Bonds

Chapters

Prologue: Only A God Can Kill A God...
Prologue 2: I've Returned, Dear Sister...
Chapter 1: Awakening
Chapter 2: Awakening Part 2
Chapter 3: Awakening Part 3
Chapter 4: Awakening Part 4

Prologue: Only A God Can Kill A God...

Author's Note

Attention. I'm back with another story. These are just beginner chapters, to see whether others might like this sort of thing. Let me know what you think, and if you would please, remember to up vote me if you liked it. If you down vote it, let me know why so I can fix the problem. Although the opinions of those who liked it would be greatly appreciated. I love to see what others think of my work after all! Enjoy!

Prologue: Only A God Can Kill A God...

A beaten, broken and bloodied form lay sprawled out on the ground just outside the entrance to a large, cavernous cave. They were in so much pain that they couldn't even stand, let alone summon the energy to even attempt to do so. So instead, they crawled. They crawled like a snake in the grass, or rather, like a newborn baby who has yet to learn how to walk. Worse than that even, as they couldn't even use their legs, and were thus unable to even use all four limbs to crawl. Instead they focused what precious little energy they had left into maintaining the simple tasks of keeping their head raised and their arms moving, and it was getting infuriatingly hard to do that.

Not that they knew what it was to be infuriated anymore.

One bruised, battered, shaky arm in front of the other, they trudged along the rest of the way, into the cave and through its many winding passages. If one were to take a look at the place now, they would liken it to a labyrinth rather than a cave, and be surprised as to how this figure could make its way so purposefully toward its destination, as if it knew the cave inside and out.

The cave itself, in contrast with the state of the figure, was rather pristine, with smooth limestone walls and an eerie dim green glow that seemed to illuminate the entire place wherever you went. So much so in fact that the glow seemed to be being emitted from the walls themselves. It was also very spacious. It was much larger on the inside than the outside, and was probably made that way to deceive unsuspecting passerby who, in their curiosity, just so happen to wander over to it.

The figure gave a slight smile. Or at least it would have had that action not made its jaw muscles ache terribly, which in turn sent it into a coughing fit in which it coughed up a rather sizable puddle of blood. This would not have been much to worry about had it not been for the fact that the figure had been bleeding quite a bit even before making it this far. The only thing that had kept it alive was the fact that the injuries it had suffered on the surface, though many, were not fatal. It was the many internal injuries, the broken and bruised bones, that had caused it to get this way. It continued on its way through the labyrinth cave until it reached a certain room. In this room was a chair. However, this was not just any chair. It was a throne. A massive gilded symbol of glory and a testimony to the immense power of whoever once sat on that magnificent perch.

The figure looked on at the gorgeous throne, its design an eerie dark green that contrasted nicely with the ever present light green emitted by the walls of the cave. It narrowed its eyes at it, as if willing it to do something. To mock its sad, pathetic appearance and the broken, battered state of its body. For this figure, this being, this withered, beaten, sorry excuse for the shell of a wounded animal, was none other than Queen Chrysalis, the very one that this magnificent throne used to belong to.

But, even as she stared at it, in all its wondrous majesty, she could do nothing but lower her head, all the way down to the ground where it had been all those years ago. The very sight of that throne made her insides churn and her body ache even worse than it had been only moments before. She could remember it like it was yesterday. The thought had been burned into her mind, and she would remember it for as long as she lived.

Ever since the attack on the royal wedding at Canterlot, Chrysalis has tried time and time again to claim Celestia's throne for herself and her changeling hive. Each time she came back more determined, more confident. And each time she was defeated in a more humiliating fashion.

Over and over she was forced to drag herself back to her hive in shame, too proud to ask for assistance from her changeling children. Over and over she vowed vengeance, only to be denied it countless times at the hands of her most hated enemy, Princess Celestia.

Even now the thought of her made her angry. Why couldn't she ever win? Why couldn't she ever just get what she wanted for once? All she needed was a place to call home.

This was her thought process as she dragged her crippled, bloodied body up onto the throne that used to be hers, before that wretch Starlight Glimmer and her traitorous child Thorax forced her to flee from her own kingdom.

She mentally laughed at herself for being so pathetic. But to be honest, she knew this would happen. She knew that if she kept fighting, she would eventually be driven to this point. But she had to. It was for her children.

Yes, she knew this would happen, but this...this was different. She could no longer feel any anger toward her. In fact, the thought of facing her again after this, to put it simply, terrified her.

That day, she had seen the full power of a god princess firsthand, and it had turned her into this. Apparently, she had been so fed up with the constant attacks on her kingdom, that she did not have the time, nor the patience to put up with another one. Nor did she have the kindness for one. Especially when the next one came from the very same one who had terrorized her beloved citizens so many times before. All Chrysalis remembered from that point forward was a blinding flash of white light and being in the most agonizing pain she had ever felt and would ever feel in her immortal life. Immortality was a gift given to all the queens of the hives. They considered it a blessing created so they could continue producing children, and soon populate the world with their kind. In that sense, they were, quite literally, destined to rule the world. Chrysalis chuckled lightly, causing another coughing fit to come over her before she got up enough strength to say, "I suppose that dream was never meant to come to pass."

But the strangest thing was, she couldn't feel that pain anymore. In fact, she couldn't feel anything below her waist anymore, and the feeling was slowly rising to her upper body. She immediately knew what this meant. She was dying. She laughed to herself as the feeling rose more quickly, taking with it the feeling in her arms. Then she began to lose her senses. First her sense of touch, then taste, then smell, and finally sight. She felt so tired. She laid her head down on the arm of her throne and closed her unseeing eyes. The last thing she heard before losing her sense of hearing was her last words.

"I guess the saying is true then. Only a god, can kill a god."

Prologue 2: I've Returned, Dear Sister...

"Art those really thou last words?"

A distinct voice could be heard in the distance as Chrysalis closed her eyes for the final time in her life. Or at least, that's what she thought she did. Her eyes snapped open, and in a short moment of pure shock she realized she could see! Too bad all she could see in front of her was darkness. But she had heard something, and that meant that her senses were coming back, and that was a good sign. A sign she was more than a little grateful for.

But then she saw something that made her take that gratitude right back.

"We believe we asked thou a question. Art those really thou last words? Would thou liketh those words to be the ones engraved on your tombstone for all of eternity?"

