Faux - Chapter one - Awakening
My little pony© is owned by Hasbro and Lauren Faust
This is a work of Fan-Fiction, and is not in ANY way used to make profit of any sort!
This tale takes place sometime After “Luna Eclipsed”
With the sun shining brightly on a hot summer day, three fairly young little colts were getting ready to practice base ball for their upcoming “brother-hooves Outing”, the colt counterpart to the recent “sisterhooves social”. They had chosen the nice flat field close to Fluttershy’s cottage, with her permission of course. She said it was ok as long as they didn’t go in to the Everfree Forest, and they watched out for any animals. Normally they would take turns pitching and see who could hit the ball the furthest, but today, they invited a new friend. Their new friend had just moved in to Ponyville from Manehattan, he was not doing well in school do to his shy nature, and was picked on for being a fairly buff pushover. His family opted to move to a friendlier smaller town.
The brown colt stepped up to the pentagon made of sticks they used for a plate, bat in mouth. Arf youf fur abouf thif? He asked with the bat still in his mouth. He had never gotten to play these games back in Manehattan because of the bullies.
“Yeah, yeah, just try it! We need every hoof we can get if we want to win this year!” replied his friend.
The other whispered “hey are we sure we can use this guy?”
the first one replied; “yeah if we’re lucky he can hit a home run, look how strong he looks”.
The shy brown colt nodded his head and took aim and narrowed his eyes forward at the pitcher; an amazingly uncharacteristic focus could be seen on the shy blank flanked colt. The pitcher threw the ball as hard as he could, and to his credit it was faster than any other pitch he had ever done, which still wasn’t that fast. The ball came straight for the brown colt and with the quick turn of his neck, in one powerful swing, there was a loud and ear snapping crack. He had hit it dead on. The two other colts gawked, mouths agape in sheer surprise. The ball traveled for miles… literally. It soared over the Everfree Forest until it could not be seen any more.
“whoa…” said the pitcher.
“In the name of Celestia…” said the other colt.
Then the pitcher looked to his friend “oh my gosh dude look! You got your cutie mark!”
The brown colt looked back to see a bat and ball adorning his flanks. “Yes! I… I did it! I’ve always wanted to hit one like the professionals!” said the brown colt. “Hey… where did our ball go?”
SC<
Meanwhile in the Everfree forest, specifically the Temple of the two Sisters…
A small white ball with stitches around it came zipping down from above falling through a large missing roof in the Temple of the two Sisters. It bounced off a wall and down some stairs that lead to a nice room with fancy torn and withered decorations where it finally smashed through what looked to be a very nice looking stained glass window and on to a ceremonial looking alter with a round and slightly jagged red rock in the middle. The ball rolled on the altar, getting slower and slower. Before it could stop completely however… it pushed the red stone off its center piece, making it glow an even redder hue. The three friends didn’t know it, and probably would never find out what their ball had set in motion. They had activated an ancient spell that would not be noticed until the coming night.
SC<
The late afternoon hours were at their end, and the ponies of Canterlot were hanging up the “closed” signs for the night. Going about their last minute chores and shooing the last customers out. Except for the late night bars of course.
The other exception was Princess Celestia, who noticed Luna was not yet awake. She walked down the Royal Chambers hall and then in to Luna’s room quietly and nudged her awake. “Luna, it’s time to raise the moon” she said with a loving smile.
Luna who was obviously not ready to wake up grasped the abacus she slept with tightly and replied still half dreaming “Noo Twilight… not there… hehe.” She was blushing even in her sleep.
Celestia blankly stared at her sleeping sister and began to think about what Luna had just said in her sleep—and then quickly squashed the thought. She nudged her sister again “Lu-Lu, Abbys gone missing!”
Luna got up quicker then lightning. Wha—huh? WHERE IS ABBY!?” she demanded, and then realized she was holding the abacus. “Oh, Sister, what time is it?”
“It is time to raise the moon Lu-Lu.” Celestia smiled again, knowing what was coming next: panic.
“AH! WE WILL NOT BE LA— oh, ‘I’ mean ‘I’ will not be late again!” Luna corrected herself, having remembered the speaking classes she was taking.
Luna got up from her soft velvet bed and groggily walked over to the patio that over looked the west garden. She began to focus her power from her soul to her horn and it began to glow a dark sky blue. She could feel the night and all that it encompassed. Princess Luna felt the sky as she made it darken and she lit the stars, and like a wave through the night they blinked on. Celestia watched silently as Luna regally moved her head from left to right slowly lifting the moon on the horizon almost effortlessly.
Luna’s face became disgruntled. “Wait… hmm… but… uhh… well that’s— “
SC<
“—Strange… It’s not supposed’ to be a harvest moon tonight” said Applejack, all around her were her friends Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity. They had decided recently to have a “Girls night out” Plus spike although he didn’t make it out of the library before he lost consciousness lying on top of Twilight back. It was a cool, but not too cold night out back behind Applejacks farm. The plan was to do some star-gazing, and then have a nice round of fresh apple pie.
“Harvest… moon?” asked Rainbow Dash.
Twilight took note that the moon was indeed a bright red, and almost in the middle of the sky… strange she didn’t think it was that late yet.
“Ya know, every once in a while the moon’s light appears red because of the atmosphere and—”
She didn’t even get to finish before Rainbow Dash Interrupted while smirking “whoa, Applejack, that’s some pretty smart words coming from somepony like you”
Applejack stared Daggers at RD “And just what Is that supposed to mean?”
Rarity and Fluttershy who were busy talking to each other took notice of the sour way the other conversation was headed.
Fluttershy quickly dissolved the situation “I don’t think she meant anything by it, I thought it was very informative… and um… smart!”
“Y-yeah!” said Rainbow Dash, Rarity rolled her eyes.
