Chapters The Magical Land Called Equestia
Chapter 1 - Lost And Found
Chapter 1 – Lost And Found
All is peaceful in the Everfree forest, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and everything is calm. Suddenly a bright light shoots up into the sky disturbing the woodland creatures. After a few minutes the light stops and in its place is a woman lying on the ground asleep. She awakes to the sound of birds chirping and sunlight on her face as she does every morning. I don’t want to get up yet. I want to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze a moment longer. Wait…how can there be a breeze indoors . She jerk awake and sits up straight to take in her surroundings.
She is sitting completely naked in a forest in the middle of nowhere. She begins to panic. I live in...wait where do I live. Oh man, I live in, I live in...I don't remember. Where am I? Who am I? How did I get here? She try to control my breathing and figure out where she is. First she tries to get her bearings…literally. She look up at the sky but the sun is already above her. As such she can’t figure out which way north is nor which direction she should head.
She tries to listen for sounds of running water nearby but again, the forest has many other noises from animals. She sits on the ground and think. The one rule for when you are lost is to stay put. That would make sense if anyone knew where I was. No one does,, at least I think they don’t, and therefore the top priority is to find water. Easier said than done.
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It has been hours since she arrived in this strange land and thus far she has found absolutely nothing she feels confident consuming. The plants here seem to be different from anything I have ever seen before. As such they are probably not safe.
Her stomach rumbles painfully. Whatever brought her here took a lot out of her. She is hungry, thirsty, lost, and exhausted. She looks around for anything that tells her where she could be. On the one hand, I now know where my bearings are, on the other hand however, I still have no idea where I am. The plants here are nothing like any I have ever seen before.
Suddenly she hears a voice. She stops and listens. After a few minutes she begins to think that it was her imagination. Wait there it is again...it sounds like a woman.
‘Angel. Where are you?’ she calls again. ‘I’m sorry we ran out. Please come back, it isn’t safe’.
She stumble towards the sound of the voice. It has to be just ahead. ‘Hello? Can you help me?’ she calls out, her voice sounding weak. Just as she reaches what seems to be the edge of the trees, the ground gives way.
She falls head over heels down a steep embankment. She crashes through the undergrowth, rolling off trees and crushing bushes. Finally she comes to a rest at the bottom of a hill, she tries to get up but pain shoots through her body and she blacks out.
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Over the next few days she drift in and out of consciousness being cared for by the woman from the forest. When she next awoke properly she finds herself lying down on a bed in what seemed to be a room furnished to look like a plant or the inside of a tree. She groans and tries to sit up before collapsing back against the propped up pillows. Her shoulder appears to have been bandaged nicely and is resting comfortably. She looks around closer and notices a chair, some first aid supplies, and a bedside table. On the bedside table she notices a glass of water. She listens and hears some movement on one of the lower floors. Figuring that whoever is here will be up soon she decide to be a polite house guest and wait. After all she has no idea who this house belongs to or whether she is even welcome.
After several minutes the door opens and a strange sight greets her. It appears to be a small horse but with wings, a pegasus. The pegasus appears to be a soft yellow colour with a pink flowing mane and what appears to be a tattoo of three butterflies on her flank. This small Pegasus seems more like a cross between a pony rather than a full horse. She begin to think that she hit her head harder than she thought when it begins to speak.
‘Hello there’ the pegasus says, which she now realise is female. ‘How are you feeling today?’
After thinking for a while Ishe decide it would be prudent to notify whoever this is that she appear to be hallucinating that she is seeing is a pegasus. ‘Hello to you too, I thought I should mention that I appear to be hallucinating.’ she says.
The pegasus flies over with a look of concern on her face…now she know she is hallucinating. ‘What are you seeing?’ the pegasus asks. Her voice is quite pleasant and soft; being in the middle of nowhere might be responsible for that, although the medical supplies and bread say otherwise.
‘I am hallucinating that you are a Pegasus and thought that after my fall such information might be important’ she states calmly, despite her knowledge that this is probably a bad sign.
‘You’re not seeing things’ the pegasus ‘I am a pegasus.’ the pegasus looks at her strangely ‘What kind of animal are you anyway?’ she asks ‘I am familiar with all kinds and have never seen one like you before.’
This throws her off and she decides to think things through. Either this is a weird dream induced by the fall I had, or I have somehow ended up on a new planet or even a new dimension. Hallucinations or dreams usually have flaws, meaning that someone who is intelligent enough to question whether they are hallucinating is in sound enough mind to know. I do subscribe to the multiverse theory and even if this is just a new planet, humans can’t be the only sentient life forms out there.
‘I am a homo-sapien, or in layperson terms, a human being. Now if you would be so kind as to explain where I am and what happened?’
‘I’m sorry but I have no idea what a human is, nor have I ever heard of an animal with your description before. Now then, you are in my home located just outside of Ponyville in the magical land of Equestria. Yesterday at around lunch time I saw a bright light coming from the Everfree forest. I decided that I would stay inside until tomorrow. That afternoon Angel hopped out of the house in a temper tantrum when I ran out of his favourite food. Angel ran into the Everfree forest and so I followed him to bring him back. That’s when I heard you call out for help and fall down the hill. You tried to get up but your shoulder was hurt and you collapsed. I brought you back to my cottage and have looked after you ever since.’ When the pegasus is done it looks down at her shoulder and grips the bandage in its teeth.
She close my eyes and brace, but opens them when the bandage simply seems to unravel gently. She looks down and sees that her shoulder has been fixed. ‘Thank you very much...’ she realises that she doesn’t know the pegasus’ name. ‘Now what s your name’ she asks
‘My name is Fluttershy. What is your name?’ the pegasus asks her.
‘I don’t know. I think I might have amnesia’ she tells fluttershy
‘Oh you poor thing. I hope your memory comes back.’ suddenly a small white rabbit hops into the rooms and jumps onto the bed. He looks at Fluttershy and thumps his foot on the bed in irritation.
‘You must be Angel,’ she says to the rabbit ‘my you are handsome.’ he turns to face her and after a few seconds, gives what appears to be a smile and hops onto her lap. She gives him a scratch behind the ears.
‘Now then I will let you get your rest and check on you tomorrow morning. If there is anything you need just let me know.’ Fluttershy says before pushing her to lie down.
‘No need to worry about me’ she says as Fluttershy closes the window and pulls the curtains in ‘I would hate to impose.’ Fluttershy and Angel leave and shut the door behind them. Within minutes she is asleep again.
Author's Note
My first real attempt at a FanFic. These will from hear on out occur at the same time as the episodes. The next chapter will introduce the rest of the Mane 6 and begin during the first episode.
Thanks for reading,
The Magical Land Called Equestia
When she next awakens it a bright and warm morning. She listens for a few minutes to the natural sounds of the forest around her. She opens her eyes to be greeted by a spectacular view from between the curtains. She sits up and gets out of the bed before wandering over to the window. She pulls back the curtains from the window and looks out. She sees Fluttershy surrounded by many animals from the largest bear to the smallest rabbit, even a flamingo. She watches as Fluttershy converses with the animals as if they were old friends. She smiles before turning away from the window to get dressed.
As she turns around she realises for the first time that there might not be any clothes to be worn at all. After all the only person or pony I've seen is Fluttershy, and she doesn't wear any clothes. I might have to ask her if there is anything to cover myself with. Her stomach begins to grumble loudly and she realises that it has been a long time since she ate anything substantial.
She wanders downstairs to ask Fluttershy if there is any place she can find some food to eat and clothes to wear. As she arrives at the bottom of the stairs she notices Fluttershy coming back into the cottage. 'Oh, good morning, I was just about to come up and check on how you were doing. I didn't wake you up did I?' Fluttershy asks nervously.
'Oh, no you didn't wake me up at all. I mean I would be very surprised if you did. I actually came down to ask if there were any clothes I could wear. I mean I can see you don't wear them yourself but do you have any I could borrow?' she asks
'Hmm. I'm sorry but I don't have any clothes. Although to be honest I never knew that animals wore clothes. Rarity at the Carousel Boutique might be able to make you some though,' Fluttershy says hopefully.
'Thanks Fluttershy, I'll be sure to check it out some time. Now, is there anywhere I could find some food?' she asks Fluttershy.
'Now that I can do. I may not know what you are but I can easily find you something that you like. Now what is it that your kind normally eats?' Fluttershy asks as she flies into the kitchen area.
'I don't suppose you would have any meat do you?' she asks before she can stop herself.
Fluttershy gasps in horror before composing herself. 'Goodness me no. I don't know what you are or where you came from but we don't eat meat unless it can be helped. You look like you eat more than just meat. I can give you a salad or some fruit if you are willing but, if you absolutely must, I do have fish,' Fluttershy says more quietly than before.
'A salad would be very nice Fluttershy,' she says 'I am sorry for that and should have known that meat would be unsuitable or at least frowned upon by you. While I am here I will try to adopt your culture, even if that means giving up meat,' she says looking down at her feet.
'That's okay,' Fluttershy begins 'This change must be very hard on you, being lost and separated from your friends and family. If you don't want salad there is a bakery in Ponyville which sells pies and such,' Fluttershy explains.
'For now, a salad will do just fine, as long as it isn't too much trouble for you?' she asks Fluttershy.
'Not at all. Now we have lots of different vegetables around here, such as lettuces, carrots tomatoes, and celery,' Fluttershy suggests.
'No tomatoes,' she states suddenly 'Everything else is fine Chef Fluttershy,' she says.
Fluttershy turns away and begins to prepare the salad. Was that a memory or was that some sort of instinctual response. I should probably pay more attention next time I receive a memory flash. After a few minutes Fluttershy presents a bowl of salad finely prepared and looking good. She tucks in to her first meal for several days.
