Chapter 1

Into The Sky

The way the day began was like any typical monday morning that most people in the world would usually hate. Slept in late, had to drink from a reheated pot of old coffee and try to rush out the door half awake. That was almost completely the case, except for the last part for one particular girl who was now on her summer vacation.

“Woo Hoo!!! Freedom at last!” She cried out in her small apartment as she laid down on the couch. “Man, I’m so glad that I am finally on vacation…” That’s when reality hit her ten seconds later. “Wait… what the hell am I going to do during vacation anyways?”

“You could always get a summer job?” Her roommate suggested as she turned to face her.

“Ugh, why do you have to mention work? Work and Summer are two things that are scientifically proven not to work together.” The girl then mumbled to herself on the couch as her roommate sighed a little.

“Katie, you can’t just expect to sit on your ass all day and think that will pay the rent. Plus the check I get for my disability isn’t going to help that much with paying the rent this time.”

Katie herself groaned a little, looking back at her friend. “Then how do you think we are going to be able to make some decent money without having to go to the dark side if you know what I mean.”

“I said get a job… but then again getting a job is hard as hell seeing how you’re still in school for two more years. And I’m pretty much a veteran with little to no… social skills to some degree.” Katie personally agreed with that statement, but it was when she noticed an advertisement on TV that it caught her attention. It was for a convention being held in downtown, but most importantly was the costume contest being held there. Grand prize winner was to receive ten thousand dollars along with a bunch of stuff that were on her personal wish list, but never got the chance to buy since most of the money she had needed to go to rent first.

“Hey, you think I can do something like that?” She asked. “I mean, I might not exactly win the grand prize, but they still have some decent cash for the runner ups.”

“That depends, how much money does the runner up get?” Paula asked.

“Five thousand I believe.” Katie replied, taking a moment to go to her closet and open it up. “Hey, do you think my Kat Shafter Halloween Costume could work here? I mean, I would need a new hairband, but it still is in perfect condition.”

“With that money we can pay rent for the next two to three years at best. Alright, let’s do it!” The next week was spent preparing for the competition as Katie had to order a new hairband for her outfit through Amazon and her friend Paula had to find a decent costume to match Katie’s. Even though they weren’t exactly in a team based competition, it felt like they had to work together in order to pull something like this off. All for the chance of being rent free for the next three years. Talk about pressure.

“Man this outfit is really uncomfortable.” Katie said as she stretched the seam of her outfit. “How can anyone in a video game or in real life wear something like this?”

“You asking me?” Paula said as she folded her arms, handing the new hairband her friend needed to her before chewing on an apple. “I think that it takes time to adjust. Besides, look at what I’m wearing. It took me a hell of a lot of time in order to get the sleeves for this thing right.”

“Well, whatever it is, let’s go kick some ass out there… figuratively of course.” Katie chuckled, watching her friend roll her eyes.

“Yeah we don’t want a repeat of what happened two months ago.” Her friend replied as the two of them then walked into the huge hallway that was in the hotel the event was being held at. “Besides, who do you think saw us walk in?”

“Probably Security, the bellhop, the ladies at the front desk, hotel staff… oh and the EIB.”

“EIB?”

“Everyone in the building.” Katie clarified as she walked on ahead before a swarm of attendees began to take pictures. “See what I mean?”

“Let’s just get this over with so we can change out of these clothes.” Paula told her with a groan as the two of them made their way across the hotel lobby. Along the way, the two of them came across some interesting figures from all kinds of shows, games and comic books. Some that even got them thinking that they would be up against some serious competition. Later though, during the actual event, everyone went up at different times as they took turns. This lasted about an hour and when the judges first prepared to call out names, the two of them soon heard a little bit of commotion coming from the lobby.

“Paula? What the hell is all the commotion about?” Katie asked as they waited for the results from the judges.

“Something about two people missing during the convention. After we win this, we better get out of here before something bad happens. I do not want your mom to lecture me about something bad happening to you.”

“Yeah yeah, I get it,” Katie groaned. What they heard next though, surprised both of them.

