship of Equestria and the former personal student of her Majesty Princess Celestia, Monarch of the Sun."
The three gods on and near the throne looked at Twilight with wide eyes. The one seated on the throne turned to the figure on his left.
"Is this one of your creations my brother?" He asked.
The figure spoken to crossed his arms. "No brother. I do not recall having created such a creature. Though I can see your confusion as she does bear a slight resemblance to Pegasus."
The female figure on the right of the seated god now spoke up. "How did she find her way here Apollo?" She asked with a firm commanding voice that signaled years of wisdom and experience.
"She told me that she was attempting a magic spell of some kind Athena." Apollo replied, "And that she overpowered it before suddenly appearing in the bath chamber."
Twilight looked back up at the goddess named Athena with curiosity. She couldn't help but feel some sort of aura and sensation that she only felt when in the presence of Princess Celestia as her student. The goddess caught sight of her staring at her, and smiled when Twilight glanced away trying to look like she hadn't been staring.
"Fear not young Twilight." She said reassuringly. "We mean you no harm. Now I am afraid that we have neglected to introduce ourselves. I am Athena, and I am the master of the art of war and diplomacy."
The figure with the shorter hair spoke next. "My name is Poseidon. I am lord of the seas and all those that sail on and live in it."
Lastly the god sat in the middle stood up. Twilight could now see just how tall he was. He was easily a foot taller than Princess Celestia. Twilight could only look up in awe as he towered a good four feet over her.
"My name is Zeus." He said in his deep voice. "And I am the King of the Olympians and lord of of the skies. All that occurs in the heavens above the earth is done through my hand." Zeus then stared intently at Twilight as if studying every feature of hers. "You say that you are a Princess in the land you hail from correct?"
Twilight nodded.
"And you say you also are a master of the art of sorcery and magic?" Zeus continued. Twilight nodded once again. Zeus stood straight up and placed his hand to his face and scratched his chin in contemplation.
"What are you thinking father?" Apollo asked.
Zeus stayed quiet for a few moments before answering. "There is definitely an aura of divinity radiating from her my son." He said pointing to Twilight. Twilight was puzzled. What did he mean by "divinity".
"Do you believe her to be among the ranks of her worlds gods?" Apollo questioned.
"It is possible."
"What!"
All the gods present turned to Twilight as she blurted out that questioning word. The young alicorn had a face of absolute confusion.
"I am not a deity." Twilight exclaimed. "I was an ordinary unicorn not more than a year ago!"
Apollo looked at Twilight for a few moments before stepping closer. "There is no mistaking it Twilight." He said calmly. "You carry the same aura that is only present with those of divine being. Though I do sense a small spark of mortality deep inside you." He then turned back to Zeus. "Perhaps she is like fair Psyche in that regard."
Zeus nodded. "Much also like Ganymede." he said.
"But I can't be a god!" Twilight insisted. "I'm just a princess!"
Athena now came closer to Twilight and began to read off of her emotions. She then smiled when she recognized a special quality found rarely among individuals. "I sense a high level of modesty within this young creature. Tell me Twilight, do you feel that you were alone in achieving your status?"
"No." Twilight said quickly. "If anything it was my friends who helped me become a princess. If it weren't for them I wouldn't be..."
Twilight paused as she suddenly remembered something. Her friends!
"Oh my gosh! I completely forgot! My friends are going to be worried sick about me! What if they can't figure out where I am?!"
"Twilight."
"What if they think I just up and left them? What if the Princesses think that I abandoned my duties as a Princess?"
"Twilight."
"What if I can never find my way home again?!" What if Equestria is left vulnerable without all of us there to protect us?!"
"TWILIGHT!! "
Twilight's rambling and hyperventilating was cut short when Athena raised her voice and nearly blew her back against the table. After a few moments of silence, Athena slowly approached the Alicorn and knelt down so that she was now eye level with Twilight. Then, to Twilight's surprise, Athena placed her right hand on Twilight's forehead. Almost instantly, Twilight's scrambling brain was unclouded by a sensation of pure clarity and logic. She at that moment realized that her friends were some of the most loving and loyal ponies in Equestria and would never think that she would abandon them. The Princesses, especially Princess Celestia, would never believe that she would abandon her duties. And above all, she knew that even if it took her a while to find a way to get home, her friends and family would also be trying to find a way to bring her back. This sense of reasoning instantly calmed her.