Chrysalis knew that voice. That booming tone, that ancient, regal speech. It couldn't be her! But there was no mistaking that voice. It had to be her! There was no one else it could possible be!

Chrysalis was shocked at this revelation. Surely she couldn't be here for her? But then again, she was the only one in the entire cave at the moment, and she was also the only one that, just a few moments ago, was inches away from deaths door. She scrambled for what to say, not wanting to sound as pathetic as she felt in front of who she thought this was. However, when it didn't come, she settled on saying the one thing that came to mind as soon as the question was asked. And so, no wanting to make them wait any longer she said, "No!"

The voice seemed to ponder this for a moment, for it had grown quiet. Then, with a slightly less booming, yet still regal voice, the voice said, "Good. For we hath something of dire importance to discuss with you."

As this was said, Chrysalis could just make out a pair of eyes. These were not just any eyes however, These eyes were menacing, fierce, and hungry. Those eyes seemed to be the only light in the perpetual darkness that had clouded her vision. In fact, they seemed to suck the light right out of everything around them until they were the only visible things in the room.

That is until she heard footsteps, and out of the all consuming darkness walked the single, solitary last girl Chrysalis had ever wanted to see.

There before her, in the flesh was Nightmare Moon, in all her wicked glory. Her armor glistened in a non-existent light and her hair swayed in an invisible wind that seemed to blow for her and her alone.

"It's you! B-but, it can't be!" It was at this point that Chrysalis did something that shocked them both. She prayed. Prayed for her life. Prayed for a chance to go back to when she was about to die even. Anything to get away from this mare.

This was Nightmare Moon, scourge to ponykind and the only thing she had ever thanked Celestia for doing in her life. She needed to get away, but she was soon distracted from her thoughts by a voice.

"Why dost thou pray? Dost thou not recognize a god when thou sees one? Your prayers will be heard even if you do not speak them aloud green one."

"B-but, It's...you!" Came Chrysalis' weak reply.

"Yes, it is I, Nightmare Moon. You know, if thou truly do desire death, I can grant you a peaceful one. You will pass without any pain."

"But...Celestia banished you!"

At this, Nightmare Moon's expression changed to one of controlled rage, and Chrysalis shrank back in actual fear "Don't you dare speak her name in front of me." was all she said before calming further.

"I see you like to get right to the heart of the matter... That is exactly what I came here to discuss with you."

This got Chrysalis' attention, and she leaned in closer. "What is it?"

Nightmare Moon smiled a wicked smile at this."It is simple, green one. I desire vengeance. And you will help me."

"You want...to get revenge on Celestia? For banishing you?" Chrysalis said, more in a tone of confirmation than questioning.

"Precisely." was all the armor clad girl said. "Am I correct in assuming that you desire some form of payback as well?"

Chrysalis thought on this a moment. Revenge. She had wanted it before. But not anymore. She had given up. She had been soundly defeated. She would never win. Revenge was the furthest thing from her mind these days, especially with her body in such a condition. "No. I couldn't do it even if I wanted to. Especially not like...this." She gestured to her battered beaten and...and... and nothing.

Her body was in perfect condition. She looked up in shock at the girl before her.

"How did you...?"

"I am a god, remember?"

Chrysalis was about to hug the god princess. Yes, hug her, when a hand stopped her cold before the action could even be put into practice.

"No hugging!"

Chrysalis tapped her hands together sheepishly and grinned nervously. "You can...read my mind?"

Nightmare Moon simply gave her a questioning look, as if the answer was obvious. Which it was.

Chrysalis seemed to get the hint. "Oh...right, yeah. A god."

Then chrysalis had a thought. "But if you're so all powerful, why come to me?"

Nightmare Moon simply gave her another questioning look, which she returned this time.

The mare sighed before answering. "It is simple, green one. I need you."

"You need me?!" said Chrysalis in disbelief. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Why would an all powerful god need her. "But...what could I do?"

"You misunderstand me, green one. It is not your strength I seek, but rather your mind."

"My mind?"

"Indeed. I am not at liberty to tell you of my plan, for even I do not trust the likes of someone who would dare bring harm to Equestria."

She glared at Chrysalis, causing her to gulp.

"Now, allow me to ask you again. Are those the words that you want the world to see on your tombstone, green one?"

Chrysalis thought on this a moment, pondering what she should do. She had given up on getting her revenge. She had been beaten so badly that she had been only inches away from death only a moment ago. If anything, she had to do this to repay her. No. That wouldn't do. She had to do this for herself. All these years Celestia has denied her her chance at survival, her chance at a proper life. She had almost cost her her chance at this life as well. She would have her revenge if it was the last thing she did!

"No, they aren't. And don't call me green one. My name...is Chrysalis. Rouge Changeling Queen." Her royal demeanor had returned to her speech once again. For all intents and purposes, Chrysalis was well and truly back.

"Fitting Title. Very well, then, Chrysalis. Come with me, into the darkness..."

After that moment, Chrysalis followed Nightmare Moon into the void of darkness she had come from, and was, presumably, never to be seen again.

But the one question remains. Where did she go?

Chapter 1: Awakening

A lone figure stands atop a cliff over looking a small town. Behind them lay a dark forest, teeming with dangerous beasts and life threatening peril. They look back over their shoulder at the place they had only moments ago so bravely fought to escape from, and then return their gaze to the village just below them. There had to be other people there. After all those years spent in that dark forest, they had finally found civilization. They take a deep breath, and look dreamily into the sky above them, as the wind blows their long, purple hair to and fro.

As the wind settles, her long, waist length hair settles upon her feminine form, framing the fair skinned face, and nigh naked hourglass figure of one Twilight Sparkle.

She knew she couldn't jump without risking serious injury, so she searched around for an alternate path to the town. When she finally found one, she made her way down to the village while hoping and praying that the forest was all she had to be afraid of.

Twilight made her way down the path through the forest. Ever since she found the cliff she's had the good fortune of finding more and more paths through it. She didn't know whether or not this particular one led to the village or not, but she was willing to take her chances to get out of the forest and away from any more of those beasts.

Off in the distance was a mountain. She sincerely hoped she wouldn't have to climb it. And so she trudged on, looking for a way to civilization at last.