“That’s because I ahm Smart.” Said Applejack, puffing out her chest slightly, she was about to add ‘and don’t you forget it’ when she and the girls noticed the regular looking blue moon on the horizon.
Twilight, always the quick thinker, was first to ask “Wasn’t it just red? Wasn’t it also in the middle of the sky?” Everypony took a double-take looking between the two moons. Twilight continued “I have a feeling that this is not natural. Maybe I should write to Princess Celestia and ask her-”
And as if on cue, ‘uuurp’ came from the recently and uncomfortably awoken baby dragon. “uhhhg… why now?” said Spike as he rolled over in distaste. The scroll landed in front of him.
Twilight used her magic to take hold of the scroll and unroll it in front of her.
My most faithful Student Twilight
I am sorry to send this short letter and in even shorter notice at such a late time. Please come to Canterlot Castle as soon as possible, along with your friends. It may not be serious yet but I think It is best to be safe than sorry. We may need the Elements of Harmony. Luna and I will explain the situation properly once you arrive. On that note I have sent an escort for you and your friends.
Princess Celestia
“Come on girls, The Princess’s needs us!”
Rarity flinched “Oh dear… Discord hasn’t returned has he?”
Twilight shook her head “No, I don’t think it’s Discord, but”
Pinkie pie Hopped in front of Twilight “OOH ooh! Maybe she needs us for a PARTY!?” asked pinkie pie.
“What? No.” said twilight. “Why would-”
Pinkie pie interrupts again “Oh come on! I didn’t even get any lines until now and you’re going Change the scene!?”
“Change the scene? ... What are you talking about?” Twilight stopped and remembered to just ignore it. Pinkie pie was just being Pinkie pie.
SC<
Twilight was shivering, the wind this high up was a biting cold. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, were not doing much better, they were riding in the cart that was being flown by two top ranking royal guards. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were flying leisurely beside the cart. They didn’t seem too effected by the cold air and neither did the two guards who had bearings like statues, showing no emotion whatsoever. The moon was still crawling up the sky from the horizon, and everypony was starting to feel the time of night, even through the chilling air.
Rarity yawned “uuahh. Ahh. I need my beauty sleep. And this thin air is going to ruin my mane.”
Applejack looked to Rarity “I’m gonna have to agree with ya for once. I’m getting a might sleepy… What about you Pinkie?”
Pinkie didn’t respond to anypony in particular as she continued sleeping. The two of them stared at the sleeping pony, it was indeed a rare and weird sight to see the pink pony of energy and laughter in such a calm state, and even weirder to hear what she was muttering in her sleep. “zzzz… can’t wait… to meet the new pony… zzzz.”
Fluttershy had started to dip down every now and then, but Rainbow Dash kept watch and nudged her awake each time.
Twilights thoughts and focus were on the red moon above her however, too focused on it to listen to anypony else’s conversation.
Why would there be two moons? There is only one Princess Luna… right? I’ve never read about anything like this. Dose Luna control both moons?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the stern voice of the right guard who aside from personality and voice could not be told apart from his double. The armor they wore magically altered their appearance to be the same white Pegasus. “Ladies, we have arrived.”
Courteously Twilight thanked them for their late night work.
They had landed on a private balcony that led to a room with a long table with a map of Equestria bolted on it. Seats adorned each side and Princess Luna and Princess Celestia both entered soon after they did from the opposite side.
“Princess Celestia! I have so many questions!”
Celestia looks to her and her friends “I’m well aware of them my faithful student” she smiles. “but perhaps it would be best to save them for when everypony is properly rested, and don’t worry. I will explain as much as I can after you get a good night’s rest.”
Twilight wanted to protest but she could hear the relief in her friends sigh’s behind her.
Un-noticed by anypony… Luna had not taken her eyes off of Twilight Sparkle since she entered the room.
Twilight… she has done so much for me… When I was Nightmare moon she stood up to me on bravery alone. Even when the elements were crushed she did not falter. I owe her a great deal of gratitude, and not only for saving my life. She even went out of her way to help me on Nightmare Night, when I had felt rejected from Ponyvilles residents and all the screaming children, she helped me to understand and approach them properly. If it weren’t for her I would have cancelled Nightmare Night forever. I… I want to thank her, she’s such a nice pretty mare—
Twilight noticed Luna’s staring and began to stare back.
Luna blushed and stumbled on her words “WE WOULD… I WOULD… eh hem. I would love to—LIKE to thank you Twilight for the nice things you have done to—FOR me… So… t-thank you.
Celestia was a taken by surprise by Luna’s stuttering, she started to wonder why Luna seemed so embarrassed.
Is Luna being shy because she… likes Twilight? Hmm no that would be silly, Luna knows better than to become so attached to my personal student. She is probably just stuttering because of the speech classes she is taking.
Twilight was to say the least confused and oblivious. “Your… welcome Princess Luna.” she said and smiled.
Luna was badgering herself inside. Stupid stupid stupid! Why couldn’t I just—
and then she noticed Twilights smile and everything was right with the universe for all she cared.
Twilights smile is so peaceful… its even making me smile!
Everypony was escorted through the halls to a private room for guests where there were plenty of beds for Twilight and her friends.
“If you need anything let Silver Watcher know, he will be guarding the door to your room.” Celestia said before saying farewell to Twilight.
“Thank you Princess and goodnight” she with tired eyes and a half smile.
Luna had already gone to her room and was strangely not holding Abby this night. She wouldn’t need it tonight.
Everypony slept deeply save for one Unicorn mare currently searching through the Everfree forest…
SC<
Trixie had been searching in the Everfree Forest since mid-day for the “Ursa Minor” that had been previously a terror to ponyville. She had done some magical training and studying so that she might prove to herself that she is indeed the great and powerful Trixie, she would never admit that of course, she chopped it up to teaching that Ursa a lesson for destroying her wagon.