Athena removed her hand from Twilight's head and smiled. "Do you feel more at ease now?" She asked.
"Yes." Twilight said in sigh of relief as her stress just faded away. "How did you do that?"
"I command the power of reason in the mind and therefore was able to peal away all of the doubts that were clouding your mind from seeing the logic of the situation." Athena explained. "I take it from your conclusions that prevailed in your mind that your cherish your friends deeply?"
"Yes I do." Twilight smiled. "They are some of the most important ponies in my lifetime."
"Ponies!" Zeus chuckled. He was silenced by a quick glare from Athena.
"And your teacher is sure to stop at nothing to try and bring you back?"
"Of course she would."
"And you would also never stop trying to find the way to return to them as well correct?"
"I'd never ever stop trying." Twilight said firmly.
"Then you have nothing to fear do you?"
Twilight paused before looking up at Athena with a confident smile on her face. "No. No I don't. Thank you for helping me see that."
Athena smiled. "It was my pleasure." She then moved back up to stand beside Poseidon and Zeus. "What do you both think?"
Poseidon looked to Apollo. "She does not know immediately how to get back to her home world?"
Apollo nodded. "That is correct Uncle."
Poseidon looked back at Zeus. "It is your decision brother." He said. "You hold rule here."
Zeus remained silent for a few moments. He then moved closer until he stood in front of both Apollo and Twilight.
"If we were to allow her to stay until she finds her way home, you would be responsible for her. Are you up to that task being added to your regular duties?"
Apollo nodded in reply. "I am well fit for the task. You have my word that whatever happens I shall claim full responsibility."
Zeus looked back and forth between Twilight and Apollo before turning back towards his throne. "Very well." He said at last as he sat down. "She shall remain in your care until a way for her to return home has been found. Is that suitable with you Twilight?"
"Yes Your Majesty." Twilight said.
"Then I suggest that you show our guest to your room my son. We shall see you at dinner later tonight. Good day to you both." With that Zeus turned to his brother and resumed their discussion they had been having before Apollo and Twilight had entered the room. Before turning to join them, Athena gave a reassuring smile to Twilight as the young Alicorn followed Apollo out of the throne room. Was she left Twilight began to think on how she would go about finding her way home, and above all, how she would spend her time living amongst Gods!
Chapter 3: My Home is Your Home
Apollo led Twilight out of the throne room and into one of the adjacent hallways before he stopped and turned around. When he did, he saw that the young pony was gazing around with the curiosity of a avid scholar. He smiled as he saw in her eyes that same spark of interest in gaining knowledge that he saw in Athena when she spent her days in the grand library.
"Enjoying yourself Lady Twilight?" He asked with a laugh.
Twilight looked away from Apollo and blushed with embarrassment when she realized that she must've been acting like a silly little school filly.
"Oh uh heh heh." She giggled awkwardly. "It's all just.....just...."
"Overwhelming?" Apollo finished.
"EXACTLY!" Apollo jumped back when Twilight flew up into his face with the largest smile he had ever seen. "This is the first time I have ever seen an actual deity community! The potential information from a visit such as this is near infinite in it's amount! So much new knowledge! So much culture! So much...!"
"Twilight my dear!" Twilight cut her rant short when Apollo interjected loudly. "How about we go to my chambers and get you settled and then afterwards I can show you to our library?"
Twilight's eyes went wide. "There is a library here?"
Apollo nodded.
This was the cue for Twilight to begin hopping around in a circle while repeating the word "yes" rapidly much in the manner when she first received her cutie mark and was accepted as Celestia's personal student.
Apollo could not help but smile at the sight of a creature so excited about the concept of learning. There was just something charming about that kind of behavior. However he knew that nothing would get done if he did not call an end to Twilight's chanting and prancing.
"Twilight?" He exclaimed as he leaned down to grab onto her shoulder. Twilight halted and looked up at the God of Light. Realizing what she had been doing, she blushed redder than one of Applejack's fresh apples.
"Heh heh. Sorry." She squeaked.