'I'm glad you're enjoying your salad. I was worried that you wouldn't like it. I was planning on practicing with the birds for tonight's celebration this morning, but if you want I can take you into town before I do,' Fluttershy says as she makes breakfast for herself.
'What celebration are you preparing for?' she asks Fluttershy in between mouthfuls.
'It's the Summer Sun Celebration tonight. This is the day that we celebrate the raising of the sun thanks to Princess Celestia and this is the year that we hold it. It's my job to make sure that the music for tonight is perfect and for that I am using a bird choir,' Fluttershy says with a hint of pride
'That sounds wonderful Fluttershy, I'm sure you will be amazing and a bird choir is a very good idea,' she tells Fluttershy. As she pushes her bowl away she stands up and says, 'Now once you are done I will let you practice if you would be so kind as to show me the way to town?' she asks Fluttershy.
Fluttershy unfurls her wings and says, 'I would be glad to show you to town before I do. Now if you're ready we'll leave.'
The two leave the house and make their way to Ponyville which can be seen a ways into the distance. As they are travelling the woman again notices the marking on Fluttershy's flank.
'Fluttershy, I've been meaning to ask you, what is that marking on your flank?' she says pointing.
'Oh that is my Cutie Mark. It is something that everyone earns at some point that shows others what their special talent is. Mine is caring for and communing with all animals' Fluttershy explains.
'I've never heard of anything like that before. What else can you tell me about your kind?' the woman asks.
'Well as you can see I am a Pegasus Pony. There are three kinds. The pegasi, the unicorns, and the earth ponies. Pegasi have wings, unicorns have horns and earth ponies have neither. The earth ponies tend to be stronger than the others, while the unicorns have more magic than others,' Fluttershy continues, 'We all live together in harmony, each with our own roles, using our special talents for different jobs,' she finishes.
'You mentioned magic, where I come from magic means to perform actions where how it is done isn't show and is kept secret. You make it sound like a force of some kind,' the woman states 'Is that true, is it true magic?'
'Well we do have ponies that use their magic for tricks like you said but all ponies have a sort of magic that matches their talent. Earth ponies are magically connected to the earth including animals, food, farming and others. Pegasi have magic that connects us to the sky allowing us fly and change the weather. Finally unicorns have magic that they can use at will. They can do all sorts of things including teleportation, and I've even heard of some advanced unicorns using transmutation spells,' Fluttershy finishes.
'That sounds amazing Fluttershy,' the woman says.
As they continue their journey and get closer to the town the woman becomes very nervous.
'Fluttershy, what will ponies think when they see me?' she begins, 'I mean you've never heard of my kind before what about others?' she asks again.
'Well I like you, I mean you're different then anything I've ever seen before but you seem nice. I'm sure once everyone gets to know you, you will see that there is nothing to worry about,' Fluttershy reassures her.
'You don't know that Fluttershy, I mean you accept me because you see me as an animal which I suppose I am here, but others might see me as something different. Maybe something to be feared,' the woman says an edge of panic in her voice.
'I'm sure you're just over-reacting I think once ponies get to know you they will see you as a friend,' Fluttershy says again.
'I suppose, but I think it is more the whole "Giving me a chance" thing I'm really worried about,' the woman says beginning to calm down.
'Ponyville is such a nice place I'm sure you will make a friend just watch,' Fluttershy says as the two arrive.
As the two approach the edge of Ponyville all the different ponies stop what they are doing and stare at the woman. Several mother usher their children away from her. She glances around nervously until everyone sees Fluttershy. As they see Fluttershy they relax probably under the assumption that she isn't dangerous or at least no more than the rest of Fluttershy's animals.
'See, it's not as bad as you thought now is it?' Fluttershy asks.
'No I suppose it's not,' the woman replies, 'or at the very least nothing changed,' she finishes.
'I am going to go practice with the animals,' Fluttershy says as she turns around, 'I will come find you here at sundown for the celebration,' she does one last wave before flying off.
The woman turns back and sees all the ponies once again looking at her before resuming their lives. This is going to be harder than I thought.
As she walks through the village it becomes apparent that although they don't fear her, they aren't willing to talk to her. As she approaches them to try and find her way to Carousel Boutique she realises that this was about what she expected. In some ways this is worse, at least fear or hate gives a response this is just complete alienation.
As she explores she finds herself in the town square again surrounded by ponies who are avoiding her like the plague. She looks around for any indication of where the clothes shop might be when she sees some sort of commotion. She spots what appears to be a chariot being led by two white pegasi. Odd, what would pegasi be doing "driving" a chariot. The passenger must not be able to fly. She walks closer and sees a purple unicorn with a dark blue main with highlights and a small bipedal dragon walk out. The unicorn says something to the pegasi who straighten up with pride before flying off. She continues to watch as the dragon and unicorn as a pink pony with curly hair trots over.
The woman looks on in complete surprise as the seemingly wingless pony floats off the ground and disappears from sight.
'Well that was interesting all right,' says the purple unicorn now who is now revealed as female. She turns to her dragon and begins to talk to it when she spots the woman standing there watching them. She trots over and looks curiously at the woman.
'Hi,' the woman begins hesitantly, 'can I help you?' she asks.
'Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle and I just have to ask what sort of creature you are? I mean I have never read about something like you before nor have I even heard of one. You must tell me everything about you!' the unicorn says quickly.
'Well I am a human and from what I've heard I am the only of my kind here. I seem to have arrived yesterday in a flash of light with no memory,' she says nervously, 'everyone has been avoiding me since I got here except the pegasus who found me,' the woman finishes cautiously eyeing Twilight.
Twilight gasps in shock 'I'm sorry you said yesterday, as in the day before the prophecy is to be fulfilled,' Twilight turns to the small purple dragon and begins whispering furiously.
The woman leans closer to listen.
'This can't be a coincidence Spike,' begins Twilight, 'a strange new creature showing up the DAY before the Summer Sun Celebration is just wrong,'
'Are you sure Twilight, I mean what do you think we should do about her?' the male dragon Spike replies.
'I think we should watch her for now. If she is involved, it might stop whatever she has planned,' Twilight says.
'What about making friends with other ponies and what if there is no prophecy and it is just a story?' Spike asks.
'If it isn't then I still learn about what she is and how she got here, if it is connected then it could present a major catastrophe,' Twilight finishes, ' Now are you with me?' she asks Spike.
He nods and they both turn to look at the woman.
'Am I in some kind of trouble?' the woman asks.
'No. None at all. Would you like to come with me on a tour of Ponyville?' Twilight asks her expectantly.
'I guess,' she says, 'I can tell you're lying though. I heard every word you said. I am willing to accompany you but only if you would be so kind as to explain what prophecy you mentioned,' she tells Twilight and Spike.
'Look. Tonight is the Summer Sun Celebration or more accurately tomorrow morning is. Legend says that there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon.
' She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister, and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.
'Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal,' Twilight finishes.
'Wait are you telling me you memorised both of those pages?' Spike asks Twilight.
'Come on Spike, why would I risk forgetting anything important?' Twilight replies.
'So you think that my arrival is in some way connected to this prophecy and that I might have been brought here to help this Nightmare Moon escape,' the woman says to Twilight, 'I have no idea why I am here, if there is a purpose for it, but if you believe that watching me will help prevent this disaster then you are more than welcome to. Now you mentioned something of a tour?' she reminds Twilight.
'Ah yes, you see it is my duty to oversee the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. Which reminds me Spike, what's first?' she asks Spike.
'Summer Sun Celebration official overseer's checklist. Number one, banquet preparations: Sweet Apple Acres,' Spike says.
'Okay then that is our first stop,' - Spike pulls out a map - 'it isn't too far from here I don't think. On the way I will ask you questions to find out what you are, where you're from and how you got here deal?' Twilight says as she sticks out her hoof.
'Deals go both ways so for every question I answer you must answer yourself,' the woman replies grasping the hoof.
'Done,' Twilight replies as she shakes, 'lets start then shall we,' she says as the group begins to walk off. 'First question, what are you really?' she asks.
'Well as I said before I am a human, although the official term is "homo-sapien", however I understand your scepticism as to my true nature as again, no one has ever heard of someone like me,' the woman replies, 'You are clearly a unicorn but your Cutie Mark, what is it?' she asks Twilight.
'My Cutie Mark is a pink star with several smaller white stars, but you are probably referring to its talent. It represents someone whose special talent is magic. How do you know of Cutie Marks?' she counters.
'The pegasus who found and rescued me explained to me what they were and the symbolism behind it. Your Cutie Mark being magic, what kind of magic can a unicorn perform?' she asks, 'The pegasus only gave me a very brief answer.'
'Well the most common is telekinesis but includes enchantments, transformations, levitations, hypnosis among others. You keep mentioning a pegasus, who are they and where can I find them?' Twilight asks.
'If you are looking for confirmation of my story Fluttershy is the pegasus and is in charge of the music for tonight's celebration. I imagine she is on the checklist. Now then, Spike,' - he turns to look at the woman - 'am I correct in assuming you are a juvenile dragon?' she asks.
'Why yes I am,' he says with a hint of pride.
'I knew it, it won't be long before you are flying around will it,' she says to him before winking at Twilight.
'How did you hear about dragons?' he asks her.
'Where I come from there are myths and legends that tell of dragons. Some are good and peaceful while others are ruthless,' she says to him.
They cross over a hill and see themselves on the path leading to Sweet Apple Acres as they approach the gate they are interrupted by a cry.
'Yeehaw!' an orange pony cries out as she gallops towards a full apple tree. She spins and bucks it once causing all the apples to drop into carefully placed buckets.
'Let's get this over with,' Twilight says before walking over to the pony, 'good afternoon. My name is Twilight Sparkle-'
'Well, howdy-doo Miss Twilight,' - the pony grips Twilights hoof with her own - 'a pleasure makin' your acquaintance. I'm Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like making new friends!' she says to Twilight.