“uuugh! Trixie has been searching for HOURS and her recently fixed cape and hat are starting to get torn up again by this TERRIBLE FOREST! Why can’t this infernal Ursa just come out so The Great and Powerful Trrrrrixie can defeat him already!” her stomach rumbled. “Least Trixie dies of starvation or hypothermia. If it weren’t so dark Trixie could easily navigate out of—”
A low and powerful bear’s groan sounded behind her.
“the-great-and-powerful-Trixie-will-now-go-serch-over-there!” She whispered quickly and quietly before bolting away from the sound. She ran as fast as she could almost tripping on every shrub and loose root in her way. She didn’t know it was just a regular bear but she did know she wasn’t about to fight anything in this dark and cold night.
She started to calm down in time to stop before running right in to the river in front of her. “Water!” she dipped her muzzle to the water and began to drink the much appreciated water after her sprint. After she finished she looked straight up, noticing the bright red and full moon in the center of the night sky. “What is wrong with the moon tonight? Its giving Trixie a creepy feeling…”
A splashing sound came from the river and a voice with a silly accent responded to her. “Oh I know~ that moon has been giving me the chills ALL night.”
She jumped. “What!? Whos there!?” she used her magic to illuminate a small portion of river she was at, throwing a floating glowing light above her like a flair.
The river serpent came in to view and smiled warmly before introducing himself. “Why hello! My name is Steven Magnet the river-serpent! And this is the river I live in! Fabulous is it not?”
She stepped back. “No, this river and this entire forest is annoying Trixie to no end!”
Steven put his hand to his chest. “no no my dear, I was talking about my hair. What did you say your name was?”
She proudly puffed her chest out and closed her eyes before responding. “I am the Great and Powerful Trrrrixie! (A fanfare can be heard) And Trixie is not surprised a serpent who lives in a backwater forest does not know about her.”
Steven nodded and then pointed at her. “Well my fine pony friend, your hat and cape are simply dashing!”
Trixie stepped back forward trying not to seem rude to the courteous serpent. “Trixie is very glad to know that there are others even in places like these that appreciate a truly fine outfit such as hers. But she would rather be somewhere else then this gloomy forest…”
Steven stroked his glorious mustache in thought. “Well, maybe I can help; the only place I know that isn’t ‘here’ is ‘there’.” He pointed in the direction across the river. He rolled his back to make steps for Trixie and motioned for her to cross the river on his back.
Unsure of what she would find, she hesitated, but decided to trust the nice serpent. He had no reason to harm her did he?
“goodluck Great and Powerful Trixie!” Steven said before departing under the water.
She began her trek once more through the Everfree… hoping to find refuge and other ponys.
SC<
*knock knock* A muffled voice behind the door spoke. “Lady Sparkle? The Princess’s have breakfast waiting for you in the Dining room. Princess Celestia invites you and co. to have some with her.”
Twilight hadn’t been called by her title “lady” since she lived in Canterlot. Being the personal Protégé of Princess Celestia was practically instant nobility for you and your immediate family.
“Thank you Sir Silver Watcher. I’ll be out soon.”
Her friends stared at her. “My my, Twilight aren’t you quite the noble!” Rarity beamed.
“Yeah miss fancy pants!” pinkie pie giggled.
“Oh girls stop it. Seriously, that title just makes things so awkward, it’s one of the reasons I didn’t like hanging out with anypony. They would always treat me like high class.”
Applejack put a hoof to Twilight’s shoulder and then in a fancy voice she teased Twilight. “Oh but darling, one must uphold their title if you wish to be a Proper lady.”
Everypony except Rarity was giggling at the joke.
When the laughter stopped Rarity practically exploded. “A-APPLEJACK! W-where did you? When did you?”
Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t ah tell you that story? When I went to Manehatton I had to learn how to—”
Rarity exploded twice. “MANEHATTON!? YOU?”
Twilight tried to get everyones attention that was currently one Rarity and applejack. “girls… Girls!... GIRLS!!!” she got their attention. “We need to head to the dining hall… please” she said while smiling bashfully at her own outburst.
SC<
After an amazing breakfast spread everypony was quite pleased and awake. Luna returned from leaving the room earlier with a small black Mirror, it had the insignia single red eye that seemed to see through everything. It seemed to pierce twilights mind almost as she stared at it.
“Eh hem, excuse me everypony, but now I think it’s a good time to start explaining what you all saw last night.” Luna turns the Mirror around to show everypony the reflection side, which oddly did not reflect anything. “This is a Magical Item created a very long time ago called “The Eye of Anubis” and it can show you anything you ask it too. It has been previously locked away with good reason, but I have taken it out of storage to help explain what happened last night.”
Everypony nodded and continued to give Luna their undivided attention.
“Show me the Temple of Two sisters, the Alter of the red moon” The mirror’s black reflection side colored to life showing the chamber in the Temple with the red stone glowing a red hue on the altar. “Everypony, this is the cause of the second moon you saw last night, it is a magically imbued stone with and ancient spell attached to it. My sister will explain what it is.”
Celestia took a moment to remember all the details. She glanced at everypony before looking up in memory.
“Long ago when I had first… first banished Nightmare Moon… the duty of Sun and Moon fell to me. The High Council came to me one night and asked that a failsafe be made. In the case that I fall ill, or become incapacitated or mortally wounded—yes Twilight?”
Noticing her hoof raised in question. “Princess, can you be hurt like that…?”
Celestia smiled “don’t worry Twilight few can harm me or Luna, only those like Discord have such power, but even he wouldn’t come to give me harm, it’s “not his style” as he put it. Anyway, moving on, the High Council proposed that a magic object be made to manage the sun and moon in such a case. I agreed with them entirely and using the power of the strongest unicorns and the rarest of materials, we created two Magical twin Items for a ‘fake’ sun and moon called Faux one and Faux two respectively—yes Pinkie?”