"It is quite alright Twilight." Apollo reassured. He then gestured down the hall. "Now if you will please follow me."
Twilight smiled and followed behind Apollo as he led her out of the hallway and outside. Once outside she found herself in a garden that truly surpassed the Canterlot Gardens in grandeur and sheer magnificence. Everywhere were flowers of every size and color that made the whole ground explode with like a sonic rainboom. Giant olive trees stood tall and proud amongst the many vines and bushes that created green pathways crisscrossing the whole complex. Twilight soon realized that her dear friend Fluttershy would be right at home in this garden as it was filled with all sorts of creatures, some familiar to her and some not so familiar. They were certainly more sociable than the animals in the Canterlot Gardens as they crowded around her in curiosity as she passed by.
One animal in particular came up in front of Twilight. The creature was one that Twilight had only heard of from her reading of Equestrian Fauna Volume One in the Royal Canterlot Library. It was an arctic fox! A creature that was only native to the frozen north in Equestria and therefore very rarely seen. From what little Twilight knew about them from her readings, this one was slightly larger than the average size of the arctic fox. It was also in it's pure fluffy white winter coat, even though the garden appeared to be in the middle stages of the summer season.
The fox sat before Twilight and looked at her with a quizzical look. For a few moments, nothing happened until Twilight smiled at the creature.
"Aw. Hello there." She chuckled.
"Greetings to you as well."
Twilight jumped nearly straight up in the air. She could hardly believe her ears! The fox had just spoken to her! TO HER! She had only known two ponies in her life that could communicate with animals and they were her friend Fluttershy and Princess Celestia. Her mind was in a scramble to try and find a logical reason for this turn of events when Apollo broke the silence.
"Twilight my dear? Are you alright?" He asked. "Did Alexios startle you?"
Twilight's brain snapped back into focusing on the issue in front of her. "Um...well....yes actually. You see, where I am from only a select few ponies are able to communicate with non-sentient species."
Apollo smiled as he understood. "I see. Well not all fauna on this world is sentient either. Only those that live here among us and a few that have direct ties to our home are." He gestured to the fox he had referred to as Alexios. "Alexios here is one of the many beasts that we share our home with up here."
"Quite right my lord." Alexios nodded. He then turned to the still slightly shocked horse creature before him. "Apologies dear lady." He bowed. "I did not mean to startle you. As Lord Apollo said, my title is Alexios. And I believe he referred to you as 'Twilight' correct?"
"Um yes. That is my name. Twilight Sparkle."
"A pleasure to meet you then madame. Though I do wonder what species you are exactly as I have never seen any member of the equine family with you appearance." Alexios asked as he looked at Twilight's horn and wings.
"Oh!" Twilight said realizing that she had yet to explain what she was and why she was here. "Well you see I actually........."
"ALEEEXXXIIIIIOOOOOOSSSS!!! DO PLEASE COME BAAAACKKK!!"
All three of the figures present turned their heads towards a path that led off to the right when what Twilight could only describe as an extremely flamboyant male voice echoed from. While she looked down the path with curiosity, both Apollo and Alexios rolled their eyes.
"Is he drinking with his cats again?" Apollo asked Alexios.
"Yes I believe he is." Alexios groaned in response.
"Who are you talking about?" Twilight asked them.
Alexios and Apollo looked at each other. "Should she meet him?" Alexios asked.
Apollo sighed. "She was going to meet him sooner or later at dinner tonight."
Alexios looked back down the path and groaned. He then turned back to Twilight and gestured with his head. "Follow me please." And with that, he walked off down the path with Twilight and Apollo following close behind.
After a few moments in the hedge walled pathway, the trio found themselves in a large circular clearing. Twilight could see that the walls of the circle were covered with grape vines that bore a true bounty of a harvest. In the center of the clearing was a large pool of crystal clear water. The pools floor was covered with white and black tiles that made the shape of a cluster of grapes. On the opposite edge of the pool, underneath a tall purple and gold edged canopy tent was a long red cushioned bed. Lying in front of the bed was a large spotted leopard that was purring deeply as it licked it's left foreleg. Lying down at the back of the large bed was another leopard who held a cluster of pure purple grapes hanging from it's mouth. And in the center of the entire display was another male human like creature. He had long curly dark brown hair that draped across his shoulders and interwoven in it were small grape clusters and green vine leave that circled his head like a crown. His face was youthful and his eyes were sparkling pools of green. He was much skinnier that Apollo to the point of almost looking feminine in his figure. The reason Twilight thought this was due to why she was now blushing deep red for the second time this strange day. For like when she had first encountered Apollo, the figure lying on the couch before her was naked, from head to toe. Twilight couldn't help but wonder how many more times she was to witness the human body today.