“First place goes to… Kat and Raven from Gravity Rush! Congratulations!!” Katie looked at Paula in disbelief, before the both of them soon came out and were met with the praise of thousands of attendees.

“Holy shit, we won!?”

“How the hell is that even possible!?”

“Congratulations, Ladies,” One of the judges that looked like the secret shop Merchant in DOTA 2 congratulated them. “Here are your rewards. Use them wisely.” He smiled, giving them gift bags with the prizes inside and each of them a check for ten thousand dollars. With it, he soon walked off the stage and disappeared into the crowd below.

“Let’s get out of here before we’re slammed by reporters and fanboys.” Katie motioned towards the door, waiting on Paula. Only for her friend to bust the door open, close it, and block it with a chair.

“This is why I don’t go to stuff like this. Guys think just because you’re wearing a kinky outfit, that you’ll have sex or go out with them.”

“You make a great point…” Katie said, moving for a moment before slowing down. “Hey… is it just me or does it feel like you’re getting a migraine?”

“A little bit yeah. Might be because we haven’t eaten anything in the past few hours or so.” Her friend replied. However, both of them didn’t get the chance to move as they felt weak at the knees and soon passed out, face first onto the floor.

Some time Later

Ever had that moment when you felt like you were somehow falling while you were trying to get some sleep? Well, that scenario was Katie in a nutshell as the air wooshed past her head and she felt her body crash through some clouds. All while she was just barely waking up from her headache.

“YOU HAVE GOT TO BE SHITTING ME!!!” Katie yelled as she fully awoken from her slumber, and began to flail around in the air and try to fly. It was only when she was bare inches away from a floating rock in the sky that she felt herself slow down and stop. How she did it though… was beyond her understanding. “What the. Where the hell am I? Hello! Is anyone here!?”

No response… at least, not yet anyways. All she say around her was a chain of floating islands with an endless sea of clouds.

“Okay, I’m in the middle of nowhere with little to no knowledge of where Paula is. And I’m stuck on a cloud in the sky filled with floating islands...well fuck.” It was then though that she overheard the sound of a few voices talking amongst themselves before looking to see who or what it was.

It was a few ponies. Wearing some armor as a bunch of male guards were talking to a female that had a night sky like mane and a similar dress to boot. “The reports said that the loud disturbance was from this island. You think maybe we messed up on the search?”

“Just spread out and continue looking. Whoever it is, it’s somepony that needs some much needed help and not all species could easily fly like Pegasi or Unicorns with a cloudwalking spell.” One of the other guards said. “Just look out for those strange creatures and try to stay clear of any you find.”

“And this place is inhabited by talking bipedal ponies… I am hoping this is just a dream or something because of the lack of food I haven’t eaten.” It was then that she felt her stomach rumble as the shifter noticed that the sound had caught their attention.

“What was that?”

“Ah crapbaskets!” Katie mumbled as she hid behind a pillar of clouds. She was trying to do her best to not cause any trouble, but that was unlikely given the next thing that she heard.

“Captain! It’s one of those monsters from the last island! They’re attacking some of the squad!!” One of the guards roared as Katie then spot what was attacking them and silently cursed to herself.

“And now we have navi in this place? What kind of world is this?”

“Stop that thing from advancing further!! For Equestria!!!” One of the guards yelled, unsheathing a sword as he tried to fight against the navi that had already defeated a few of the other members of his batallion. “Protect Princess Luna at all costs!!”

“Yes sir!!” Another guard yelled, preparing a spear to throw at the navi.

“I need to get the hell out of her before I get myself killed.” Katie said as she tried to think of a escape plan. “But how the hell am I supposed to fly out of here? Didn’t the main character in the game had that cat to help her?”

That was when she felt a low shiver up one of her legs as she looked down. “You called, my dear?”

“Holy crap!” Katie yelled as she fell on her bottom from the sudden touch. “Wait, you’re Dusty aren’t you?”

“That I am… and those ponies are in need of your help,” He said, Hopping up to Katie’s shoulder. “And to help them, you need to know your powers.”

“What can I do? I’m just a normal girl with little fighting skills.”