Pinkie pie was now the one holding a hoof in question. “How do you pronounce that?”
Celestia was confused. “Well… I just said it, Faux”
Pinkie pie shook her head “how do you pronounce it? Like say if I was somepony trying to read about it can you explain it for the readers?”
Celestia’s confusion doubled. “Well… um… it’s pronounced faux or spelled out in a way readers can read… f, o, e, like foe.”
Pinkie pie seemed pleased.
“Moving on...” said Celestia “after a long while I told the council that they were no longer needed, so I decreed that they be un-made. However as things sometimes go, we lost Faux two because of bad organization. Not unlike the Eye of Anubis until just recently. After dismantling Faux one we searched high and low for Faux two but we never found it. Now as to the situation at hand, Faux two was activated somehow, maybe by somepony. When Faux two activated it brought about the Red moon in the sky, which under normal circumstances would have moved like Luna’s moon across the sky only it was completely activated, since it did not move across the sky.”
Twilight raised her hoof and asked another question. “so is it dangerous?”
Celestia sighed. “On its own, no. but if it got in to the wrong hands we could have a situation worse than discords chaos, and eternal night put together. The High Council has urged me to send somepony to retrieve it to be dismantled, which is why I gathered you six, the elements to help deal with it. The council asked that one of their own be taken as well to make sure it is handled properly. I’ll introduce you to him soon.”
Luna finally spoke again “It is of the upmost importance that you do not touch the stone with hoof or magic.”
Twilight once again politely raised her hoof asking “what would happen if somepony did touch it with hoof or magic? And how will we retrieve it?”
Celestia sadly looked down before answering Twilights question. “It… Is awful magic Twilight, it can only bring about great sadness. Please trust me and do not touch the stone in any way, the Council member who is going will handle it himself. Speaking of which, let me introduce him to you now.”
A very strong and sleek grey feathered and old griffon entered from the side of the room. He had yellow talons that looked like steel. A scar that started on the left of his forehead and passed under an eye patch and down to his lower left cheek made him look like a tough customer, and his facial expression made it that much tougher. His beak was cracked on one side and his good and visible eye was small and yellow. He looked permanently unhappy. Despite all this he introduced himself without sounding angry, he only sounded rugged and worn like he had seen war first-hoof or talon if you will.
“Hello Ladies. My name is Carter.”
It didn’t take a social expert to know he was in at one time or another in a military function, his accent gave him away for it immediately.
Even more surprising than his nice attitude was Fluttershy’s reaction. She came up to him and held her hoof out. He took it gently and shook it nicely.
Guess I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Thought twilight.
“High Council Carter is a recent addition since the Griffon-Pony peace project. Under that act we allow all that qualify a chance for position on the council.” Celestia informed.
“Miss—I mean Lady Twilight, if you don’t mind I’d like to get this Mission done and over with, so when you ready to go to the temple let me know.” Carter said.
“I don’t see why we can’t go now, everypony ready?” Asked twilight.
With a small nod from each of her friends they were ready to set out to the ruins once again.
SC<
Trixie awoke on the hard stone floor of the temple of the royal pony sisters, having found it as refuge to sleep for the night after the scary crossing of the rope bridge.
She got up uncomfortably and started to wander around looking for something useful or edible… this accursed little adventure of mine just gets better and better.
She found some stairs and took them down to find a large round room with a very small rectangle alter with a slit in it in the center, and the stained glass windows all around. She didn’t take notice of them except for the broken one in the middle. Trixie walked over to it and in after looking inside to see a red glow from a shiny rock on a Ceremonial looking altar, became curious as to what it was.
She attempted to climb in and tripped on broken glass in the window lightly cutting her leg and stumbling inside, where she collided head first with the alter knocking her unconscious…
SC<
Trixie awoke again feeling the pain on her foreleg and the pain in her head, thankfully not a deadly wound, but none the less painful.
She got up slowly and fuming with anger she screamed. “TRIXIE is so tired of dealing with this STUPID jungle and this STUPID temple and this STUPID—”
she noticed the rock glowing magically on the altar.
Hmm… with this magic looking rock Trixie could once again have a show like no other! Wow the crowd with ancient magic rocks! I could use it in my disappearing trick… or even better as a stage decoration!
Trixie began to lift her hooves to grab the stone, as 6 ponies and a griffon enter the ceremonial room via another entrence in the back.
“Trixie will once again be The Great and Powerful TRRRRIXIE!”
Twilight and her friends gasped, realizing that the blue unicorn was about to do exactly what they had been told not to.
The griffon leapt over them screaming “NOOOO DON’T TOUCH IT”
but it was too late. Trixie grabbed it in her hooves and the stone began to brighten its glow.
Brighter and brighter it glowed, filling the whole room until nothing could be seen in the light basking everything.
Everyone opened their eyes slowly as the light diminished. In Trixie’s hooves there was no longer a rock.
In its place was a small frightened unicorn filly no older looking then applebloom. She was crying softly.
Carter swore quietly “hay seed… but no matter… I can still fix this…”
To be Continued…
**Faux
Chapter two – Conflict**
“TWILIGHT!?” Trixie’s eyes were fixed onto the mare that outclassed her in magic during the Ursa-Minor incident. “What are you doing here? And where did the magic rock… Awww…” Trixie had looked right in to the eyes of the small unicorn filly in her hooves. With its dark red coat and dark orange mane, but standing out most of all was her pink eyes which held a sadness unfathomable. Trixie could not resist.
“Trixie? How did you get here?” Twilight asked pointing her hoof.
“Trixie does not need to explain herself” she tried to calm the filly down hugging it softly, ignoring Twilight. “Who are you little filly?”