Upon the realization that the mountain she had so far been using as a landmark to guide her back just in case she got lost, was in fact home to a castle in itself, she began to gain hope that she was getting closer and closer to civilization.

And as it turns out, she was right to do so, as while she had been running in her haste to see someone, anyone who could point her in the right direction, she had not been paying too much attention to her surroundings, which were slowly becoming more and more civilized as she went.

When she finally became aware of her current state of being, she realized that she had come to the village already.

The first thing to register in her newly aware mind, was the fact that the village looked rather simple, with thatched roof homes and market stands. The second thing to register was the fact that, though the village was simple, the people, who, of those she could see given that most of them were now staring at her, were not so simple.

Some had wings, and some had these weird markings on their shoulders that looked to her to be runes of some sort. Was it an ancient language? Was it a tribal initiation of some kind?

It was all so strange to her, and yet the one thing that seemed to tie all this together, the one thing they seemed to all have in common, was the fact that all of this seemed so familiar to her. as if she was once a part of this village. She tried to think back, to remember what connection she could possibly have had with the townsfolk, but when she did, she found that she suddenly felt a jolt of pain in her head. She wondered why she couldn't remember. It was at this same moment that she noticed a strange protrusion jutting out from her forehead. It felt like...a horn. She touched it absentmindedly, wondering how it got there and whether or not she had always had it.

She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around to see a girl with a rather puffy hairstyle smiling at her.

"Hiya! I'm Pinkie Pie! Are you alright? What's wrong with your head? Are you hurt? Why are you half naked? What's your name? Oooh, we need to get you to the clinic right away!"

Twilight considered the girl for a moment. Despite her...cheery demeanor...she seemed genuinely concerned, a fact made stronger by the fact that she was currently jumping up and down from one leg to the other while looking around frantically and sweating profusely. Twilight decided to ease her troubles. She turned and addressed the newly named 'Pinkie Pie'.

"Thank you for worrying about me, Ms. Pie, but I assure you I am fine. I just had a little headache is all. My name is Twilight Sparkle."

Pinkie stopped her jumping, which she was now just doing for fun. "Oh really? That's great! That means you're okay! Oh, and please, call me Pinkie. All my friends do."

And then Pinkie held out a hand. Twilight took it and they shook hands. Then she remembered why she had come here.

"Excuse me? Could you perhaps...tell me where I am? I've traveled a long way, and I need to know if I can find a place to rest here."

Twilight watched as Pinkie pie stopped, put a finger to her chin, and thought. Then was startled as she suddenly cried, "I just had the greatest Idea in the history of ideas!"

"You...did?" was all Twilight could respond with.

"Of course I did! You need a place to stay right? Well, I know the perfect spot for you to stay! And it's right here in Ponyville!"

When pinkie finally stopped talking, Twilight considered her words once more. So the town was called Ponyville? Well, where is this place she could stay then?

"Duh! Come on, I just said it was right here in Ponyville! Follow me, I'll show you."

Twilight wondered why the girl said that to her, but then realized that she must have been speaking out loud without realizing it. She followed her through the town.

It seemed Pinkie Pie knew everyone. She kept waving and smiling at what Twilight would consider random strangers If she ever met them. Or would she? She felt a strange connection to some of the people she saw.

A female farmer with a brown stetson hat, a rather fashionable girl with diamonds etched into her shoulder, and a girl with large blue wings and a mess of multicolored hair.

When her tour guide had finally made it to the place she thought would be a great resting place, Twilight took it upon herself to look around.

They seemed to have made their way through the center of the town and come to a stop in front of a place that smelled strangely of sweets. The scent set Twilight's mouth to watering as she stared at the sign in front of her. Sugarcube Corner.

This was the place where she could rest? It didn't even look like an inn! Not even a hut like the one she had shared with that zebra with the strange speech patterns. How could she rest here. The only thing it looked like she could gain here was a stomach ache. Nevertheless she followed the cheerful girl into the place, and was surprised to see that not only was the place a bakery like she had originally thought, it had indeed been, an inn. A fact proven by Pinkie's insistence that Twilight follow her into a back room, which, upon closer inspection, held many beds. It also already held a customer, considering another person was already there.

The person seemed to be too busy to notice them, but Twilight had no trouble noticing her, What with her large magician's hat and cape framing her slim figure. She had blue hair, an oddity in Twilight's eyes, even after seeing the ever happy Pinkie's explosion of pink hair. But there was one detail that stuck out to her even more than the rest.

She too had a horn! Perhaps she could inform her of what they meant, and why she had one, too!

She knew now what she must do. She must speak to her! She began to make her way over to the girl, when Pinkie stopped her.

"Here's that rest stop you wanted!"

Twilight stepped back, startled once more before saying, "Thank you, Pinkie. You have been a great help."

"Aww, it's nothing, Twi! Enjoy your stay! And be careful of Trixie. She's a bit of a showboat." she said in response as she walked, or rather, skipped, away. Her boundless energy always seemed to stump Twilight.

She returned to her originally intended plan, and walked up to the girl, who she assumed to be this 'Trixie' person Pinkie mentioned. She didn't know what a 'showboat' was, but she figured she'd find out. How right she was.

"Excuse me, miss? Are you Trixie?"

Trixie looked up, startled. She had been so engrossed in brushing her hair in the innkeep's mirror that she failed to notice someone behind her.

"And who might you be?" Trixie said, in a slightly annoyed voice.

Twilight noticed he slight jump and said, " Yes, of course. My name is Twilight Sparkle. I'm very sorry. Did I frighten you?"

"N-no! Trixie was not frightened at all. She is much too great and powerful to be scared off by such a-" The brush she was holding slipped out of her hand and hit the dresser that the mirror was nailed too. "Ahhhh!"

Trixie grabbed the brush and hid it behind her back as quickly as possible, trying to hide her shame. With a sheepish grin she turned back around to face Twilight, who had a slight smirk on her face, as well as a single raised eyebrow.

Trixie laughed nervously, then, with shocking ease, threw off her embarrassment and said, "Nevermind that. What do you require of the great and powerful Trixie Lulamoon?"

Twilight rolled her eyes and said, with a more serious expression, "You have...a horn."

Trixie was so surprised by the strange statement that she laughed. "Of course I do, I'm a unicorn."