'Friends? Actually I-' Twilight begins.
'What in tarnation is that thing?' the pony says gesturing towards the woman.
'I'm not entirely sure myself,' Twilight says while Spike helps her get her still shaking hoof under control, 'I ran into her in the town square today and she has no memory' Twilight explains.
'Is she dangerous?' Applejack asks.
'I don't know but-' Twilight says.
'In that case I would prefer if she waited for you over there,' - she gestures to the gate they came through - 'I don't want my family getting scared by some odd creature or something,' Applejack explains.
The woman looks at Applejack and nods before wandering over to the edge of the property.
'So, what can I do you for?' the woman hears Applejack ask.
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After about an hour Twilight Sparkle and Spike return with the rest of Applejack's family seeing them off. The woman steps into view and saying nothing follows them.
'Food's all taken care of, next is weather,' Spike says.
'Ugh... I ate too much pie... ' Twilight replies looking sick, 'Sorry about that but understandably other ponies might freak out at something so very different than anything they've seen before.
'It's fine. This isn't the first time this has happened today nor will it be your last, but I think I will stay out of your way as you converse with the ponies for tonight's celebrations. Besides, my kind has the same behaviour even towards one another,' the woman says dismissively. And to think that I always thought such behaviour was exclusive to humans.
As they approach the town again Spike continues to read from his checklist.
'There's supposed to be a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds,' Spike reads from his list.
'Well, she's not doing a very good job, is she,' Twilight says looking up at the sky.
Out of nowhere a rainbow streak shoots low to the ground and knocks Twilight down into a puddle of mud. This must be the one named Rainbow Dash. Apt. Probably best to make my self scarce for now . As Rainbow Dash proceeds to make things worse rather than better the woman walks behind a building gesturing to Spike.
Several minutes pass before Twilight makes her way behind the building to collect the woman from her hiding place.
'How did it go?' the woman asks her.
'Well the sky is clear. As you can see though she did manage to ruin my mane,' Twilight replies with irritation.
'It isn't actually that bad and could probably be fixed up fairly easily,' the woman tells her comfortingly.
'Well since we are going to the Carousel Boutique to talk to the owner about tonight's decorations at least that might get fixed,' Twilight says.
As they make their way through the town they come across a glorious white building covered with extravagances and what appears to be three circular floors of varying size. So this must be the carousel boutique. Must belong to someone very good at what they do the woman thinks to herself.
They walk inside and once again the woman steps back letting Twilight go first to talk to the busy unicorn. After a few seconds the unicorn finishes what she is doing and acknowledges Twilight. What ensues was a sort of controlled chaos where the unicorn does fix Twilights mane but insists on trying out many outfits. Once a break comes in the unicorns work Twilight explains what she id doing before taking off the clothes and running outside while the unicorn is busy.
The woman steps out and clears her throat.
'Um, hello there,' the woman greets the pony.
'My word, what kind of animal are you then?' the unicorn asks.
'I happen to be a human but I'm the only one of my kind,' the woman explains, 'you were recommended by Fluttershy and I was wondering if you would be able to make some clothes for me?' she asks.
'That is so sad. I would be more than happy to make some clothing for you darling despite your erm appearance. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Rarity and I own this Boutique,' the unicorn says.
'Thank you very much Rarity,' the woman says relieved, 'to be honest you are the only pony that has made any effort to treat me normally,' she says.
'Well you are different but I that is no reason to treat you untowardly,' Rarity explains as she begins to take dimensions.
Once Rarity is done she shoos the woman off saying that she must prepare for the celebration tonight. Besides it will take a few days to finish off the clothing anyway.
As the woman leaves she sees Twilight, Spike and Fluttershy together.
'Hello Twilight, Spike and Rarity,' the woman says as she approaches the group.
'You may as well only talk to me as the other two seem quite distracted as of now. Fluttershy confirmed your story and it seems that as for your arrival you have been telling the truth,' Twilight says tiredly.
'Okay then,' the woman says remembering that she is still technically under interrogation.
'Look, I don't know if you have anything to do with what will happen, or if anything will but I have done all I can and will see you at the Summer Sun Celebration,' Twilight says before she stops abruptly in front of another tree house.
'I am so sorry, how did we get here so fast? This is where I'm staying while in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep,' Twilight says to Fluttershy.
'No I don't,' Spike tries to object before being thrown off Twilights back.
'Aww, wook at dat, he's so sweepy he can't even keep his widdle bawance!' Twilight says with the voice like a child.
'Poor thing,' Fluttershy says picking him up, 'you simply must get into bed-'
'Yes, yes, we'll get right on that. Well, g'night!' Twilight says before slamming the door to the house shut.
'Come on. The Summer Sun Celebration will be soon,' Fluttershy says to the woman before they both leave for the cottage.
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Several hours pass until the time for the sun to rise begins and everypony makes their way to the town hall to celebrate. Fluttershy and the woman have already set up and are waiting patiently while the room fills with ponies. The woman is watching from a far back corner of the room out of sight but still within view of the balcony. As the mayor walks out on stage the woman looks up and sees Fluttershy orchestrating her birds into a perfect choir. A spotlight settles onto the mayor.
'Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!' the mayor says with pride for her village quieting the cheering from the ponies, 'In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria Princess Celestia!'
Everypony looks up at the balcony as the curtains are drawn back and...nothing happens. The balcony is empty. The entire room lets out a collective gasp. As ponies begin chattering she tries to see if she can get Twilight's attention when Rarity appears.
'She's gone!' Rarity cries out to the gathered crowd.
Suddenly a cloud of dark blue smoke begins together on the balcony. This smoke begins to take the shape of a pony who materialises. The pony reveals herself to have both wings and a horn and is considerably taller than any other pony in the room. The woman backs further into the shadows.
'Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious, little sun-loving faces,' the black pony says with a regal manner.
This must be the younger sister that was banished to the moon. The prophecy is true the woman thinks to herself. Suddenly Rainbow Dash flies up and tries to attack Nightmare Moon.
'What did you do with our Princess?!' she yells before being held back by Applejack.
'Whoa there, Nelly...' Applejack says around Rainbow's tail.
'Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?' Nightmare Moon addresses the stunned ponies.
A voice from the crowd yells out. It's the pink pony from this morning the woman thinks
'Ooh, ooh, more guessing games! Um, Hokey Smokes! How about... Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty-' the pony is interrupted as Applejack shoves an apple into the pony's mouth.
'Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?' Nightmare Moon asks the crowd addressing no-one in particular when a lone voice rings out.
'I did. And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!' Twilight yells at her causing the whole town hall to gasp.
'Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here,' Nightmare Moon laughs as Twilight mutters meekly, ' Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!' Nightmare Moon laughs loudly and proudly at the assembled ponies as she uses her magic to cause lightning and thunder to ring out across the hall.
To be continued.
Author's Note
Hi Everyone,
This is the second chapter in 'The Magical Land Called Equestria' and is the first to take place during an actual episode. I know that not much time has passed between chapter 1 and chapter 2 but I'm trying to set a routine to upload on a Sunday. I have tried to remain faithful to the show and the only changes I have made are those that could plausibly existin the show, even if they are not shown. Feel free to ask any questions or provide feedback in case I missed anything.
Thanks,
P.S. The human needs a name at some point. Anyone willing to give some suggestions is free to. Preferablly something that won't be out of place in Equestria. This name will be given to her at the end of the next chapter and will be used from that point on. This will also be indicative of what her talent is and therefore what job she receives to help her live in Ponyville.
The Magical Land Called Equestia
Chapter 3 - The Elements Of Harmony
Nightmare Moon's laugh is completely drowned out by the sound of thunder, her form obscured by the flashes of lightning. Ponies are in a state of utter panic, galloping for the exits in a mad dash for safety. One pony stands out above all the others, trying in vain to maintain a state of order.
'Seize her! Only she knows where the Princess is!' the mayor yells to royal guard.
They mobilise quickly taking flight and bravely flying into the storm to try to subdue Nightmare Moon.
'Stand back, you foals!' Nightmare Moon yells back at the guards, her eyes aglow.
The lightning intensifies, bright flashes bursting forth around her. Several manage to strike the guards whom fall from the sky dazed. Nightmare Moon's mad laughter rings out one final time as the dark blue mist wraps around her. It quickly turns her into mist herself and shoots for the doors, throwing them open as she makes her escape. The woman turns just in time to see Rainbow Dash break free from Applejack's hold and fly t the windows, the intent clearly visible.
'You're coming with me!' the woman hears.
She turns and notices a shaking Twilight. Twilight grabs the woman's arm with her hoof before galloping to the exit, pulling the woman with one hoof and carrying Spike with the other. The woman stumbles as she tries to keep up with Twilight, almost losing her footing several times. She looks up and notices the smoke flying off into the forest and a small blue pegasus looking down at them. She quickens her pace.
Twilight and the woman keep running until they reach the tree Twilight was staying in. A ray of magic shoots from Twilight's horn, magically throwing the door open as the two sprint inside. The doors slams shut with a loud bang. They stop and bend over, gasping for air as much from fear as from the run. Twilight turnson the lights before rushing upstairs, leaving the woman alone.
The woman turns her gaze from the stairs to the walls. Eyes wide and mouth open as she notices the only piece of furniture to decorate the room. Bookshelves. Walls lined with bookshelves, each one neatly with books, not a single one out of place. She approaches walks around reading some of the labels in awe. 'Daring Do, History of the Wonderbolts, and Slumber 101. These ponies have everything' she wanders aloud.
She turns, feeling herself drawn to something on one of the shelves. A tug on her mind, a voice in the distance pulling her closer and closer. She nears the shelf and immediately sees the book. She stares at it, stock still, hypnotised by some unseen force on her consciousness. She closes her eyes as a slight pressure forces itself onto her mind. The Elements of Harmony. From the legend. Why would I-
'Good, you're still here,' Twilight says from the bottom of the stairs, 'now why don't you tell me what's going on'
The woman spins around jaw clenched at the accusation.