The small filly in her hooves looked up and finally spoke after drying her eyes. “I… am Ewica”
Every pony gathered around Trixie and the small unicorn.
Carter stayed back watching from the entrance. He was waiting.
Pinkie Pie got close before addressing Ewica. “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie it’s so nice to finally meet you! Do you like parties? Because I have to make a welcome to Ponyville party just for you! Oh I hope you like cupcakes and ice-cream and balloons and cake and streamers, LOTS of streamers and—”
“Ewica would love to have a party… what is a party?” Ewica asked as she hoped out of Trixie’s hooves.
“Why are you talking like Trixie?” Trixie asked slightly annoyed.
Carter took this moment to pick up the filly with his talons and respond, interrupting Pinkie Pie before she could rant about the wonderful things that make a party. “That is because the spell is supposed to turn the stone into the likeness of the creature that touches it. Since Trixie is the one who touched it, it turned in to a little unicorn with terrible speaking patterns”
Trixie exploded. “WHAT? The Great and Powerful Trixie does NOT have a Speaking problem!”
“I’ve always wondered why you talk in the third pony…” Twilight said.
Trixie calmed down and with dignity started to explain “eh hem. I don’t have a speaking problem, I speak in the third pony for personal reasons that I don’t wish to share with these ponies.” She pointed to Rarity, Apple Jack, and Rainbow Dash.
Noticeably the three ponys in question became furious, remembering the things Trixie had done to them.
“Well, well, it doesn’t matter to me why Trixie speaks like a bumbling idiot.” Rarity said. She tilted her head up slightly in disgust.
Twilight remembered why they were there in the first place and looked to Carter, forgetting about Trixie and the other conversation. “Carter, what are you doing with Ewica?”
Carter had put the filly on his back and harnessed her to it with straps, so she would not be able to leap off when they began their walk back to Canterlot. “We have to take this—I mean her back to princess Celestia.” I need some time. Carter thought.
The argument had started to blow out of proportions meanwhile and ponies were hollering at each other.
Carter couldn’t stand the yelling, he couldn’t think strait with all the obnoxious bantering. He put one razor sharp claw to the glass of a nearby stained glass window and slowly ran it down its length producing a mind-shivering screeching.
SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
He stopped when every pony had shut up to put their hooves to their heads.
“Look ponies. We need to get out of the Ruins, by nightfall the Everfree forest will become a different kind of difficult… if you know what I mean.”
Reluctantly no-pony argued with him.
SC<
It was becoming dark, it had taken all afternoon to find the Royal temple the second time, the forest seemed to have changed, paths led differently somehow. Eight ponies, including Trixie and Ewica, and one Griffon were trekking through the forest. It was much too dangerous to fly over the Everfree Forest at night, the wild winds and the even wilder lighting would spell certain doom for a cart full of ponies. With Twilight and Carter at the head of the pact, Twilight was lighting the way, and Carter was navigating. Trixie kept close to the head, strangely wanting to keep a close eye on Ewica, who was strapped to Carter’s back.
“Ewica, are you alright?” asked Trixie.
“Ewica… hates being… Tied down! Ewica has… an important… Job to do.” She said struggling. Then Ewica remembered she was a unicorn, as if she had forgotten. Ewica used her magic to unbind herself and then hopped off Carters back.
“Hey!” Carter said turning around, every pony looked at Ewica as her horn glowed a soft Pink, like her eyes.
Her eyes began to softly light up pinker, and she closed them. Moving her little head from left to right, a odd sensation befell every pony. On the horizon a second red moon, smaller then the blue one, rose above the mountainside. Its red glow melded with the blue one turning the normally black sky canvas for the stars a purple hue. It continued to rise until it took its place close to the regular moon and then kept pace with it, seemingly a sister moon.
This is good… As long as she can control the faux moon I can still make my move. I’ll need some sort of excuse to watch over Ewica for the Princess… Carter thought.
Every pony was astounded, save for Carter, by Ewica’s display of magic. This is when they noticed her cutie mark. Adorning her left flank was a strange symbol. It was a Yellow moon, with 16 short rays and 16 slightly longer rays coming from it in all directions. The mares on the moon, or impact craters, spelled out XVIII. Eighteen in Roman pony numerals.
“That was beautiful!” Rarity said, still staring at the new night sky.
“That’s some pretty awesome magic you got there.” said Rainbow Dash hovering a foot of the ground.
“oooo, does that make you a Princess like Luna and Celestia?” Pinkie pie beamed before once again going on about a party for Ewica. “—I’ll make a cake in the shape of a moon, and we’ll have punch and pin the tail on the pony and popsicles and party hats and ME, Pinkie Pie!” she giggled.
“Ewica how do use such powerful magic, and control a moon at such an early age?” Twilight asked thoroughly interested in the little filly’s magical talent.
“What? Her name is Sapphire and Ewica has always known her because she has been Ewica’s friend forever. Ewica does not magic her in to the sky, she simply asks her too. It’s Sapphires important job too.”
The odd answer to Twilights question made every pony start to think. However the looming darkness of night reminded them that this was not the time, as they continued to brave the forest, steps in the darkness began to be heard around them. Suddenly there were sounds of something pressing on the dead leaves and dry plants in the forest, this made Carter stop. He motioned for every pony to be quiet.
A sharp and short growl was heard and more steps in the forest before a large beast at least two ponies high and almost three ponies long came in to view under the soft moonlight. Its black-to-grey fur covered every inch of it, pointy ears and wild blue eyes were on both sides of its long head. It stood on four paws with sharp claws, and its tail had wild and tattered hair. It was a fully grown Dire wolf.
And it looked hungry.