At that moment, something clicked in Twilight's head. A kind of...understanding. Where it was coming from she had no idea, but the word 'unicorn' seemed to have a deeper meaning for her in that moment.

"You're a...unicorn?" she said, hesitantly.

Trixie snorted. "Duh! All unicorn's have horns, dummy!" She knocked her on the head a little.

"Ow! Hey!" Twilight removed her hand and glared at her. Then, a thought occurred to her. "D-does that mean...I'm a unicorn?"

As she said this she pushed her bangs out of the way to reveal her horn. Trixie examined it.

"Yep. You're a unicorn alright. An honest to goodness magical unicorn. Though not as great and powerful as me, of course."

There it was again. Another word that seemed so foreign, yet so familiar. Magic. It was like it rung a bell in her mind. But she just couldn't tell why. She soon found herself feeling really exhausted. She yawned, and decided to let that matter go for now.

"Well, Trixie, I'll be seeing you later then, I suppose. I must be going. I'm very sleepy."

"Me too." was her response.

With that the two of them went there separate ways. Or did they? Twilight, after getting a room key from the innkeeper by paying her what Pinkie called 'bits', she left to find her room, only to be surprised when, by the time she got there, Trixie was there too.

The two girls stared at each other for a long moment before they both said, "What!?"

Chapter 2: Awakening Part 2

"What is this?!" A light blue hand slammed into the counter, startling the innkeeper on the other side as she stared into the furious face of one Trixie Lulamoon.

"W-whatever do you mean, miss?" The mare stated as she sweat dropped and brought her hooves in closer to herself, as if she was afraid that her tenant might assault her. She spoke in a polite tone despite her fear, having been taught to do so in her customer service training. Even so, she couldn't help wondering what she had done to incite the customer's wrath.

"Don't play dumb with Trixie! You gave us copies of the same room key!"

Twilight, who had followed her downstairs to the counter in a futile attempt to calm her temper, knew that Trixie's 'us' included her, and yet, she was still slightly confused by the whole ordeal.

"But miss, I-" The innkeeper started, but Trixie cut her off.

"But nothing! Ugh, this is so frustrating!" She turned her head away from the mare, too upset to look her in the eye.

"Now, now, miss Lulamoon, i'm sure the nice mare just made a mistake is all." Twilight turned to the innkeeper and flashed a smile that spoke volumes about her current inability to handle the situation.

The innkeeper saw this and understood, but was too confused to focus on it for too long before saying,

"Mistake? You mean, you two aren't..."

Twilight looked at the mare at the counter in confusion. "Aren't what?"

"...A couple?" came the mare's reply.

Trixie stiffened, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Twilight. She turned around.

"No, We're not! What on earth gave you that Idea?!"

"Well, you were waiting patiently for me to find the keys to the room you requested, and..."

"And? Aren't you supposed to do that when something takes a while to get done?"

"Well, it's just, you were hanging by the mirror, just waiting. Usually people get antsy and impatient and start yelling at me about wasting their time. It really gets to me, seeing as i'm a newbie here and all. I just assumed that since you were waiting so patiently that you must have been waiting for someone. And then I saw her and, well..."

Trixie's eyes widened, as she realized what had just happened. She looked over at Twilight, who blushed, and blushed back. And she had just done all that yelling. She turned back to the innkeeper

"Sorry about that. It was just a misunderstanding. Could've happened to anypony." She cleared her throat. "So...about that room key..."

Now, it was Twilight's turn to speak. She turned to Trixie.

"I don't mind sharing a room, Miss Lulamoon. If that's alright with you of course."

Trixie seemed to think on it a moment, another light blush staining her features as she did so. "U-um...I'm fine with it if you are."

She looked back to see that Twilight was smiling. "What's that look for?"

"Oh, i'm sorry. It's just...forgive me, I know this is coming from a stranger but...you can be quite cute, Trixie."

Trixie's blush intensified, causing her face to resemble a tomato. "Sh-shut up, you!"

With that, the two left for their room, having forgotten the innkeeper, who was left wondering if they really weren't a couple after all.

After that ordeal, the two decided to turn in for the night, too mentally exhausted to do much else. Of course, they did talk for a while, and were in the middle of one of their conversations right about now.

"Seriously though, what in Celestia's name was that innkeeper thinking. How could we be a couple? We barely know each other."

"I don't know, but it sure was..." Twilight stopped in the middle of her sentence. Trixie noticed this and looked over at her. Her eyes were wide open and she looked as though she was shocked.

When Twilight finally spoke again, it was in a shaky and slightly trembling voice. "What...did you just...say?"

Trixie was a little confused by Twilight's reaction, but repeated herself anyway, just in case she really hadn't heard her.

"I just said...what in Celestia's name-"

Twilight couldn't explain it. She had no idea how to explain it but, when Trixie said that name, she felt a surge of intense fury the likes of which she'd never known. She didn't know what was going on with her. She had never felt such savage emotions in her entire life. They burst forth in her mind, threatening to consume her, and Twilight felt fear grip at her once again.

However, this wasn't anything like the fear she felt when escaping those wooden monsters during her years in the forest. That was her self-preservation, her instinct to survive driving her forward and allowing her to stay alive in the unforgiving jungle that was once her home.

This fear was real, invasive. It threatened to eat her alive if she was not careful.

Her fear must've shown in her face, because the next words from Trixie snapped her out of her trance and brought her back to reality.

"Twilight, are you alright?"

Twilight looked up to see Trixie's face inches away from hers. She recoiled so fast that she fell over.

"Oww...that hurt."

Trixie stood straight and offered a hand to help Twilight up, which she gratefully took, dusting herself off. "Thank you."

"No problem." Trixie said, smiling. But her face turned serious only moments later. "What was all that?"

"I...I don't know. When you mentioned that name...I felt this rush of uncontrollable anger..."

"Who, Celestia?"

"Don't say the name again!" Twilight put her ears over her head to prevent the anger from rising again. "Please, miss Lulamoon!"

"Trixie."

Twilight uncovered her ears and look up in confusion. "Huh?"

"My name. Call me Trixie from now on. Like you did back at the counter."

"But..."

"No buts. We're friends after all. Aren't we?"

Twilight took a moment to consider this. "Really? We're friends?"