Apollo and Alexios however, did not seem to be at all flustered by the man's nudity. Rather they seemed annoyed as they both looked upon the figure with expressions that spoke only one word: really?
"You called Dionysus?" Apollo spoke at last.
The figure he had referred to as Dionysus stopped sipping from a golden challis of wine that he had been drinking from when the trio had shown up and looked up and smiled.
"Ah my dear Apollo." Dionysus smiled as he sat up to face the new arrivals to his personal party. "And how are you this fine day?"
"I am quite fine thank you." Apollo sighed.
"I am doing splendidly my dear." Dionysus smiled even wider when he saw Alexios standing alongside Apollo. "I must thank you Apollo for bringing Alexios back. We wanted nothing more than to share with him these great elix....." He paused when his eyes landed upon Twilight standing next to Alexios. Twilight stared back at him as he rose from the bed and walked around the pool over to them. Twilight did her best to focus on Dionysus's face and not anywhere else.
"Um...hello." She said when he finally stopped in front of her.
Dionysus squatted down until he was eye level with Twilight and continued to stare at her. Then slowly but surely, a smile that could only be compared to one that Pinkie Pie would display when excited spread across his face. He then much to Twilight's surprise and slight discomfort, pinched her cheeks.
"OOOHHHHH!! Aren't you just the most adorable creature I have ever laid eyes on!" Dionysus squealed. He then looked up at Apollo. "Where did you find her Apollo? Is she descended from Pegasus?"
"No Dionysus." Apollo replied. "In fact, Twilight here is not even from our world. She is from a land known as Equestria."
Dionysus smiled and then actually lifted Twilight up and brought her into a tight hug. Twilight was unresponsive as her brain had quite literally been fried from the sudden display of affection from this possible god.
"Well she certainly is a delightful looking creature." Dionysus said as he cuddled Twilight against his chest. Twilight meanwhile was beginning to feel a bit squeezed.
"Um excuse me? You're crushing me." She croaked out.
Dionysus's immediately placed Twilight down on the ground and rubbed his head in embarrassment. "So sorry my dear. It's just that I have never met a creature a sweet looking as you. Oh you must attend some of my parties in the future. I promise you will not regret it."
"Maybe some other time Dionysus." Apollo interjected. "She will be at dinner tonight if you so desire to attend as well."
"I just might my dear Apollo." Dionysus smiled as he returned to his bed on the other side of the pool. "Now would you three like to join me in consuming this delectable nectar." He sat down and picked up his chalice again as his two leopards curled up against him.
"Perhaps some other time Dionysus." Apollo replied. "I first have to take Twilight to my chambers to set her up with a sleeping quarters until she can find her way back home."
Dionysus put on a pouty kind of face that was very Rarity like to Twilight. "Aw you're no fun Apollo. Oh well, maybe next time." He then lay back on the bed and plucked a grape from the bushel in the leopards mouth.
After Twilight, Apollo, and Alexios had departed, Alexios let out a long winded sigh of relief. "Thank you my lord." He said. "You have my gratitude for getting me away from that intoxicating experience."
"Think nothing of it Alexios. Now if you'll excuse us, I must take Twilight to her chambers. See you at dinner tonight I hope?"
"Oh yes. See you tonight." Alexios then walked off down the path away from Twilight and Apollo. Apollon then looked down at Twilight and told her to follow him. When they had finally exited the gardens, the lingering question in Twilight's brain finally found a voice.
"Um Apollo. Who was that exactly?"
Apollo chuckled a little bit. "That Twilight was Dionysus. He is the god of fertility and wine. As you can see is quite the pleasure lover." he replied. "Do not worry though. I won't let him force you to partake in anything you find unsavory."