Carter was a tactician and an experienced soldier. He immediately grabbed Ewica and gave her to Rainbow Dash. “Take Ewica keep her safe, Fluttershy I need you to fly up and tell me how close we are to Canterlot mountain range. Twilight, Trixie, and Rarity, were going to need magic if we want to make it alive.”
“Right, I’m on it!” Twilight said.
“o-okay” Fluttershy said.
“Just leave it to Trixie!” Trixie said.
Rarity stared menacingly at Trixie, Twilight nodded to Carter.
Two more Dire wolves came in to view behind the first one. The three began to circle the pony pack. Carter moved in front and flaunted his long griffon wings outwards to cover the ponies behind him. Rainbow dash and Fluttershy both took to the air, staying just above the tree line. Rarity began to use her magic to make illusionary copies of the ponies left on the ground in their places. Trixie used her magic to set rope traps were the illusions where, as they started to walk away from them. Twilight began to panic. The three Dire wolves continued stalking in a circle, they held back knowing the Griffon could probably take one or two of them down if they initiated.
Why are they holding back? I know I can take on at least one of them… it’s like they’re waiting for—
Carter’s thoughts were interrupted.
Twilight and co. were stopped dead in their tracks.
Three more dire wolves came in to view opposite the side of Carter and the first three.
Twilight was now in full blown panic. When I read that book on dangerous creatures for the Ursa Major why oh why did I skim it? I haven’t read anything on dire wolves worth using now! Oh Celestia help us. What am I going to do? Should I teleport? No I can’t leave my friends behind—ONE OF THEM IS LOOKING RIGHT AT ME.
The illusion spell would only work on the first three. Illusions only worked in one direction at a time unless you knew advanced spells. One of the three new wolves made a growl in the direction of the first three, and the leader of the first three growled back, communication between them made it seem like they knew about the traps and illusion.
Fluttershy came down to carter and was almost too quiet to hear. “We are… um… really far… eep!”
The wolves began to move faster now all 6 circling the pack of ponies.
Carter’s thoughts went to the past. So this is how I’m finally going to go huh? What I wouldn’t give to have my old wing-mates with me, we could take em’ on just like in—
The six wolves pounced and Rarity, Trixie, and Pinkie pie screamed. Fluttershy’s wings snapped closed and she fell next to Twilight, Trixie, and Rarity. Carter Lunged forward at one of the wolves grabbing it in the neck with his griffon talons, Rainbow dash struggled between wanting to help, panicking, and keeping Ewica safe. Apple Jack bucked one wolf square in the face while the others were still mid dive for the rest of the group.
It seemed like the end for every pony.
However, Twilight opened her eyes with white glowing light coming from them, magic glowing on her horn.
A white bubble of magic came forth from Twilight growing in size; nothing could be seen from the mass of white light.
As the magic bubble grew, it encompassed Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Trixie, Pinkie pie, Rainbowdash, Carter, Ewica, and all six Dire wolves.
*pop*
Twilight Sparkle, Apple Jack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Trixie, Pinkie pie, Rainbow Dash, Carter, Ewica, and six dire wolves disappeared.
Along with a sizeable chunk of the Everfree forest.
SC<
Beautiful marble floors, elegant silk curtains, spotless windows, six brand new pillars, and two grand gold sculptures of Celestia and Luna atop a short platform were all things held within the newly refurbished Grand Hall in Royal Canterlot Castle. Celestia herself was within talking with High Council member Jiko.
“I’m worried your Highness, they have yet to return.” Jiko said.
“I know Jiko—but my faithful student will not let me down. I’m sure of it. But… maybe we should send a search party just in case.”
“At once your highness, I will talk to the Captain of the guard immediately about arranging the—“
Six confused ponies, one exhausted unicorn, one little filly, one old Griffon, six fully grown dire wolves, a large mound of dirt and shrubbery, a couple rope traps, and 4 uprooted everfree forest tree’s appeared in thin air before falling to the brilliant marble floor knocking down the new pillers, the new statues, and breaking the new windows.
“Twilight! My faithful student, and are those dire wolves!?” Celestia instantly used her magic to imprison the dangerous creatures in light prisms, the wolves were unable to move.
Carter slowly got up “if… you could do that before… why did we have to walk to the Temple in the first place?”
Twilight was breathing deeply and difficultly “I can’t… Actually… Control it…”
Fluttershy stayed stone still in the position she was in pre-teleport.
Rarity, Apple Jack, Ewica, and Rainbow Dash, tried to get up, all four of them with swirly eyes.
Pinkie pie sprang to her hooves. “WOOHOO! Do it again! Do it again!”
Twilights tired and exhausted thoughts made the mistake of listening to Pinkie pie, she contemplated doing it again.
Twilight passed out.
SC<
When Twilight awoke it was in a very comfortable bed. She could overhear an argument, her mind and ears were slowly starting to work again.
“Just because Princess Celestia sent us all to this guest room doesn’t mean you get to sleep in the same room with us Trixie, how can I trust you not to make my hair green again?” Rarity was on one side of the room with Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash.
Trixie sighed “Trixie did not do that too you in spite. Trixie is the innocent one here.”
This would be the third time Rarity exploded. “YOU? INNOCENT?”
Trixie interrupted Rarity and the other two before they could get another word in. “Look… Rarity, Apple Jack, and Rainbow Dash, Trixie is going to—no I’m going to level with you, when I came in to town, what was I doing?”
“Entertaining a crowd?” Fluttershy said helpfully.
“Yes, I was entertaining a crowed of ponies because I’m an entertainer, this is how I make bits. You know, to put food on the table. Now how do I do this?”
“With magic tricks?” Pinkie Pie joined the conversation too.
“Yes, but why would any pony want to come see magic from Trixie?”
This seemed to stump every pony. Making Trixie sigh again before answering her own question.