'Why would I know what's going on?' she growls back venomously, 'you're the one with all the information. You knew this would happen. You knew who that, that thing was'
'I knew who she was because I did my research, I saw what no one else did, I watched you and still it happened' Twilight says back tears in her eyes, 'I failed to stop this, I failed' she says quietly.
'Then let me help you, I don't know where I am or what is going on but I can still help,' the woman pleads.
'I'm sorry, I cant let you help I still don't know where you came from, or how you're mixed up in all this. You could cause more trouble even if you don't mean to,' Twilight says before the woman can object further. She turns and starts pulling books off the shells.
'No, no, no, come one!' Twilight yells, 'Elements, elements, elements... Ugh! How can I stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?' she asks to no one in particular, but a voice answers.
'And just what are the Elements of Harmony? And how did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a spy?' Rainbow Dash asks rising above Twilight, glaring down at her.
'Simmer down, Sally,' Applejack says yanking her away from Twilight, 'she ain't no spy. But she is,' she says turning towards the woman.
The woman looks around and realises it isn't just Applejack and Rainbow Dash, but Fluttershy, Rarity and that odd pink pony are all there too. Rainbow changes tactics and swoops down coming face to face with the woman.
'So you're the spy then. What did you do and why did you do it?' Rainbow growls menacingly, the woman takes a step back.
'I've already explained I don't know what is going on, I just arrived yesterday,' she says. She spots Fluttershy cowering from Rainbow's anger and decides not to bring her into it.
'Stop, please, that is if you wouldn't mind,' Fluttershy whispers in the lull, 'I saw her hurt in the forest and brought her here. She has no memory and besides she doesn't seem like she wants to hurt anyone,' Fluttershy finishes as she notices everyone looking at her.
'Well if she doesn't know what's going on, I'm bettin' you do,' Applejack says looking once again at Twilight.
'I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them; I don't even know what they do!' she cries out in frustration.
The pink pony bounds over with a familiar book in her mouth.
'The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide' she says letting Twilight take it.
'How did you find that?!' Twilight gasps in surprise.
'It was under 'E'' the pony sings hopping around the room like a child.
'Oh,' Twilight opens the book and begins reading, 'There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now the Everfree Forest. Where you were found,' she finishes looking at the woman.
'That can't be a coincidence,' the woman says.
'You're right,' Twilight confirms nodding, 'the only thing left to do it seems is to go and collect them'
'I'm coming with then, maybe whatever that brought me here will send me back if I help,' she says looking back and forth between the book and Twilight.
'Maybe,' Twilight says putting her hoof on the woman's shoulder.
Twilight puts the book back on the shelf and the group leaves for the Everfree forest.
..................................................................................................................................................................................................
The group soon comes to the border of the Everfree Forest All the ponies come to a halt working up the courage to make the first move. Oddly enough the pink one is the first to move, bouncing on all four legs into the forest.
'Whee, let go!' she calls out.
'Not so fast. Look, I appreciate the offer, but I'd really rather do this on my own,' Twilight looks at the woman, 'for the most part.
'No sense putting all of you in danger,' she nods towards the others.
'No can do, sugarcube,' Applejack says, 'we sure ain't lettin' any friend of ours go into that creepy place, even with her,' she says acknowledging the woman 'we're stickin' to you like caramel on a candy apple,' she finishes looking at the rest of her companions.
They all nod in agreement banishing any objection that might have been raised.
'Especially if there's candy apples in there,' the pink one exclaims looking at the others, 'what? Those things are good,' she says before bouncing into the forest.
And so the group ventures forth into the Everfree Forest. During the day this place was almost peaceful now it seems cold and crushing. Something is off about this place and I don't think it's from Nightmare Moon. The woman is lagging behind the rest of the group and spots the pink pony slowing down to match her pace.
'Hello there,' she greets the pony for the first time.
'Hi,' the pony greets happily, 'I'm Pinkie Pie, what's your name?' she asks.
'I don't remember,' the woman replies.
'How can you not remember your own name silly?' she asks still bouncing up and down.
'Well I can't remember anything,' the woman replies. A flash of pain shoots through her skull she closes her eyes and her jaw clenches. Then just as suddenly as it came, it vanishes.
'Well if you remember how you lost it maybe you can remember how to get it back,' she giggles.
The woman watches as Pinkie Pie catches up to the rest of the group. That pony is really weird. How can she be laughing and smiling at a time like this. It could be some kind of coping mechanism or even magical in nature. Before she can dwell on this any further something hits her forcing her to stop.
Panic grips her. she freezes in place unable to move as her heart speeds up in terror, the pressure from the library mounting in her head. Something is coming, something dangerous. She frees herself from the panic, racing to catch up to the ponies, to warn them.
'Look out,' she yells interrupting their conversation just a they approach the edge of a steep incline.
A crack forms in the ground and an ear splitting crash rings out as the ground falls from beneath their feet. The ponies begin sliding down the steep incline formed while Rainbow and Fluttershy take to the air.
'Fluttershy! Quick!' Rainbow yells out diving down as fast as she can towards Pinkie Pie.
'Oh my goodness, oh my goodness,' Fluttershy cries out before lifting Rarity out of harms way.
In the mean time the woman uses her hands and feet to slow and control her descent, the sharp rocks rubbing her flesh raw and cutting her arms and legs. She looks down and realises that the other ponies have no such ability, their legs and hooves not built for such things. Taking a deep breath she rolls onto her back and slides down towards Applejack and Twilight.
Applejack manages to grab a hold of an exposed root with her mouth but Twilight is falling closer and closer to the edge. Just as Twilight begins to go over, the woman reaches her gripping Twilight's forelegs tightly. Applejack slides down as well taking over one of the legs.
'I don't think we can pull her up,' the woman grunts, 'I'm not strong enough,' she says beginning to sweat.
'Applejack! What do I do?' Twilight asks her breath becoming more rapid.
'Let go,' Applejack tells her, voice calm but firm.
'Are you crazy?' Twilight yells back.
'No I ain't. I promise you'll be safe,' Applejack says.
'She's right,' the woman says looking down at Twilight, a peace enveloping her mind.
'How can you know?' she asks the woman, fear in her eyes.
'I just do,' the woman replies, straining to maintain a grip.
'Now listen here. What I'm sayin' to you is the honest truth. Let go, and you'll be safe,' Applejack says looking down at Twilight calmly.
Twilight takes a deep shaky breath, closes her eyes and let's go. Immediately she starts to scream, falling quickly towards the ground when she stops. Both Rainbow and Fluttershy are holding her up on either side. She breathes a sigh of relief before falling another few metres.
'Sorry girls. I'm not used to holding anything more than a bunny or two,' Fluttershy says cheeks turning pink.
Applejack turns to look at the woman.
'How did you know she would be okay?' Applejack asks.
'I just knew she would be, I can't really explain it,' the woman shrugs.
Applejack turns away before jumping onto several ledges before reaching the ground. The woman looks down and begins her slow descent when two arms grab hold of her. They pull her off the cliff face and gently lower her to the ground. she turns around and sees Rainbow behind her.
'Thanks,' the woman says but only receives a nod in return. She looks around and finds all the other ponies staring at her. 'What's going on?' she asks.
'When we were up there you seemed to know that something bad was going to happen right before the cliff gave way. How did you know it was going to happen?' Twilight asks, her voice badly masking the accusation.
'You're wondering if I caused it. Well I don't think I did. Just before it happened I got the sense that we were about to be in grave danger and tried to warn you. I didn't know what was going to happen just that something would' the woman explains trying to maintain her composure.
'How can we trust you?' Rainbow asks moving past subtleties and into straight forward accusations.
'Because otherwise I wouldn't have warned you,' she replies meeting Rainbows eyes.
'Hard to argue with that logic,' Twilight speaks up, 'are we out of danger?' she asks the woman.
'I'm not sure but I will let you know if there is if I sense any,' she says warily eyeing the others.
'Good enough for me,' Rarity says putting her arm on the woman's shoulder.
The group marches on having to navigate the valley floor now, stretching the journey out. The woman walks along trying to keep up but her injuries are slowing her down. The ponies are remarkably unharmed from the near death experience but her human flesh is much softer than the pony equivalent. Fear grips her heart again but this time it feels weaker though the pressure climbs once again. It might not be weaker, I might be stronger the woman thinks to herself.
'It's happening again, I think there is more danger-' she is cut off as a roar burst forth from the undergrowth followed by crashing sounds.
'It would be nice if your sense could give us more notice next time,' Rainbow yells as a hideous animal hybrid burst forth from the trees to the left, blocking their path. The creature has the body of a lion, the tail of a scorpion and dragon-like wings bursting from it's back. A manticore, this place is just getting weirder and weirder.
'We've gotta get past him,' Twilight yells as it charges towards them.
Rarity spins around and bucks it square in the jaw.
'Take that, you ruffian!' she yells out confidently.
The manticore roars right in Rarity's face completely unfazed by the assault and sends her running off in terror. As the ponies continue to fight their way past the ponies the woman notices something about it. She hears Fluttershy desperately trying to get the attention of the others as she focuses on a brand new feeling. All the noise seems to vanish from the scene and it becomes clear. The manticore isn't angry I don't think its scared hurt she thinks. Pain shoots through her skull and all the noise comes flooding back. She tries to let the group know when an unlikely voice cuts through everything.
'WAIT!' Fluttershy yells causing everything to stop.
Fluttershy slowly approaches the manticore as it roars at her defiantly. It rises up and prepares to swing it large claws at her when she nuzzles its hand. It stops, looks at her and shows her it's paw. Sure enough a large black thorn is lodged deep into it's flesh causing a significant amount of pain.