"That's right. From this moment on, we're friends." Trixie beamed at her, tipping her magician's hat to show her face.

Twilight was shocked. She had never had friends before. The only person she ever had who was anywhere near even an acquaintance was that zebra from the forest she lived in. What was her name again?

Oh well, it didn't matter right now anyway. For now, she had a friend. An honest to goodness friend to call her own. And the best part? She had just got to the village.

She stood up straight, smiling back at and held out a hand, which Trixie took. "Yes, we are."

And with that, they shook hands and headed off to bed, both too happy to go to sleep right away, and too tired to talk anymore.

Soon they both drifted off to dreamland, but Twilight wasn't fortunate enough to escape her fears so easily.

Chapter 3: Awakening Part 3

Twilight woke up in a cave. She sat up from the cold floor and looked around, confused. "Wasn't I just at the inn? Where am I now?"

She stood up and started walking, choosing to look for an exit rather than waste her time thinking about it.

"What is this place? It doesn't look very welcoming."

She made her way down the path and continued her search, looking at the cave walls for any sign of a way out. When she couldn't find one, she sped up her walking and, unbeknownst to her, entered a much larger, much more complex, area of the cave.

Her legs carried her all the way to a wall, which, if not for the fact that she looked up from her thoughts at the last second, she would've bumped into.

But there was something different about this wall. She couldn't put her finger on it, but somehow Twilight felt that this wall, was alive. Not in a way that it could walk or talk, but more like, it would only open for certain people.

Twilight had a sudden thought. Was this fate of some sort? Could she be one of the people the door chooses to open for?

She had to know.

With that thought in mind, she took a few steps back, took a deep breath, and walked forwards once more, headed straight for the door. It opened just as she expected, and she made her way inside.

Twilight had no idea what she had been expecting. Did she really believe that some almighty door of destiny would just appear before her and grant all her wishes, whatever those wishes may have been? As she stood on the other side of the door, face to face with nothing other than more walkways, she mentally kicked herself for being so stupid.

And even if the door wasn't a fake, a fact that was quickly making Twilight regret her decision more than she already did, what would she have wished for? Its not like she ever needed anything so badly before as to wish for it.

Perhaps she just wanted an exit? A way to return to the village she had so abruptly left? Did the village even exist to begin with? Was it all just a dream conjured up n her head?

No, she couldn't think like that. It was real, she knew it. But what of this then? Was this all a dream?

Yes! It was a dream! She'd never seen a place like this in her entire life! What else could it be if not a dream?

That being said, the chill up her spine spoke volumes about how real this felt. It was so cold, and it seemed to grow just a little bit colder with each step she took.

She came upon a particularly well off looking room, just before a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach stopped her in her tracks. Something was wrong.

She looked around frantically, trying to see what the source of the feeling could be. What she saw, was not what she expected.

Out of the complete darkness that seemed to have enveloped her while in her state of panic, a pair of dark green eyes shone brightly in front of her. They started moving as Twilight watched them. They circled her, mesmerizing her with their eerie green glow, and Twilight could only wonder what horrid beast hid behind those eyes.

Finally, after surveying their target for the longest time, the eyes closed, reopened, and fixed their gaze upon her once more, joined this time by a disembodied voice.

"So, you've finally come, my child."

"Wh-who are you? Did you bring me here? Why? What do you want from me?" Twilight fired off question after question at the voice, too scared to do anymore than this in order to get her answers.

"My, aren't you curious? All those questions will be answered in due time, my dear. All you have to do is be patient, and soon, you will know all you must. However, I will answer one question for you. I did not bring you here."

"Then who did?" came Twilight's question once more.

"Why, you did my dear."

"I...did? Why? Why did I come here?"

"Yes. You did. Don't you see? You want answers, my child. Answers you cannot get on your own. And I can help you find them."

"Y-you can? But I thought you said you couldn't give me the answers I wanted."

"I cannot. You must find those on your own. I am simply a guide of sorts. I point you in the right direction, but whether you take that path is up to you."

"I see...well then, if that's the case then...I accept your guidance. Help me to find my answers."

"That I will, Twilight Sparkle. That I will. Now run along. The time of your awakening draws near."

"Oh right. This is a dream." Twilight closes her eyes, blocking out the darkness with that behind her eyelids. When she reopens them, she has awakened back in the village, right at the inn where she met Trixie.

Speaking of that, where was she?

She looked around and was once again, surprised to find Trixie's face, inches away from hers.

"Wha- Trixie!" Twilight yelled as she tried to sit up. Trixie sat up herself to allow Twilight room.

"What's going on. Why do you keep doing that?"

Trixie had a serious look on her face. "I could ask you the same question, you know? What's going on with you."

"What do you mean?" Twilight said, trying to figure out what she meant.

"You know exactly what I mean. First that episode last night, and now this. You're sweating all over!"

Twilight looked down at herself. She was suddenly aware of a damp feeling on her back. Trixie was right.

"Did you have a bad dream or something?"

Twilight looked up at that, and thought about the conversation she'd had with the disembodied voice. She couldn't tell her about that. She'd think she was crazy. She already figured something was seriously wrong with her. She couldn't worry her anymore.

"Yeah, that's all. A bad dream. Ehehehehe..."

Trixie gave her a suspicious look, but said, "Oookay, If you say so."

Trixie got up off of Twilight's bed and grabbed a bag that the other girl was sure hadn't been there before. And then she looked back at Trixie, and realized that she wasn't wearing her hat or her cape anymore.

"What's with the bag?" Twilight asked, gesturing to the dark blue duffel bag Trixie was currently holding.

"What, this?"

"Yes. I didn't see you with it before. Did you always have it?"

"Yeah, um... sorry about that. When I first got here I asked the innkeeper to store my things away so that they wouldn't be stolen."

"Stolen? But who would-"

"You'd be surprsied."

Twilight had no words to respond with.

"So, I guess i'll be seeing you later then?" said Trixie, taking up her bag.

"You're going somewhere?" Twilight asked, finally realizing that she was still in bed and getting up to walk around the room to where her friend was standing.

"Yeah, I have to get back home."

"Home? You mean you don't live here in the village?"