"Thank you Apollo." Twilight then blushed as she thought back on the incident. "He was quite affectionate though."
"He's affectionate to almost everyone." Apollo said.
Soon the duo arrived at Apollo's chambers, which were almost as grand in size as the baths were. The room was all marble with a large open wall at the opposite side from the door. In the center of the room was a grand bed with a teal colored mattress and pillows on it. Beside the bed was a large jar of water and on the other side was a small wooden table with parchment containing sketches of various constellations. Several tall candlesticks, as high as Apollo almost, stood around the room illuminating it with flickering light. It was a sight to behold.
"Something tells me that you will be satisfied with sleeping on the floor like the average beast." Twilight looked up to see Apollo looking down at her. "Therefore, you may occupy the other half of my bed if you are comfortable with that."
"Oh no I wouldn't want to impose." Twilight protested.
"Think nothing of it Twilight." Apollo smiled. "My home is your home as long as it may be."
Twilight paused and looked around the room once more. She then slowly made her way over to the open wall on the other side. When she reached it she gazed out on one of the most glories sights she had ever witnessed. The clear blue sky stretched out in front of her forever and was dotted with puffs of pure white clouds. And at the edge of the horizon, the sun sat shining in all it's celestial glory, illuminating the world in shining light. With this sight in front of her Twilight had only one thing to say.
"It's beautiful."
Author's Note
Hello everypony! Here is another chapter of our greek epic. Hope you all enjoy meeting the god that I think is best described as a cross between Pinkie Pie and Rarity.
Still working on other stories. College is hectic. Hope to write some more soon.
Again I hope you all enjoy and thank you to all that have already read this.
Until next time!
Chapter 4: A New Beginning
Back in Ponyville
"I must say Twilight that these Olympians certainly seem to be a most eccentric group of deities." Celestia said after Twilight had finished speaking for a moment for her friends and family to all comment and ask questions.
"I like the sound of that Dionysus fella!!" Pinkie Pie chimed in. "He sounds like he likes parties!"
Twilight rolled her eyes at Pinkie's comment. "You don't know the half of it Pinkie Pie."
"Alright alright." Rainbow Dash interrupted. "Tell us more. What happened next?"
Twilight smiled as she remembered that strange evening. "Well after we visited Apollo's room, we then went for a tour of the Olympian's Grand Library. It was absolutely amazing everypony! Thousands upon thousands of texts and scrolls from nearly every corner of their world! Such a treasure trove of information I had never seen before! I felt like I was in Elysium!"
All of Twilight's friends and family looked at her puzzled. "What's Elysium?" Shining Armor asked.
Twilight paused for a moment before she realized that none of her friends and family knew most of the language that she had picked up from her three years on Olympus.
"Elysium is what the Olympians referred to as the resting place for those who had died in the Gods' favor. Namely heroes who have been granted blessings. It is a place of great beauty and wonder." She explained.
"Sounds much like the Summer Fields of our world." Luna chimed in.
Twilight paused for a moment, staring at Luna and taking in her words. "Yes. Very similar." She said with a smile.
Celestia stepped forward with a smile. "Well my little ponies." She spoke. "I believe that we all deserve a much needed rest after all of this excitement. Why don't we let Twilight settle back into her castle so that she can rest up. If she wants to she can continue her story tomorrow." She looked at Twilight for some form of confirmation, which Twilight gave with a nod. The rest of the ponies present, save for her family, the Princesses and Spike, all said their goodbyes and declared their intentions to return the next day.
Soon, the rest of the ponies remaining in the study began to make their way to their own guest chambers. Twilight's parents embraced Twilight with fresh tears of joy before finally letting go to settle down for the night. This left Twilight with the Princesses and Spike making their way to where her master bedroom was located at the top of the towering castle. When they arrived at the huge set of double doors that guarded her chamber, she turned to her fellow monarchs with a smile.
"Thank you for everything that you have done in my absence Celestia." She said softly. "Thank you for comforting and looking after my friends and family during their grief. And especially," She brought Spike in closer to herself before she continued. "Thank you for watching over Spike for me. I don't know what I would've done if any harm had befallen him in my absence." Spike stared up at Twilight in utter disbelief.