'Shhh... It's okay. Oh, you poor, poor little baby,' Fluttershy says soothingly.
'Little?' Rainbow asks in disbelief.
'Now this might hurt for just a second,' she says as she pulls the thorn it quickly.
It roars deafeningly loud, all its previous roars seem like whispers compared to it. The woman watches in amazement as the creature picks Fluttershy up and licks her mane lovingly.
'Aw you're just a little ol' baby kitty, aren't you? Yes you are, yes you are,' Fluttershy giggles at the thank you.
The group easily walks around it as it lowers Fluttershy carefully to the ground.
'How did you know about the thorn?' Twilight asks mouth hanging open.
'I didn't. Sometimes we all just need to be shown a little kindness,' Fluttershy responds with a smile on her face.
As the group continues to move Twilight looks at the woman.
'Did you know about the thorn?' she asks head slightly tilted.
'While you were all fighting the noise seemed to stop and I could sort of tell it wasn't angry but hurt again not specific though,' she answers back, 'is this significant do you think?' she asks Twilight.
'I'm not sure,' Twilight replies turning away, the hurry to catch up to the rest of the group.
The woman turns hears something and turns around just in time to see a cloud of blue smoke rise from the thorn on the ground. As the smoke disappears into the forest the woman looks back to the ground, except the thorn has disappeared. She shivers and follows the rest of the group.
..................................................................................................................................................................................................
The group continues their journey through the Everfree Forest, having made their way out of the valley they have come to a thick part of the woods. A part where the path is all but gone, overgrown and choked by plants. Even at night, the other part of the forest were still full of the noise of nocturnal animals. Here however the trees seem to block all sound. Yet the group perseveres, pushing forward.
'No,' Rarity finally cries out breaking the silence, 'my eyes need a rest from all this icky muck,'
The trees begin to close together, the branches seem to mingle and intertwine, cutting off the light given by the moon and stars.
'Well, I didn't mean that literally,' she says looking around as it proceeds to get darker and darker.
The group pushes forward however progress is slow. It is so dark that they keep bumping into and nocking each other over. The woman however has no better eyesight than the ponies but she has what they don't. Using her hands she is able to feel her way forward, making sure she doesn't hit anything. Applejacks voice rings out over groups mumbled apologies.
'Oh wait, I think I stepped in somethin',' she says with an audible note of disgust.
Fluttershy suddenly screams, this close and after so much silence, it is deafening. It reverberates off the trees lasting too long to be natural.
'It's just mud,' Applejack says in scraping her hoof along the ground as she approaches Fluttershy.
Applejack screams as well, not as loud as Fluttershy but still enough to startle the rest of the group. A glow seems to be emitted from the clearing they have found themselves in, casting an eerie light over the trees. At first the woman sees nothing dangerous or even frightening, but looks closer. Carved into the trees are faces, holes in the centre with sharp teeth and what angry looking eyes. Despite being made of wood they scare her. They seem so lifelike, and those eyes. They seem almost alive . The trees give off a loud grown and chaos erupts.
The ponies begin screaming and huddling together, the woman remains more composed but her fear is climbing by the minute. She closes her eyes and tries to calm herself down.They're not real. It's just a trick of the light, the growling is nothing but wind passing through the holes. She is startled to hear one of the ponies start laughing at the situation. She opens her eyes and spots Pinkie Pie on the other side of the clearing laughing and making goofy faces at it. She's gone into hysteria the woman thinks shaking her head as she hears another laugh. Wait, not hysteria, that laugh has actual joy to it, she actually think this is funny .
'Pinkie, what are you doing?! Run!' Twilight yells at her.
'Oh girls, don't you see?' Pinkie says giggling again, 'When I was a little filly and the sun was going down' she starts singing.
She's singing now, this pony is just absolutely crazy as she watches the pony leap into the tree branches
'The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me frown,' Pinkie continues interrupting the woman's thought head poking out in front of the ponies.
'I'd hide under my pillow, from what I thought I saw
'But Granny Pie said that wasn't the way to deal with fears at all' she continues singing.
'Then what is?' Rainbow Dash interrupts.
'She said, "Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall learn to face your fears,' Pinkie continues, 'you'll see that they can't hurt you just laugh to make them disappear,' as she bounces over to the nearest tree.
'Ha, ha, ha!' she says as she stop singing.
The woman looks on in amazement as the face that seemed carved out of the tree disappeared. Magic
'So, giggle at the ghostly, guffaw at the grossly, crack up at the creepy, whoop it up with the weepy, chortle at the kooky, snortle at the spooky,' Pinkie sings again as the others laugh as well.
The woman looks at the tree that had scared her only moments before.
'Ha, ha, ha,' she says tentatively, it stares right back at her.
Some of the others laugh and the face disappears in a puff of smoke. The woman turns around with a shrug. Must be some kind of pony related magic she sighs.
She wanders over towards the group of ponies who have collapsed giggling into a circle. She looks down at them with a smile. They really are quite charming people, or ponies. Maybe this place isn't so bad after all.
'We should get moving,,' she speaks up over their laughter.
'You're right,' Twilight says getting up, 'we must be getting close now everyone,' she says as the group continues on through the forest.
After several minutes the forest thins out letting more light in and returning the sounds of animals to the ponies. Everyone visibly relaxes except for the woman. She looks around feeling noting but sadness and loss.
'Everyone, a new feeling I'm getting here,' she stops the group, 'not danger but sadness. I think we should be on the look out in case someone, erm, somepony needs our help,' she tells them.
They all nod and exit the undergrowth before finding the trail. After several minutes the forest stop and in their path lies a river moving so fast is looks to be boiling.
'How are we gonna cross this?' Pinkie Pie asks looking around.
'Can rivers get sad?' Rainbow mocks.
'No, but a river monster can,' she says pointing as the sound of crying reaches them.
There, just beyond the tree line, is a large purple river monster with orange hair. It is crying and thrashing all over the place while moaning the same thing over and over.
'What a world, what a world,' the monster cries out slamming it arms into the water again and again.
'Excuse me, sir. Why are you crying?' Twilight speaks up getting his attention.
'Well, I don't know. I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whisked past me and tore half of my beloved moustache clean off, and now I look simply horrid,' he says pointing at a jagged moustache. He cries out before splashing water over the group.
'Oh gimme a break,' Rainbow mumbles
'That's what all the fuss is about?' Applejack asks shaking her head.
'Why, of course it is. How can you be so insensitive,' she says coming to the monsters defence 'Oh, just look at him. Such lovely luminescent scales,'
'I know,' he says sniffing
'And your expertly coiffed mane,' she continues.
'Oh I know, I know,' he says running his hand through his hair.
'your fabulous manicure,'
'It's true,' he says.
'All ruined without your beautiful moustache,' she finishes.
'It's true, I'm hideous,' he cries out bursting into tears again.
'I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected,' she says determinedly, with a sudden lunge she grabs a hold of one of his scales before pulling it off.
'What did you do that for?' he yelps in pain.
Rarity ignores him and before anyone can object cuts off her own tail reducing the curled and expertly crafted purple tail, to a crude mess, a third of its original size. Using her unicorn magic she perfectly intertwines the hairs until her tail has all but replaced the torn off half of the his moustache.
'My moustache,' he gasps rearing up, 'how wonderful,' he beams.
'You look smashing,' Rarity says looking up at him.
'Oh, Rarity, your beautiful tail-' Twilight starts.
'Oh. It's fine, my dear. Short tails are in this season. Besides, it'll grow back,' she says sadly giving her tail a flick.
'So would the tail,' Rainbow mumbles under her breath.
'We can cross now. Let's go,' Twilight says wading into the river.
She lurches into the air as the river monster bends his body to creating stepping stones for them to cross. The ponies easily hop from one to another while the woman struggles to maintain balance. When she finally makes it to the other side she looks down and notices her feet are cut from the monsters scales. She turn and looks up at the monster.
'You said you saw purple smoke right?' she asks the monsters.
'Oh yes, the colour was simply horrid, there is no way I would forget it,' he confirms before disappearing beneath the surface.
'Listen up everyone,' the woman call out to the ponies, 'it seems Nightmare Moon has been manipulating these events to try to stop or slow us down. She caused the cliff to collapse, she hurt the manticore, she enchanted the trees and she ruined the monsters moustache. We should keep a look out for anything suspicious and avoid it,' she tells the group. They all nod in agreement before following the path into the forest.
Several minutes pass before the castle finally comes into view, just a shape in the fog, it is clearly evident they have arrived at their intended destination.
'There it is, the ruin that holds The Elements of Harmony. We made it!' Twilight yells excitement in her voice as the fog begin to clear
She starts to gallop towards the beginning of a bridge stretching across a ravine between the castle and the ponies. The woman sprints the exhaustion vanishing in a burst of adrenaline. Just as Twilight reaches the bridge, she cries out in fear. Her forelegs going over the edge. Instead of the bridge stretching all the way across it simple drops off.
'It must have frayed over time before finally giving out,' the woman observes pulling Twilight back with the help of Rainbow.
'What's with you and falling off cliffs today,' Rainbow jokes.
'It might not just be today,' the woman replies smiling at her.
'Now what?' Pinkie Pie sighs looking at the other side.
'Duh,' Rainbow smirks flapping her wings. She dives down into the fog and pulls the other end of the bridge up and across the gap.
After a few seconds the first rope becomes taut. A few more seconds pass and nothing from the other side. The fog begins to close in, even through it conversation can be heard from the other side.
'Rainbow, what's taking so long?,' Twilight calls out. She glimpses something before the fog thickens from a cloud to a wall, 'oh no. Rainbow! Don't listen to them' she calls out.
'What is it?' the woman asks gripping Twilight's shoulders.
'Some sort of ponies clothed in black racing gear, I think they're trying to get her to abandon us,' Twilight replies, her voice trembling.