“Because Trixie boasts of her magic, she makes the crowed want to see Trixie’s magic. And sure, most crowds question my magic’s greatness. That is when you three continued to call me out in the front row, I could hear you and so could every pony else, it was after all, a small crowed. Trixie had to convince the crowd that Trixie was indeed the pony she claimed to be. I upstaged you because it was the only way my show can be saved when ponies like you three make her look bad in front of the audience.”
“But you told the audience that you defeated an Ursa Major!” said Rainbow Dash.
“Yes I lied, which is bad. I boasted of something to wow the crowed. In my defense, how could I know that two little foals would go looking for one? And on top of that, how could Trixie know that Lady Twilight here” she points to Twilight. “Was the personal protégé of Princess Celestia? Of course Trixie does not blame Twilight, she only did what she had to, to save Ponyville. Trixie had to save as much face was left however… so she ran out of town before Ponyville could run me out of town themselves.”
Somehow Rarity Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash didn’t feel so right about how they acted. They were still angry but now they understood Trixie’s side.
“So… that’s why you left in such a hurry?” Twilight decided to finally speak up after Trixie finished.
Trixie moved over to Twilights bed and put a hoof to the side of it “Trix—I mean I would like to apologize to you Twilight. I don’t blame your friends or you for anything really, in fact I’m grateful for you showing me up in town that night, had you not, I might not be alive today. You saved my life when you mollified that Ursa-Minor.”
Twilight blushed, complements were always nice. “o-oh its nothing, I couldn’t let that Ursa-Minor smash you like it did the cart… oh… sorry it smashed your cart.”
Luna entered the room hoping to ask Twilight for a moment of her time.
“It’s fine really Twilight! I retrieved my tattered hat and cape latter to get it fixed, and that’s all that really mattered to me… well actually, Twilight I’d like to say something about that night, when you lulled the Ursa-Minor to sleep… you showed such power and control of magic. No pony could keep their eyes off you. Including me… you’re a powerful mare Twilight… and I think I like you.” she said before blushing slightly and walking back to her own bed in the guest room.
Twilight was blushing profusely. She hid under her covers trying to deal with the new emotion flying around in her head.
Luna was frozen in place. While Twilight was on her quest at the temple, Luna had thought about Twilight a lot, she came to realize that she likes her maybe more than a friend... She waited until this moment to ask her for a privet moment to confess her feelings and this… this Trixie Just beat her to the punch. She was sad, and still kind-of confused about how she felt. She didn’t know what to do.
Luna walked away to return to her room.
Rarity had seen Luna come in, and then leave. “I wonder what that was all about?”
Apple Jack nudged Rarity for her to look at Twilight “Aww… Would ya’ look at that, Twilights got herself an admirer.” Apple Jack teased.
Pinkie pie and Rainbow Dash giggled slightly.
Rarity spoke softer and quieter then Fluttershy so no pony would hear her. “She’s not the only one with admirers.” Rarity whispered to herself as she looked at Apple Jack. I wonder if I can get her to speak elegantly again… Rarity thought.
It’s safe to say that every pony was exhausted and ready for sleep after the mission to and from the Royal Temple. With sleep overcoming Twilights confused and happy mind, she drifted off to stranger dreams.
SC<
Luna sighed. “Maybe it is a mistake after all…” The way back to her room in the castle felt longer tonight. She stopped on her way to the meeting room they had used when they arrived, and picked up the Eye of Anubis. “I should probably put this back, before we lose it again.” She looked around the room slowly. “Show me… Twilight Sparkle.” The mirror obeyed, the purple unicorn slowly came in to focus sleeping peacefully. “She looks so peaceful, I wonder what she’s dreaming about? Why are we so attracted to you Twilight?”
“Er hem, Why am I.” corrected Celestia who had been just around the corner.
“S-sister! Wha—how long have you been there?”
“I’ve been here long enough Luna. And I’m surprised… you know the difficulties with falling in love with other ponies, and even more surprised that of all ponies, my personal student…” Celestia was giving her a knowing look of disapproval.
“B-But sister! I know that I being immortal would mean—” Luna was cut off.
“I forbid you from—” Celestia began.
“No! Sister you can’t please!” Luna pleaded.
“—From telling Twilight anything but the honest truth.” Celestia smiled.
“W-what?” Luna was confused.
“Tell her the truth about how you feel Luna. You know I only wish the best for you.” Celestia often made her sister the target of her pranks.
“You mean you’re not mad? That I like Twilight?” Luna asked.
“Of course not sister, I love you, and I care deeply for my student, and I could think nothing better than to put you two together.” She held Luna in a warm hug before continuing. “Just make sure to be gentle with her, she a shy one.” Celestia winked.
Blushing Luna turned her head. “w-we should, I should get to bed.”
“You get a good rest. I’m going to work on a new project…” Celestia giggled.
Celestia and Luna left the room, Luna heading to the Royal chambers.
Sleep is not required for either Celestia or Luna, it only brings peace of mind. Luna slept soundly that night.
Celestia went down to the private garden to work on other things.
The Eye of Anubis was forgotten in the meeting room.
SC<
Luna had woken in time to drop the moon, and after Celestia brought the sun up she then lifted a large pruned branch from one of the trees in the garden with her magic. The royal gardener was scared for her life. Six full grown dire wolves sat with bearings like soldiers in a row next to Celestia. The huge chunk of wood was thrown with magic far in to the distance.
“Fetch!” Celestia said with glee.
All six of the dire wolves were off in an instant. One retrieved it mid-air, before being pounced some-what playfully by the other five dire wolves.
“No fighting.” Celestia said sternly, instantly brining the six beasts to a halt. Then with a motion of her hoof she got them to sit in a row again.
“This time I’ll throw it a bit farther!” Celestia said before magically lifting the branch again.