"No, I don't, unfortunately. I'm a traveling magician. I go all over equestria, putting on shows for the public. After all, I am," Trixie's horn lit up and her hat and cape seemed to blink into existence, placing themselves properly on her head and shoulders. She spun in place. "the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

Twilight watched as music, confetti and lights seemed to appear out of nowhere. She had noticed the light of her horn couldn't help thinking that she must be a great magician if she can pull that out of thin air.

After her little showing, she returned to her more relaxed manner, but Twilight thought she could see where Pinkie was coming from when she called her a showboat, even if she didn't quite know what the word meant yet.

"I actually live on the outskirts of ponyville, somewhere near the Everfree Forest."

Twilight's eyes widened. "Did you just say forest?"

"Uh...yes, why?"

"I lived in that same forest all my life, but I never knew what it was called! This is so great! We're neighbors!"

Trixie was shocked. "You...live...in the Everfree?"

"Y-yes? Is that so wrong?"

"N-no, but...isn't it dangerous?"

Twilight thought for a moment, then she hung her head. "Yes, it is."

"Oh no...no, no, no..." Trixie said as she walked over to Twilight and hugged her. "I'm sorry. Trixie brought up bad memories, didn't she? I'm so sorry."

Then, she had an idea. "Hey, Twilight!"

Twilight looked up, startled out of her thoughts by Trixie. "What is it?"

"You wanna come to my wagon?"

"Sure!"

Chapter 4: Awakening Part 4

"So what's with your clothes. You're half naked! Is that a forest thing?" Trixie's voice rang out through the halls of the inn as they made their way down to the main floor.

"Yes. Like I said before I've lived my entire life in the Everfree Forest. I've had to fight to survive for years. That being the case I had no need for clothes. But on the off chance someone would find me and bring me to civilization, I had to wear something. That, and I just like these clothes." Twilight gestured to the several layers of leaves and twigs that made up the bikini-like design of her clothing. The thing that most closely resembled clothing was the leaf skirt she wore, along with the makeshift bound twig sandals.

Trixie looked her up and down, examining the clothes and nodding in understanding. What took her a bit longer to realize was that she was still staring at Twilight's body.

"Um...Trixie?"

Those words snapped her mind back to reality and she straightened up so fast it was as if her whole body had gone stiff. She looked at Twiliight. She was blushing.

"S-sorry, Twi...I got a little...carried away."

"I-it's fine! It's fine. totally fine." Twilight said as she tried as hard as she could to keep from looking at her friend.

Trixie, on the other hand, was stealing glances at her body while she faced the other way. She never thought Twilight would be so attractive. She was beautiful. A pretty face, long, flowing hair that ran all the way down her back, Smooth, unblemished skin, and an hourglass figure with curves in all the right places.

Purple was quickly becoming her new favorite color.

When the two finally made their way downstairs to the main floor, they were surprised to see another tenant was there.

Twilight took note of yet another strange hair color with the woman. It was purple. She also thought she saw the faint outline of three diamonds on her shoulder. Could it be the one she saw when she was with Pinkie?

She was about to go say hello when Trixie grabbed her shoulder and whisper-yelled into her ear, "Stop! What are you doing?!"

Twilight had no idea what was wrong. She looked at Trixie. "What? Is something wrong?"

"Don't you know who that is?!"

Twilight looked a bit upset at that. "No, I don't. I told you I lived in the Everfree my entire life."

trixie stopped. How could she forget that?

"So? Who is she? Is she someone important?" came Twilight whispered response.

"Important! She's beyond important! That's Rarity! She's a famous fashion designer from Manehattan! She moved her business here to be away from all the hustle and bustle of city life. There's no way we could even afford to stand in the same space as her!"

"Um, Trixie?"

"Yes, Twi? What is it?"

"We already are. Oh, and...she heard you."

"And a good morning to you too, darling. I take it you're a fan of my work?"

Trixie nearly had a heart attack. "Yes, ma'am! I love your designs. They're wonderful!"

"Well, I'm glad to hear you like them so much, dear. There's no need to stand on formalities, you know. Feel free to address me in as familiar a tone as you wish. Within reason of course." she giggled.

She turned to Twilight. "And who might you be? Another fan?"

"No ma'am. This is my first time meeting you. My name is Twilight Sparkle."

"And what a wonderful meeting it is. My name is Rarity, though I'm sure you've heard of me by now given your friend's reaction. And please! What did I say? There's no need to be so formal darling. Just call me Rarity."

"Right. Then...Rarity?"

"That's the way dear. Just like that. Now, about your clothes..." Rarity eyed her clothing.

"M-my clothes?" Twilight suddenly felt self conscious. A weird feeling considering she's been naked out in the open most of her life.

"They're simply splendid! They're so simple, yet so stylish. So wild yet so practical. I love them. I've done a piece on clothes like this before, but never like this."

"Are they really that big a deal? Thy're just a few leaves and twigs I managed to throw together using tree sap and vines."

"A big deal? They're the biggest deal. These are far different from my last line. Its more along the line of something like...swimwear, or even better...lingerie." She gasped. "Wild Romance! It's perfect!"

Then a thought popped into her head. "Wait, did you say you made that using leaves and twigs? Like actual ones?"

"Um...yes?"

"Um...i'm sorry if this is a bit um, personal but, do you live around here?"

"No. I live in the Everfree with an acquaintance of mine."

"You'd be the perfect must for a friend of mine. She's a reporter. She'd just love to hear your story!"

Rarity put a hand on her shoulder, and everything stopped. Twilight felt a sudden pulling force, but it wasn't coming from her. She looked up at Rarity from the place where she had placed her hand and saw that a dark purple aura had enveloped her. She suddenly looked weak.

"Rarity? Rarity! Please let go!" Twilight took Rarity's hand and tore it off of her shoulder in a rush to stop the aura from sapping her strength.

She caught Rarity in her hands and looked down at her. "Are you okay? Speak to me!"

Rarity opened her eyes, and tried to pull herself up onto her feet. She managed to do it, but was a little shaky.

"I'm fine, dear. Just a little tired is all. Looks like that interview is going to have to wait. I think i'll go home for the day."

Rarity walked over to the table she was sitting at, and finished off the rest of her morning latte before righting herself and walking outside towards her boutique.

Meanwhile, outside of an open window behind Sugarcube Corner, sat two men. One was tall, looked far younger than he was, even with his white hair and beard, and wore shades. The other was short and looked to be in his early teens. He had a green Mohawk and wore a pair of purple shorts. They both wore black leather jackets. The older man spoke first.