'She'll pull through,' the woman says reassuringly.
'Let me guess, you just know?' she asks, 'how can you be so sure?'
'I don't, I just know she won't leave,' the woman replies her voice calm and composed in contrast to Twilight's.
'How?' she says not accepting anything else.
'Look,' the woman points.
Twilight turns and watches the fog clear and Rainbow fly over to their side rearing up onto her hind legs, all smiles.
'See? I'd never leave my friends hangin',' she declares proudly.
The group cross the bridge single file before walking up to the castle. The woman pulls Twilight aside as the rest open the doors.
'Whatever happens in there, I'll be by your side,' the woman says. She closes her eyes as the pressure inside her skull climbs until she feels as if her head is two sizes too small.
'I appreciate it,' Twilight thanks the woman. Twilight puts a hoof on her shoulder, 'Are you okay? you look like you're in pain,' Twilight asks, her eyes full of concern.
'I'm fine, just a headache is all,' the woman reassures her. They both continue up the steps and follow the group inside.
As they cross the threshold the woman looks around in amazement. Despite the crumbling masonry, collapsed wall, and partially missing roof the castle still retains enough of its beauty to render the woman speechless. In the centre of the room is a large ornate fountain like object with five stone spheres.
'Whoa,'' Applejack gasps in wonder 'come on, Twilight. Isn't this what you've been waitin' for?' she says gazing at her.
'The Elements of Harmony, we've found them,' Twilight exclaims happily.
'I expected the elements of harmony to look more like crystals rather than stone sculptures,' the woman says in confusion. She walks around the pedestal counting as she goes. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Wait a minute. She counts a second and a third time, the number never changing. Before she can speak up the pegasi begin lowering them.
'Careful, careful!' Twilight warns them.
'One, two, three, four... There's only five!' Pinkie tells Twilight.
'Where's the sixth?' Rainbow says looking around in confusion.
'There's another one up there,' the woman says pointing at one the others had missed.
'The book said 'when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed',' Twilight reminds the woman.
'It might not actually mean reveal,' the woman explains, 'riddles usually talk in metaphors, it might mean the nature of the sixth to be revealed,' the woman suggests.
'Why would we only hear about it now,' Twilight counters.
'Think back, the prophecy said the sixth was a complete mystery, but for ponies to know here was, it must have a corporeal form,' she replies as Rainbow brings the last one down.
'What in the hay is that supposed to mean?' applejack asks her, as confused as the others.
'She said that for us to know it exists, we must be able to see it or see it's effects,' Twilight explains.
'So how do we use these?' Applejack asks
'I'm not sure, but I have an idea. Stand back. I don't know what will happen,' Twilight replies concentrating.
'Come on now, y'all. She needs to concentrate,' Applejack says leading the others away.
As they near the door, the woman hesitates. Something feels off about all this. It can't be this easy. Nightmare Moon has tried to stop us every step of the way, why would she- a noise interrupts her thoughts. She spins around and spots what appears to be a small localised blue tornado beginning right where the elements are.
She sprints back into the main hall just as Twilight realises what is happening. The woman hears Twilight cry out in shock but ignores her. She leaps for the nearest element just as Twilight jumps as well. Just as they enter the tornado, it emits a flash of light and they both vanish.
As they overcome their disorientation and their senses return the woman looks up and spots a tall dark figure with blue smoke and the elements floating around her. Flashes of lightning and light her up.
'Nightmare Moon,' the woman whispers in fury.
'Thank you for revealing the elements to me strange creature,' Nightmare Moon laughs.
'You were in my head, you were watching us the whole time, stopping me from sensing how to overcome your challenges,' she yells, almost screaming at the pony.
She watches as Twilight steps forward and prepares to charge.
'You're kidding. You're kidding, right?' Nightmare Moon asks with disdain.
Twilight's horn glows and she charges. Without any hesitation both the woman and Nightmare Moon follow suit. The ponies lower their heads and just as they meet Twilights horn flashes and she teleports to the elements of harmony. Clever girl the woman thinks, easily side-stepping the stunned pony. She rushes over as Twilight begins to perform the spell on the elements.
The woman arrives as the elements begin to glow. She stands back to let Twilight work when Nightmare Moon appears in a flash of smoke in front of Twilight. Before she can do anything however Twilight finishes the spell and a spark throws her across the floor. Nightmare Moon turns to the woman and casts a beam of magic at the fallen pony.
Time slows as the woman realises the ponies intention. The magic shoots from her horn in a great bolt of lightning, the woman dives in front of Twilight without hesitation, receiving the full shock to her body. She is immediately thrown across the room to the opposing wall. She slams into it at a high speed, just barely remaining conscious. The woman looks up at Nightmare Moon. Even though she can't see what is going on, she knows the pony is angry and scared.
'No, no!' she yells her voice reverberating around the room. The elements suddenly stop glowing and become still again.
'But where's the sixth element?' Twilight cries out her voice shaking.
Nightmare Moon laughs loud and long, as she rears up. With a quick thrust her hooves slam into the ground, shattering the elements.
'You little foal! Thinking you could defeat me? Now you will never see your princess, or your sun! The night will last forever!' Nightmare Moon laughs again much louder this time.
Twilight gallops over to the women, who is struggling to remain conscious. Her wounds have reopened and her head is starting to hurt.
'You're hurt. Come on let's get you out of here,' Twilight says attempting to lift the woman up. As she does the woman experiences a sensation of peace as her vision blacks out. Instead of sleep or unconsciousness she experiences a vision.
She sees the journey fold out in it's entirety. She Applejack save Twilight, Fluttershy help the manticore, Pinkie Pie defeating the enchanted trees. She relives sad serpent, and the broken bridge. Over it all she hears the name of each element repeated over and over. She is jolted back into reality as Twilight finally manages to lift her up.
The woman pushes herself away from Twilight before collapsing against the wall. She pulls Twilight's head closer to hers.
'The elements, Twilight. That wasn't them' she tells her.
'What? How could you possibly think that,' Twilight asks in disbelief.
'All those elements are emotions or behaviours, they cant be touched but they can be felt. They live on in all of you,' the woman gasps in pain.
Before Twilight can learn anymore she is interrupted by the rest of the ponies running up the stairs calling out to her. Realisation hits her like the lightning bolt. She turns from the injured woman and gallops back to Nightmare Moon.
'You think you can destroy The Elements of Harmony just like that? Well, you're wrong, because the spirits of The Elements of Harmony are right here,' she challenges as her friends charge up behind her.
'What?' Nightmare Moon yells out in blind rage. The shards from the elements lift up and begin to glow
'Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of... honesty!' she says as the shards surround Applejack.
'Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of... kindness!
'Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of... laughter!
'Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift represents the spirit of... generosity!
'And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire represents the spirit of... loyalty!' Twilight finishes. The woman looks around and sees the shards floating around the ponies.
'The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us,' Twilight yells defiantly.
'You still don't have the sixth Element! The spark didn't work!' Nightmare Moon cries out pointing at the final shards.
'But it did! A different kind of spark. I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all... are my friends!' she says, her eyes brimming with tears. The shards fly up and form back into the stone they once were. Its light shines, lighting up the rest of the room.
'You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the... the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: the element of... magic!' Twilight exclaims. The shards begin to glow brighter and brighter. The shards circle and close in on the ponies leaving decorative jewellery in its place. The orb touches Twilight horn, gifting her with a crown. The ponies rise up above the ground and gather into a group. The light becomes blinding.
The elements release two beams of rainbow coloured light into the room, wrapping around each other in the shape of a double helix. They crash down on Nightmare Moon.
'Nooo! Nooo!' she cries out in fear as they form a tornado around her, a beautiful parody that she made around the elements. The woman watches speechless as the light envelops Nightmare Moon. Out of the corner of her eye she sees a bright tendril of magic creeping closer to her. It reaches out and touches her chest. Her wounds begin to heal, the pain in her skull leaves her, her bruises disappear. As it envelops her, she finally passes out.
When she next comes to she sits up quickly. She looks around and spots the fallen ponies, each one coming to simultaneously. She stands up and rushes to help the ponies to their feet, hooves. They sit up groaning and complaining. All except Rarity.
'Oh, thank goodness,' she beams hugging her newly fixed tail to her.
'Why Rarity, it's so lovely,' Fluttershy says quietly.
'I know! I'll never part with it again,' Rarity says admiring her tail.
'No. Your necklace. It looks just like your cutie mark,' Fluttershy says pointing at the diamond embroidered necklace.
'What? Ooh,' - she says looking down with a gasp - 'so does yours,' she points.
As each pony admires their own necklace Twilight approaches the woman.
'Are you okay?' she asks placing a hoof on her shoulder, 'last I saw you were badly hurt,'
'I'm fine,' the woman says turning around, 'that light healed me, I'm still a little sore, and quite stiff but other than that-' she stops as Twilight gazes at her mouth open.
'What?' she asks Twilight.
'You represent an element of harmony yourself,' she gasps pointing.
The woman gazes down and realises that she is wearing a small necklace. A light gold chain with a colourful moon hanging from it.
'What do you think it means? I mean there was never any mention of a seventh, and yet here I am,' the woman says.
'Gee, Twilight! I thought you were just spoutin' a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship,' Applejack says.
'Indeed you do,' says a calm and soothing voice from behind the group. They tur and watch as the sun quickly rises up high into the sky, a sphere of light passes through the window and bursts forth leaving a tall white unicorn, pegasus mix with a colourful flowing mane. The ponies kneel in respect, the woman following suit.
'Princess Celestia,' Twilight gasps trotting over to her
'Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. I knew you could do it,' the princess says hugging Twilight close.
'But... you told me it was all an old pony tale,' Twilight looks up in confusion.
'I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart. Now if only another will as well. Princess Luna!' the princess says walking up to a small blue pony.