“That is where you are wrong… You are a shifter. You can bend gravity to your own will. You just need guidance… Which is why I am here.” The cat meowed to her.

“Oh sure I can, and I’m the pope's daughter. If I can control gravity, then show me proof of that?”

“How do you think you slowed your descent earlier?” Dusty replied. “You just need to focus your powers and control them. Don’t worry, I’ll be here to help.” He said as he enters inside of the gravity shifter. “I’ll give you a little demo of what you can do to those Navis.” Katie felt a surge of power flowing through her as her body began to glow red along with cosmic cat ears and tail appearing as well.

“W-What the? What is this power I’m feeling?”

“The power to fight.” Dusty said as he took control of Katie’s body. “Now let me show you your true strength.”

“Why do I get the feeling this won’t end well for me.”

“That only depends on you. I’ll be guiding you. All you need to do is attack.” She heard him say as Katie felt her body begin to float off of the ground.

“So all I need to do is just punch them?”

“Punch, kick. Give them hell. We’re starting… now.” With it, Katie felt her body charge forth at the navi, moving upward to dodge an incoming attack and allowing her to attack it’s exposed head.

“Huh, and here I thought their orb thing were made of glass.”

“Don’t get cocky. It’ll take a lot more than a few strikes to stop this one.” Dusty warned as the navi lashed out at her. If it weren’t for the Astral cat moving her at the last second, Katie’s head would’ve been cut clean off. But now, she was on the opposite side of the monster as the ponies nearby just stared at her in awe, wonder and also confusion.

“Question, can you make me have a claw or something?”

“You mean spiraling claws?”

“Well it’s not a skill, more like something that a cat has seeing how I got the ears and tail. ”

“I understand, but as of now, you are still getting used to your abilities. If you strain yourself too much, you will pass out from doing so.” Dusty advised her.

“Fair point.” Katie said as she kicked a Nevi into another Nevi, causing the orb on it’s body to shatter and disappear.

“You got two more behind you.” The cat told her, allowing Katie to react just in time as she turned around to roundhouse kick the first one that came too close.

“It just like playing god hand...only with navi, less gay men, and sexual innuendo jokes.”

“Ha ha… Good work on the Nevi… you might want to be prepared though. The locals really want to thank you for your help.”

“You sure they’re not gonna attack me or something?” Katie asked as she notice the ponies pointing spears at her. “Called it.”

“Stand down men… We must thank this one for saving our lives,” The pony with the starry mane addressed her as the guards obeyed. “I am Princess Luna. Diarch of the night. What is your name, young one?” She then asked.

“Katie….Graviton.”

“Seriously? That last name isn’t even real.”

“Ms. Katie. We would like to thank you for bravely risking your life against those vile creatures. You seem… new to the area, so I would like to offer you a meal and the chance for you to answer some questions that might be on your mind.” Luna offered for her.

“Well seeing how you’re offering me free food. Alright I’ll come with you, maybe this place might have some meat or something similar to that.”

“I believe we can… accommodate such tastes.” She replied, having Katie follow her to a nearby chariot as the remaining guards that were alive began to regroup.

“Sweet! Free food for once in my life and I don’t have to pay for it!” Luna herself chuckled a little as she saw the young girl's enthusiasm while the chariot took off. “So what was up with you and your soldiers fighting the Nevi’s?”

“Is that what they are called?” Luna asked. “We don’t know much of them. But we know that they have been attacking ponykind for a while.”

“Pretty much that’s what they’re called, how long have they been attacking you guys?”

“Around six months. We’ve been taking extra precautions when it comes to trade amongst ponykind on the islands, but we know that the Nevi have been the causing all the destruction underneath the clouds.”

“Wait, underneath the clouds?”

“We used to live on the continent of Equestria below the clouds. But because of those creatures, sections of land have now become floating islands and the once beautiful land that we called home has become nothing but a wasteland.” The Lunar Alicorn replied to Katie’s question. “If it weren’t for my sister and I, ponykind would’ve suffered great losses.”