"You hear that Spike? That was Rarity in there! Do you know how famous she is? How much money do you think she has?"

"I don't know boss. And I don't think we should be doing this anymore. We're better than this."

"Really, Spike? You're spouting your reformation nonsense now? We can't stop doing this. You know what happened to me! And don't even get me started on you. We're doing this. Now get ready."

"Okay, boss."

Twilight and Trixie had followed Rarity home, trying to make sure she got home safe. Twilight had insisted that they do this, and Trixie had no problems considering who could be out there after her. Twilight remembered what Trixie had said when Twilight had brought up the idea of following her.

'Yeah, that sounds like a plan. Discord and his gang could be after her, after all.'

Twilight had no idea who Discord was, but with a name like that, she knew he meant trouble.

They continued to follow her, watching her closely so they could keep her safe. At this point, she had entered Of course, Twilight had no idea what she could do, but something told her that it was the right thing to do.

Out of the corner of her eye, Twilight saw two people entering Rarity's home. She turned towards Trixie and said,

"Hey, um, Trixie? Is that them?"

Trixie had to shake herself free of the shock caused by Twilight's sudden outburst before turning to face her and saying, "Where?" She looked around, and finally, spotted them as well. "There? Yeah, that's them. Discord and Spike. The two top members of the infamous gang the Gods of Chaos."

Twilight was shocked. Gods of Chaos? Could such a group actually exist? No. That didn't matter, She had to do this. She stood up from the spot they had taken behind a clump of bushes and made her way towards the door, Trixie trailing behind her.

meanwhile, in Rarity's boutique, she had just lain herself on her sofa to rest for the day. Little did she know, she was about to receive a shock.

There was a knock on her door that caused her to rouse from her half-sleeping state.

"Yes? Please do come in. The door's open, darling."

Discord walked in, his hands folded and a smile on his face. Spike was at his side.

"Thanks for the invitation. We'll be taking that as a sign to take everything else as well."

Rarity shot up. She couldn't believe what was happening. Was this who she thought it was?

"No. It can't be! you're...!"

"That's right. I'm Discord. And i'll be stealing everything you own, thank you very much."

With that he snapped his fingers and suddenly Rarity was bound tightly in rope, helpless to do anything but watch as she had everything she worked so hard for taken away. Or was she?

"Do you really believe these ropes will hold me? I'm a unicorn you know?" Rarity said before lighting her horn and loosening the ropes that Discord made. Or...at least she was trying to.

"You may be a unicorn, but I'm the god of chaos. My magic is far more powerful than yours."

Then, a sudden idea came to his mind as he bound her mouth as well to prevent her from screaming for help.

Spike, who was already in the middle of taking yet another of her items, placed it in a bag that sat on the ground next to his boss. He was there to hear his next words.

"Hey, Spike. Isn't she supposed to be famous? How much money do you think we'd get if we took her with us too?"

Spike's reply was cut off by the sound of someone yelling. "You won't be getting any money, becasue she's not going anywhere!"

The door was kicked in to reveal Twilight, with Trixie right behind her.

The two thieves attention was now shifted away from Rarity and onto her. Discord looke her up and down.

"What do you say we take her instead. We could have alot of fun with her. Or better yet, why not take them both?"

Twilight felt a surge of fear at their words, and she instinctively took a step back. "Y-you stay away. Don't come any closer. you'll regret it."

"How exactly are you gonna make us regret it? you're clearly scared out of your mind. My magic is more than powerful enough to take you and your little friend down. Let me show you." And with that, a veil of energy enveloped his hand.

There was that word again. Magic. It rung a few more bells this time, but she couldn't quite put her finger on. Not that she had any time to think about it. She had to do something about this situation. But what could she do?

She summoned all her courage and took a step forward, her own horn lighting up as she took an offensive stance.

"Oh i'm so scared." Discord said mockingly.

However, this statement was all too true for Twilight. That is until she heard a voice in her mind.

'Do not fear, my child.'

'What? Is that...you?'

'Yes, it is I. Do not be afraid. You have more than enough power to stop him.'

'I do? But how? I can't take him on alone!'

'You are not alone. I am with you. You also have your friend, as well as the magic you took from that poor mare over there.'

Twilight knew she was referring to Rarity. 'But, what do I do? I've never used magic before. I don't know how.'

'Yes you do. It is a part of who you are. Magic comes naturally to you does it not? Are you not a unicorn? The power is there, inside you, my child. You just have to bring it forth.'

'Is that so?'

'It is. I will even lend you some of my own power. now, close your eyes, and focus.'

'Yes!'

With that, Twilight closed her eyes, and tried to focus on her inner magic.

Then, something amazing happened. An aura of purple surrounded her body, and she floated into the air, an action that caused slight interest to show on Discord's face. That is until she opened her eyes, to reveal bright green irises and slits for pupils.

Twilight was astounded. 'Is this, really me?'

'Yes, my child, this is all you. With my borrowed power of course. Can you feel the magic coursing through you?'

'Yes, I can feel it. It feels so...invigorating.'

The voice chuckled. 'I thought it might. Now, take him down, Twilight!'

'Yes!' Twilight rose higher into the air, and glared down at Discord, the aura that had been surrounding her, collecting in her horn.

"You said you were scared? You don't know the meaning of true fear! God of Chaos? Don't make me laugh. You're just a sorry excuse for a thief. But i'd be glad to give you a taste. In your own words, here, let me show you."

Discord was legitimately scared now. Never in all his years had he seen anything quite like this spectacle. And he was immortal!

Discord tried to run. He picked up Spike, who had long since passed out from the showing the two made, and make his way toward the door.

"Oh no you don't!" With a battle cry and a thrust of her horn, she blasted him into a nearby wall, knocking him out.

Back at Canterlot Castle, a certain princess felt a large amount of power from within the town she was watching over.

She immediately teleported there, right outside the building where the commotion was being caused.

"Whatever is going on here!" The royal voice boomed throughout the area, and all present stood stock still, even Twilight, who knew nothing of the voice, or it's owner. They all slowly turned around, and faced the one who so easily silenced all before her as if it was an everyday occurrence.