Celestia smiled. "It was the least that we could do for our dearest friend." She said.
"Most certainly." Luna concurred. "Your disappearance was like a grey fog falling upon our lives. As you saw earlier today, nearly all of Equestria was in grief at your supposed death."
"It humbles me to know that so many of our fair ponies thought of me so." Twilight said. "I will be sure to let them know that their affections are wholeheartedly returned."
Celestia nodded. "We will see you tomorrow Twilight. Then if you wish, we may continue your story."
"Absolutely. Goodnight Celestia. Goodnight Luna."
"Goodnight Twilight."
"Your dreams shall be guarded with care my fellow Princess."
With a nod, Twilight opened the door with her magic and stepped into her room with Spike right behind her. Twilight paused in the center of the room to take in the long absent surroundings. Her canopy bed, crystal walls, Spike's basket bed, all longed for elements that brought tears to her eyes to be near once again. As she stared at her room, she felt a tug on her robe. Looking down to her left, she saw Spike standing next to her nervously twiddling his fingers, looking like he wanted to ask a question that just wouldn't come out in words.
"Yes Spike?" She said softly. "What's wrong?"
Spike looked at his feet before answering. "I...uh...I was just wondering....uh..." he closed his eyes, took a deep breath. "Did you...really mean it when...you called me your son?" He whispered out.
Twilight smiled before she sat down in front of Spike. Spike looked up before Twilight wrapped her forehooves around his body and brought him into an affectionate embrace. Caught off guard, Spike froze for a few moments before he looked up to see what could only be described as a parental smile and shimmering pools of joy forming in her eyelids.
"Yes Spike. I did mean it." She said softly. "My experiences from the past three years have taught me a valuable lesson, one that I should have learned long ago. A mother does not have to carry the child inside her in order to feel the same love and affection that comes with Motherhood. No matter what anypony says, you are my child and that comes with all the love and protection that I can give you. I will love as a son until my dying day."
Spike's mouth felt like it was on the floor. The look in Twilight's eyes spoke volumes to her sincerity. She meant it! She wanted to be his mother! After hearing those words which confirmed his greatest dreams, how could he not latch onto her in an equally affectionate embrace and cry with a smile. Twilight all the while rubbed her hoof up and down his back slowly.
"Oh Mom." Spike spoke the title for the first time. "You don't know how much it means for me to here you say that."
Twilight kissed the top of Spike's head. "Oh my son. You don't know how much I love you."
They remained in each others embrace for a few more moments before they finally broke their hug. Twilight smiled and placed a kiss on Spike's forehead again, before Spike began to make his way to his basket bed. However before he reached it, Twilight stopped him with her hoof.
"I realized while I was away Spike that not only are you my son," Her horn lit up as she spoke, "You deserve an actual bed. I hope that in some way this will make up for not doing this sooner."
Her magic leapt from her horn and struck the basket enveloping it in a purple glow. The silhouette of the basket began to morph and stretch until at last what had been a simple basket and pillow meant really for a pet was now a long couch looking bed with a cylinder shaped pillow and finely woven white wool blankets and a mattress that appeared to be stuffed with feathers. Spike stood in amazement at what had been his tiny basket was now a proper bed. He looked back at his mother and saw that behind her she had also shaped her own bed into something similar only hers was somewhat larger. Plastered to his face was another large smile as he wrapped her up in another hug.
"Thank you." He whispered. Twilight smiled as she enveloped Spike in her magic and lifted him onto his new bed. Settling his head onto the pillow, she then pulled the blanket up over him and soon his eyes fluttered closed. After kissing him on the forehead again, Twilight herself climbed up onto her own bed and stared at her beloved son. After a few moments, she looked down at her stomach and, smiling, placed her right hoof on it and rubbed it gently.
"Together Spike," she whispered, turning back to stare at the dragon who was now sound asleep. "We will start building a family. A real family." She looked back down at her stomach.
"Together."
Author's Note
Wow it has been a while!
Sorry for being gone so long. Finally had some down time. Just to let you all know I am working on all of my stories again.
Hope you all enjoy this new installment to the story and hopefully you all will stick around for what happens next.
See you next time!
Here is Spike's bed btw.