“Geez, talk about hell on earth. Have you ever tried to figure out a way to get rid of the Nevis?”

“We’ve tried many methods, but they always seem to return in greater force. But now with you… we might now have some hope on how to fight back against them.”

“Okay…..wait what?”

“It was the first time that we’ve seen a Nevi completely destroyed without it regenerating.” The Princess sighed. “All other times were… unsuccessful.”

Flashback

“Okay, everyone! Almost all the citizens have made it through the gate!” The commander that was with the soldiers firing cannons at the enemy. “Keep laying a suppressing barrage until everyone is through! Then we’ll be home free-.”

Around then, a giant Nevi crashed onto the battlefield, it’s eyes glaring towards them.

“Wha-? No seriously guys, what the actual hell is that!?!” The Commander shouted as it began to charge at them. “Whatever it is, SHOOT IT!!! SHOOT IT, SHOOT IT, SHOOT IT!!!” However, despite all attempts to slow or stop the colossal Nevi, all cannonfire was unsuccessful as it was charging closer towards them.

“Oh SHIT!!!!!” They all screamed, just as it bashed through the gate and let out a plume of smoke. The only thing that most ponies remember is hearing a smart aleck shout at the monster as they we’re escaping.

“Hey, FUCK THAT GUY!!”

Back to the Present

“.....I get the feeling I’m gonna be doing most of the work when it comes to the Nevis huh?”

“Right now, we should focus on getting somewhere safe. We can worry about the Nevi once we’re out of danger.” The Princess replied to her.

“So where do the ponies live now seeing how the ground is not safe for them to live on. I know they live in the clouds but where in the cloud?”

“Some massive islands have towns and structures on them since they used to be either mountains down below or sections of land. Ponyville, a town on one of these islands, is not far from Cloudsdale, home of the Pegasi. We should be there in ten minutes or so, give or take. Most of these floating islands are here because of the massive shift in gravity that came with the Nevi.”

“Well that answers two of my questions.” The shifter replied as she tried her best to make herself comfortable while the chariot was going through a darker section of clouds. Everything seemed to shake a little before hearing some loud booms. It was only during this instance that she saw Pegasi actually working in the clouds.

“So pegasi can move clouds around at will? Never thought I see something like that.”

“Pegasi are in control of the weather and also the clouds. Some known Pegasi can even control the storms. It’s different though for Unicorns and Earth Ponies,” Luna explained as they flew over another island where there were earth ponies tending to some crops. “Earth ponies are known for their strength and talents with the harvest while Unicorns are known for magic.”

“And what are you suppose to be? Not to sound rude or anything, just asking.”

Luna chuckled a little as she looked back at Katie. “I’m an Alicorn. Those in Royalty who have ascended to represent all three of the pony races. There are only a rare number of them. Specifically, five. However, one of them is just a foal and another one is younger than my sister and niece. We bear a lot of responsibilities to help with everyday life as a whole.”

“And those are?”

“My sister raises the Sun and I raise the moon. My niece Cadence is the Princess of Love and Emotion while my sister’s student Twilight is the Princess of Friendship. It may sound strange, but they’re just as important as any one of us.”

“Forgive me if I sound specific, but I find it hard to believe you and your sister can move the sun and moon.” The Alicorn smirked a little as she checked her pocket watch before seeing the time and turning her attention to the sky.

“Sit back and watch. It is about time for Night to fall.” With it, Luna closed her eyes as her horn lit up. With an outstretched hand, the Sun had fully set and the moon had now risen in the sky, glowing brightly as the light of the moon shined upon the small caravan. “Now, do you believe?”

“I stand corrected. Now I believe you about the whole sun and moon thing.” The Alicorn smiled as the small group soon touched down upon the biggest island that there was and soon departed from the station.

“Well now… Welcome to Canterlot. My home and the home for tens of thousands of other survivors here. I shall take you to my sister… if you are ready of course.”

“Y-Yeah let’s go.” She said, looking around her and just trying to get an understanding of where she was. “God, this is going to take some time to getting used too.”

Author's Note

Special thanks to FrostTheWolf for helping me with the revamp of this story.