Twilight stared in pure shock and awe at a person who oozed elegance, in every way. Even as she made her way across the path towards the scene before her, a frown on her face.

Twilight had to know. She turned to Trixie. "Hey! Who is that person? She's so graceful."

"You little foal! Can't you tell? That's the princess. That's Celestia!"

"That's Celestia?" Was all Twilight said as she watched the monarch stop just before the two of them.

"What is going on? Explain yourselves."

Trixie stood up immediately. "Yes, your majesty! My friend and I were following someone."

"I see. And why were you following this person?"

"There was a strange incident, and we thought she could get hurt. And what with all the robberies going around..."

"Yes, thank you very much. I believe I understand. While this 'incident' of yours sounds rather interesting, I believe we have nore pressing matters to attend to Am I correct in assuming that this is what happened here? Another robbery?"

"Yes, ma'am. But my friend stopped it before it got too out of hand."

"I see. And who is this friend of yours?"

Trixie gestured to Twilight. "Right here, ma'am."

"Ahh, and who is this?"

"Hello, your highness. My name is Twilight Sparkle."

"Hmm...Twilight Sparkle... and however did you defeat these robbers?"

"To be honest, I don't know."

Celestia thought for a moment. "Ah, well. I suppose that that will just have to be another question, won't it? May I see these criminals?"

Twilight and Trixie moved out of the way to allow the princess view of Discord and Spike, who was now on his knees praying.

"I should've known it was him. Discord. I see you're up to your old tricks again." She notices the kneeling dragon. "And who is this? Were you working with Discord?"

The dragon looked up and said, "Y-yes, ma'am." He knew he was going to the castle dungeons. He just knew it. He couldn't go there. It was terrible there. All the rumors he heard from Discord about...things.

He had to run. He was just about to turn around and go until he heard her say, "Now what is a little dragon like you doing with him?"

Spike couldn't believe it. She was actually giving him a chance. He couldn't waste it.

"I'm...not with him by choice."

What do you mean by that little one? Is he forcing you to come along with him with threats or something?" came Celestia's soft, sweet reply. Her voice was like honey to his ears.

"No, not with threats. It's more like...with shame. You see, i'm an orphan, and Discord has been like a fther to me all theses years."

Trixie spoke her mind for the first time since Celestia's arrival. "Not a very good father figure if you ask me."

Spike looked up at her. "Please don't say that. He's not a bad person. It's just that, after his fall from grace, he took to stealing, and ended up teaching me how to do it too."

Now it was Twilight's turn. "Fall from grace?"

"I believe I can answer that for you miss Sparkle." came Celestia's voice. "Discord was similar to Trixie here. He put on shows just like she did. But when his shows stopped getting any attention thanks to her, he turned to a life of crime. I'm just sad he had to get this little one caught up in it as well."

Spike stood up for the first time since this whole conversation started. "Please don't send him away."

Celestia smiled. "I don't know. Your father has stolen quite a bit, but...if you can make him promise to return the things he stole, i'll see what I can do. But keep in mind, it's very likely that he'll still end up in the dungeons."

"The fact that you'll try is enough."

"Good." said Celestia, turning to Twilight. "Now, seeing as this whole mess is over, i'd like to officially thank you for stopping Discord. How you did it may still be a mystery, but I thank you nonetheless."

"You're welcome, your highness."

"With that, i believe i'll take my leave."

And she did just that, taking Discord up in her magic, she headed for the door before Trixie spoke up again.

"Wait, what will we do about Spike?"

Celestia turned back. "Ah, yes, our little dragon friend." Celestia suddenly smirked, and looked at Twilight. "Perhaps his savior should decide?"

Twilight looked confused. "What? Who, me?"

"Precisely, miss Sparkle. I believe you should decide what to do with him. You did save his life after all."

Twilight was shocked. "Saved his life? Me? But he was never in any danger to begin with!"

"Saving one's life does not always mean keeping them from harm, my dearest Twilight. There are many different ways to save someone. And i'm sure our little friend would agree. Would you not?"

Everyone turned to spike to see him looking up at Twilight. "Please? I promise i'll help with whatever you need. I'm really good at helping people."

"That being said," came Celestia's voice. "taking care of another person can be very demanding. Taking on that kind of responsibility when one is not ready is a recipe for disaster. And so I leave the final decision up to you. What will you decide, Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight thought about it for a moment.

"I have no place to live, and I don't have a full understanding of the way life works here. I've lived alone and without help for my entire life." She looked at Spike, who was still looking up at her, but whose expression now taken on the appearance of a little puppy. It broke her heart to say no. But she had no choice.

"I'm sorry, Spike, but...I ca-"

"You can live with me." The words had come so fast out of her mouth, that she had to cover it up to keep any more from spilling out. Everyone turned Towards Trixie, who felt very embarrassed now that everyone had their eyes on her. As if she had said something she shouldn't have.

"Um...she can live with me. I can teach you how things work around here, and I can be there to help you adapt to a new lifestyle. Um...If that's what you want, of course."

For a moment, everyone simply stared at her. But then Twilight wrapped her up in a bear hug so tight, Trixie could've sworn she heard several bones pop at once.

"I'd love to stay with you. Thank you so much. I couldn't ask for a better friend."

"Um...that's great and all but, I kind of...can't breathe?" said Trixie in a strangled voice.

"Oh, uh...sorry. got kind of excited."

"It's fine."

Celestia cleared her throat, prompting everyone into silence once more. "Very well then, Now that that's been decided, I shall take Discord to his cell to await interrogation."

Spike looked worried. Celestia noticed. "Do not worry little one. It is only questioning. Nothing shall be decided so soon."

Suddenly, a voice neither of them had been expecting broke the silence. "Hello, aren't we all forgetting somepony?!" It was Rarity, who had somehow worked around the magic just enough to get the gag out of her mouth.

Celestia turned once more to see Rarity. "Ah, yes. The victim. I can't very well punish him if I do not have a witness now can I? Come along." Celestia untied her with ease and they walked off together.

Spike came up to the two girls left and said, "So, I guess i'm with you two now?"

They both looked down at him and smiled. Twilight spoke up. "Yes, that's right."

All three of them walked off into the darkening night. All the while Twilight never seemed to notice the burning anger she felt towards Celestia all while this was happening. As if it was coming from somewhere else. Form someone else.