SC<
Meanwhile in the castle, special guest room, Applejack was the first to wake up. She had a work schedule on her farm and she naturally got up at the crack of dawn. Surprisingly though Trixie was already walking back in from freshening up in the washroom.
“Couldn’t sleep well there Trixie?” Apple Jack said almost jokingly.
“Hmm? No, Trixie always keeps a tight schedule, the early entertainer gets the worm… err… you know what Trixie means."
“Heh, yeah ah think ah get ya. About yesterday… after ah thought about it, I’ve been thinking maybe ah wasn’t very kind when you came in to town.”
“Think nothing of it Ah… Apple Jack right? Well it’s all water under the bridge. It actually wasn’t that bad of an incident. Word of the Ursa-Minor that almost killed Trixie didn’t spread as fast or as wide as word that Twilight Sparkle subdued an Ursa-Minor.”
“Ah reckon that’s good an all but let’s get one thing strait between us. Don’t you dare hurt Twilight ya hear?” Apple Jack was squinting and motioning with her hoof certain death.
“Trixie… wouldn’t purposely hurt Twilight, but Trixie is afrai—er, Trixie is wondering if maybe she confessed too soon. What if Twilight doesn’t like Trixie?”
Apple Jack was looking at the clock on the desk to see what time it is, and noticed that Fluttershy’s bed was empty and not in the room. “umm… ah think your over thinking things, ahm sure as sunshine that ah am not the best pony to talk about love and all that stuff, but If you just be who you are, there’s nothing else you can do really… right?” does Fluttershy get up before I do?
Trixie moved the curtains letting the light filter in waking every pony else up. “Hmm, thanks Apple Jack, hopefully the others will warm up to Trixie too.”
Every pony began to stir, rubbing the sand of sleep from their eyes, yawning and taking turns to freshen up in the one washroom. Before long every pony was awake and accounted for accept Fluttershy who entered from the balcony door.
“Oh! good morning.” She said cheerfully
Apple Jack was quick to ask “Fluttershy, where did you go so early in the morning?”
“Oh, um, I got curious about the garden, since last time was… um… well you know, so this morning I flew down to the garden to see the pretty plants.” Fluttershy nodded her head as if to approve of what she was saying.
“No problems with the animals this time?” Twilight asked remembering the scene almost vividly.
“Well no… not this time.” Fluttershy meekly said.
*knock knock*
“Lady Sparkle? The princesses are preparing breakfast again, and will be ready to debrief you afterword.” Silver Watcher was again guarding the guest room.
“Just a moment! And thank you Sir Silver Watcher.” Twilight turned around to face Trixie.
“Oh! Yes Twilight?” Trixie didn’t know what to expect next.
“Umm about last night, what you said… was confusing, but also really nice” Twilight blushed slightly. “I was wondering if maybe you could come to Ponyville and we could… hang… out? Because we didn’t really get a chance to talk last time we met, and the time after that and—”
A couple jaws dropped.
“Twilight dear, are you asking Trixie on a DATE?” Rarity said a little too loudly.
“WHAT? No! its not a date! Its…its… a thing… at a place? I just want to hang out!” Twilight countered.
Trixie stopped Twilight before she could stumble more. “Trixie would—I would love to spend some time to get to know you and hang out. Hopefully Ponyville doesn’t run me out of town.” She said the last part with legitimate worry.
“That would be great! A-any way lets all get to the dining hall.” Twilight changed subjects noticing all the eyes of her friends were on her and Trixie.
Every pony was beginning to remember the questions that circled in their heads last night.
SC<
Celestia, Luna, Twilight, and her friends were once again gathered in the meeting room after a breakfast fit for a king. This time however Trixie was also attending, Twilight had told Trixie about everything prior to Ewica being found. Twilight had asked many questions and Celestia had answered… most of them. Celestia told her that yes, the stone is supposed to turn in to the same creature that touches it when activated. She also told her that Ewica is a very special pony. The next question was bigger than the rest of them, and yet the most vague.
Trixie raised her hoof, and asked some-what simply “so… what now?”
Celestia and Luna looked to each other before addressing every pony present.
Luna began “My sister and I have done some thinking…”
“It may be best to let Twilight and her friends take care of Ewica for a while.” Celestia finished.
With the exception of Pinkie Pie, who loved to throw parties for new ponies, Twilight and most every pony else was thrown back by that.
“What? Me take care of a little filly?” Twilight was not sure about the reasoning behind the princesses’ decision. “Why?”
“It will be… a good chance to learn something.” Celestia said before looking down in deep thought. “Also, some pony has told me of plots being schemed in Canterlot, we don’t know who it is, but we don’t want Ewica to be at risk, if the wrong pony gets to Ewica than we could have a really big problem.”
Luna brought Ewica in to the room on her back. Ewica looked pleased to see Pinkie Pie.
“Pinkie! Ewica is really happy to see you again!” said Ewica hopping off of Luna and rushing right over to random pink pony.
“ooo! Hi Ewica! Guess what? The princesses are going to let you stay with us for a while! You know what that means?”
Ewica did not know what that means, but never got to guess either.
“A PARTY!” shouted Pinkie Pie.
Sir Silver Watcher entered the room and quickly made his way to Celestia.
“Your Highness, the Eye of Anubis has gone missing. The Council fears that it will be used for evil.”
Celestia’s face became serious. “Silver Watcher, please go inform the guard to double the security staff. Also have the rest of the special relics put back in the treasury, locked tight.”
SC<
In a dark alley at the edge of Canterlot City limits, Carter pulled out the Eye of Anubis from under his wing. He had smuggled it out. He knew very well that stealing it was grounds for treason and punishments worse than banishment.
But Carter didn’t care.
He pulled the mirror up to his face leveling it with his one good eye.
“Show me… the perfect opportunity… to achieve my goal.”
The Mirror obeyed.
To be continued…