'It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister,' she says kneeling in front of the fallen princess. the group lets out a collective gasp but remains quiet.
'Will you accept my friendship?' Celestia says standing over the pony.
'I'm so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister!' the smaller pony says crying into her sisters neck.
'I've missed you, too,' Celestia replies.
'Hey, you know what this calls for? A Party,' Pinkie yells breaking the spell.
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Back in Ponyville the Summer Sun Celebration is well under way, the ponies have been reunited and the two royal sisters are the centre of attention. The elemts have also been handed over to the princess for safe keeping. The woman remains at the sidelines waiting for a break in action to talk to the princess. She watches as the princess declares Twilight remain in Ponyville to study friendship, she watches as Luna is welcomed back with open arms. As the focus shifts from the princesses to the celebration the woman speaks up.
'You brought me here, didn't you?' she asks Celestia.
'Yes, I did,' Celestia replies with a sigh.
'You knew there were seven elements the whole time didn't you?' the woman questions her again.
'Yes, I did. I kept it a secret though, I knew that if Luna knew there were seven, she would be able to destroy them. So I made sure to specify that there were only six,' she replies.
'My last question is why me?'
'I didn't try to summon you in particular and I didn't know the effect it would have on you. You see, you represent the element of knowledge. Knowledge is when to use each on to maintain the balance. When to act, when to wait. You are more attuned to the world around you, able to perceive emotions better than others, at least in this world.
'When I brought you here, I knew that you that you came from another world and implemented measures to make sure that you were integrated into our world. This led to your amnesia. I'm sorry,' the princess apologies, eyes full of sincerity.
'Can I be sent back?' the woman asks anticipating the answer.
'Maybe not to your own time or place but I can let you leave this one if you wish. Or you can stay here?' she asks.
'Are you sure about this? My species has overrun our world. Taken over every corner of the globe. We are too smart for our own good, we have ruined our world, killed millions of species of animals and are almost always at war amongst ourselves,' she explains, 'what if I am more trouble than I am worth?' she asks.
'If you thought to ask the question and explain all of that, then I am confident that you will fit in here,' she winks at the woman.
'I am still different, what will I do?' the woman asks sadly.
'That is for you to decide. You will need a name however, you guided the others through hardship, using your knowledge to guide the way. A beacon of hope in a dark time. Therefore you shall be called 'Aurora Blossom' in hour of this,' the princess declares, 'and from this day forth you shall remain right here in Ponyville if you so choose.
'Thank you princess,' Aurora bows.
She turns away and spots the others. She walks over to them.
'Hello,' Twilight greets her.
'Hello,' she says waving.
'Now that all this is over, I suppose you will be leavin'?' Applejack asks.
'The princess has granted me permission to remain her in Equestria,' she says, 'I'm thinking of staying here in Ponyville. Any thoughts?' Aurora asks.
The ponies immediately surround her and give her a large group hug. She returns the affection as they welcome her.
'I'll take that as a yes' she laughs.
'If that's the case darling, the you should take this,' Rarity says holding out a bag.
Aurora open it up and sees a fancy and extravagant soft yellow dress with undergarments and footwear as well. She picks it up and holds it over her form.
'Thank you Rarity. I love the colour, but is there anything less flashy?' she jokes.
'I suppose I can do such a thing for you,' Rarity replies shaking her head.
'If you're staying here, you need a name then,' Twilight says to Aurora.
'Celestia already gave me one. 'Aurora Blossom'. Apt don't you think?' she asks the group.
'It definitely suits you,' Rainbow nods in agreement.
'I suppose this means we're all friends,' Aurora beams.
'Darn right sugarcube,' Applejack laughs.
'This really is a party,' Pinkie yells jumping up and down.
'Now, where's the food, I'm starving,' Aurora says.
'Why don't we give you a proper tour,' Twilight suggest.
The ponies all nod in agreement before pulling and pushing her through the village. This place really is beautiful, I think Ill enjoy living here she smiles.
Author's Note
Third chapter and is essentially the end of the introductions. Warning, I never messed with the canon in this. There were in fact 6 of the stone orbs on the pedestal-like object in the foyer, you can count them. However the sixtth was never used, I did however which neatly slides in the seventh element, only activated by the presence of Aurora (and the spark). Not only that but the explanation kind of makes sense. I actually had to rewatch the episode several times to make sure there definitely were 6. As for the question which ends in a says, it was rhetorical so that's why.
Shout outs:
The Magical Land Called Equestia
Chapter 4 - The Ticket Master
Aurora awakes once again to the peaceful sounds of animals going about their mornings. She sits up and stretches the stiffness out of her body. She gets up off the couch and neatly folds the blankets and puts the pillows away. After getting dressed she wanders over into the kitchen and begins preparing her usual breakfast of fried eggs on. As she did she recalled the events f the past two weeks.
Since she arrived in Equestria her friends have been trying to make her feel more welcome and comfortable in Ponyville. This is partly the reason why she has remained with Fluttershy. Despite having befriended the other ponies Fluttershy was the first friend Aurora had and as such Twilight asked if Fluttershy would object to Aurora remaining there for a while. Fluttershy was delighted to have Aurora remain with her and tried to make the cottage more suitable for her. She offered Aurora the bedroom while she herself would sleep on the couch. Aurora however declined not wanting to be a bother. In fact out of all Fluttershy's attempts to make her feel comfortable the only thing she managed was for Aurora to take up residence at all.
Rarity also managed to make some less over the top clothes for Aurora to wear despite being confused why Aurora would want to wear clothes all the time. With some input Aurora now wears plain t-shirts along with various jeans. It took a while but eventually Rarity managed to rein in her desire for flair.
Pinkie Pie held a party to welcome Aurora to town and to thank her for helping them stop Nightmare Moon, while Rainbow Dash has taught her how to be cooler and make more friends. Finally Twilight Sparkle has been teaching Aurora all about pony culture and history. Every day Aurora visits her to learn more and try to fit in with the other ponies.
As Aurora finishes her breakfast Fluttershy comes in.
'I've told yo before, you don't need to tidy up in the morning, you're a guest here,' she tells Aurora.
'As I've told you before, I do it because I'm a guest here,' Aurora replies with a laugh.
'Are you going to visit Twilight again today?' she asked.
'Yeah. She's helping Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres today and she asked me to meet her there,'- Aurora says cleaning the dishes, - 'Is there anything you need me to do while I'm out?'
'No, I'm going into town with Angel today for more groceries,' she replied sitting down to eat.
'All right, I'll head there now,' Aurora says walking out the front door with a wave.
As she makes her way into town she contemplates her future in Equestria. I can't stay with Fluttershy forever. There must be something I can do to provide for myself. I know that they have a currency they call 'Bits' but how do I go about earning any. I mean it seems the only way to earn some involves having a cutie mark of some sort. Maybe I should ask Twilight how.
She makes her way through town and waves to the ponies going about their lives. After helping the others and saving Princess Celestia the residents of Ponyville have accepted her into their society. They have no problem talking to her anymore and no longer avoid her like the plague.
She proceeds through town, quickly making her way to Sweet Apple Acres where she spots Twilight, Spike and Applejack waiting for her.
'Am I late?' she asks jogging to meet them.
'You're just on time Aurora. Ready to get started?' Applejack replies.
'Absolutely. So what is it we are doing exactly?' Aurora answers looking around.
'We're here to help Applejack harvest apples and bring them to the barn while Spike here throws out the bad ones,' Twilight pipes up.
'Lets get started then,' Applejack says lifting up several empty baskets.
..................................................................................................................................................................................................
As the group begins working to harvest the apples Aurora once again begins her lesson on pony culture.
'Twilight how exactly does one go about getting a job?' Aurora asks right off the bat.
'Typically your cutie mark dictates the kind of skill you have and therefore what job would best suit you,' Twilight answers gathering apples.
'Okay, since I don't have a cutie mark what kind of job would I look for?'
'I'm not entirely sure, you're an oddity and I suppose the only reliable method would be trial and error to find your talent. Or you could just look for a simple job, although given your lack of a cutie mark I can't imagine that would work out. Finally you could look for a job not many ponies perform or want to,' Twilight replies picking up a basket of apples, 'Why do you want a job anyway, I thought you were staying with Fluttershy?'
'I am but I don't want to be a burden to anypony. I would feel much better if no one had to worry about me,' Aurora answers lifting a one as well.
'You could work here on the farm, it'd be nice having more help around here,' Applejack says hoisting a large basket herself.
'I would but I'm probably weaker than everybody else around here, look,' Aurora says hefting her small basket, 'you can each carry twice as much as I can, Twilight can even carry Spike as well,' she points.
'Well Thank you kindly, for helping me out. I bet Big McIntosh I could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If I win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles,' she says laughing.
As the group continues on their way to the barn Aurora watches Spike throw out all the bad apples until he comes to a large red juicy apple, which he proceeds to eat without a second thought. As he does so his face scrunches in discomfort and he covers his mouth. Suddenly he lets out a massive burp of green fire, leaving a scroll floating in mid air. He catches it as it begins to fall and proceeds to read it.
'Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest' Spike states voice loud and regal.
'The Grand Galloping Gala,' Applejack and Twilight gasp in unison.
As the two ponies cheer in happiness Spike burps out two tickets to accompany the invitation.
'Wow, great! I've never been to the gala. Have you, Spike?' Twilight says almost jumping for joy.
'No, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense' he says waving his paw at them.
'Aw, come on Spike. A dance would be nice,' she says.
'Nice? It's a heap good more than just nice. I'd love to go. Land sakes, if I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles 'til the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big McIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip,' she sighs happily, 'Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala,'
'Oh, well in that case, would you like to-' Twilight begins.
Aurora senses something coming fast and just manages to dodge when out of nowhere a blue streak slams into the ponies knocking them over and interrupting the conversation.
'Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?' Rainbow Dash cries lying on top of the others.
'Rainbow Dash. You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin'?' Applejack says staring daggers at her.
'No, I was busy napping,' Rainbow points at both a blanket and pillow on a tree branch, 'and I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?' she asks, eyes wide and shining.
'Yeah, but-' Twilight begins again.
'YES! This is so awesome,' she yells interrupting Twilight again, 'The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now. Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash! I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut. Then, I would mesmerize 'em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild! The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member. Don't you see, Twilight? This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff. You gotta take me!' Rainbow is suddenly pulled back by Applejack.
'Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here,' Applejack says spitting out Rainbow's tail, 'I asked for that ticket first'
'So? That doesn't mean you own it,' Rainbow yells.
'Yeah, because Twilight does' Aurora says to herself.
'Oh, yeah? Well I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket' Applejack says bending over a nearby tree stump.
The ponies lock hooves when Twilight gets between them and pushes them apart.
'Girls, as Aurora said, these are my tickets, I'll decide who gets it, thank you very much,' she says nodding at Aurora, 'Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?' she says calming the ponies down.
As the two competing ponies try to prove they have the best reason to go, Aurora turns to Spike.
'I don't think this is going to end as quickly or as quietly as Twilight believes,'
'You're right about that,' Spike says snickering.
'Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they?' as Twilight says this her stomach rumbles, 'Listen to that, I am starving,' she chuckles nervously 'I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach, so I'll, uh, think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay?' Spike climbs on her back and both her and Aurora leave the farm.
As they make their way back to the city Aurora asks Twilight more questions.
'What exactly is the Grand Galloping Gala anyway?'
'It is the biggest party of the year. Essentially Princess Celestia opens up the castle for all invited ponies to enter. They have music, festivities, food, and others. In short it is a large social gathering for important people in Canterlot,' Twilight answers, her smile soon turns into a frown, 'of course, now I have to decide who I should take,'
'Being Celestia's personal protégé shouldn't you have been able to go before?' she asks curiously.
'I was always focused on my studies but now that I have friends I'm actually looking forward to it,' Twilight says her eyes far away.
'Seems like a nice enough event,' Aurora states with a nod.
'Did you want to go as well?' Twilights asks stopping to look at her.
'Oh, no. I'm not a pony remember and I think that I would probably just make everypony uncomfortable if I were there,' she says shaking her head.
'I asked if you wanted to not if you should,' Twilight says staring at her.
'Truthfully? I'm not one for big parties, I don't want to be a burden, the ticket would be wasted on me as I would either give it to someone else or just hang about, finally the ticket is yours. It is not my place to ask you for a ticket or to influence you in any way, if you wish to consider me as a recipient I would not object but I wouldn't try to earn it either,' she replies staring back at her.
Twilight meets her eyes and searches in them before deciding Aurora is telling the truth. With a nod they continue on their way.
'Since you're looking for a job you could work with me at the library,' Twilight suggests.
'I would but I don't think many ponies use it, I would be payed for nothing,' Aurora replies head tilting in thought.
As they finally arrive into town spike speaks up.
'So, who you gonna give the ticket to, Twilight?' he says looking at the tickets.
'I don't know Spike, but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry, so where should we eat?' Twilight answers stomach growling at her.
A door is thrown open next to the group and Pinkie Pie speeds through it knocking Twilight over and sending Spike flying. As she lies on the ground the tickets come to a rest on her muzzle. She gasps and bounces around screaming.
'Bats! Bats on my face! Help!' Pinkie stops and stares at the tickets, here eyes widening and sparkling, 'Wait, these aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?! It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always always always wanted to go!'
She begins to sing another song about the gala. How can she create songs at the drop of a hat. Aurora shakes her head as Pinkie bounces around smiling.
'Oh thank you, Twilight, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever,' Pinkie cries out her face inches away from Twilight.
As Spike picks up the tickets another voice rings out.
'Are these what I think they are?' Rarity gasps mouth open.
'Yes, yes, yes! Twilight's taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot,' Pinkie cries hopping some more.
'The gala? I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour!' Rarity exclaims posing with each word, 'It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet him,' Rarity sighs as she closes her eyes.
'Who is this 'Him'?' Aurora asks barely stifling a laugh.
'Him. I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, "Who is that mysterious mare?" They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, "Yes!" We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is what I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams. Twilight, I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can... party, and prevent me from meeting my true love. How could you?' Rarity cries her joy turning to disappointment in the blink of an eye.
As the ponies continue to talk Aurora spots a white rabbit jump up and grab the tickets before hopping over to a familiar pegasus.
'Uh, listen guys, I haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to,' Twilight points out interrupting the other two.
'You haven't,' Pinkie and Rarity gasp, Pinkie mouth dropping in disappointment while Rarity beams.
'Um, excuse me, Twilight,' Fluttershy says quietly approaching the group 'I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be all right, if you haven't given it to someone else-' she is suddenly interrupted by Rarity.
'You? You want to go to the gala?' she asks her mouth dropping to match Pinkie's.
'Oh, no,' she says backing away, Angel looks up at her expectantly 'I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see, it's not so much the Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom... and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!' she sighs just imagining it.
'That sounds really nice Fluttershy' Aurora says to her friend.
'Wait just a minute,' Rainbow interrupts from a nearby rooftop.
'Rainbow Dash! Were you following me?' Twilight glares as Rainbow lands in front of her.
'No. I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody' Rainbow says recovering from the accusation.
'You mean anypony who isn't you?' Aurora asks raising an eyebrow.
'Wait just another minute,' Applejack says before Rainbow can respond.
'Applejack, were you following me too?' Twilight asks her eyes narrowing.
'No. I was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take my ticket,' she points to Rainbow. With this comment chaos erupts among the group. Each one clamouring to get the ticket and slowly crowding Twilight. Twilight sinks lower and lower to the ground to avoid the gazes. Aurora steps in and helps Twilight to her feet while trying to make space for her.
'QUIET!' she yells cutting off the conversation, 'Girls, there's no use in arguing' she says with a firm nod.
'But, Twilight-' Rarity begins, approaching her.
'Eh! This is my decision, and I'm gonna make it on my own, and I certainly can't think straight with all this noise not to mention hunger. Now go on, shoo,' she says gesturing to the group, 'And don't worry, I'll figure this out... somehow,' she says to herself. Aurora watches them go before turning to Twilight.
'Did you want me to leave as well?' she asks meeting Twilights eyes.
'No,' she sighs, 'you're probably the only one who can be of any help,' she says, 'Now let's go get some lunch,'
..................................................................................................................................................................................................
The group arrives at a nearby diner and choose an outside table with 3 seats and plenty of sun.
'What am I gonna do? Five of my best friends have really good reasons to go to the gala. Applejack, or Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie or Fluttershy, Rarity... Oh, who should go with me?' Twilight says magically picking petals off a nearby flower.
'I hate to say it but with only two tickets you will end up disappointing four others,' Aurora says reading the menu.
'I thought you didn't want to go?' Twilight asks burying her head in her hooves.
'I don't but I assume you want to go, right?' Aurora asks raising an eyebrow over the menu.
'Have you made your decision?' a waiter says interrupting the conversation.
'I CAN'T DECIDE!' Twilight yells at him.
'Twilight, he just wants to take your order,' Spike says pointing at the menu.
'Oh. I would love a daffodil and daisy sandwich,' Twilight says sitting up straight.
'And you ma'am?' he says turning to Aurora.
'Some buttered toast and apple juice please,' she says putting down the menu.
'Do you have any rubies?' Spike turns to the waiter, when he stays silent Spike continues 'No? Okay. I'll have the hay fries, extra crispy' he says turning back to Twilight.
'What do you think, Spike?' Twilight asks turning to the dragon.
'I think we have to try another restaurant. I mean, I like grass just fine, but would it hurt anybody to offer some gemstones?' he shrugs.
'She means about the gala,' Aurora elbows him.
'Oh. You're still on that?' he says turning back to Twilight.
'Listen. How do I choose? And when I do choose, will the other four be mad at me? I mean, I could give up my ticket and give away two, but that would still leave three disappointed ponies. What if I-' she is interrupted as the waiter arrives with the food.
'Oh thank you. This looks so good. I'm sure everything will be much clearer once I eat,' before she can take a bite a group of ponies gallop by in panic.
'Em, madam? Are you going to eat your food in ze rain?' the waiter asks from the diner entrance.
'It's not raining Twilight says.
She looks around and realises that it is indeed raining, on everything except their table.
'What is going on?' she asks looking up at a hole in the clouds. Rainbow pops her head through the clouds and smiles down at the group.
'Hi there, best friend forever I've ever ever had. Enjoying the sunny weather?' she smiles.
'Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?' Twilight calls up.
'Trying to earn the ticket I suppose,' Aurora mutters.
'Whaddya mean? I just saw the smartest, most generous pony about to get rained on, so I thought I'd kick a hole in the clouds to keep her dry so she could dine in peace, that's all,' Rainbow smiles.
'Rainbow, you're not trying to get extra consideration for the extra ticket by doing me extra special favours, are you?' Twilight asks eyes narrowing.
'Me? No no no, of course not,' Rainbow shakes her head, the sun forming a halo around her head.
'Uh-huh,' Twilight says sarcastically.
'Seriously, I'd do it for anypony,' Rainbow reassures her before realising that other ponies are being rained on.
'Rainbow, I am not comfortable accepting unwanted favours, so I'd appreciate it if you close up that rain cloud right now,' Twilight calls up to Rainbow.
'Fine,' she groans pulling the clouds together.
'That's better,' Twilight sighs before resuming her lunch, but the rain begins to fall and the group and their lunches is soaked.
Aurora looks around for some shelter while Spike laughs at Twilight. Rarity walks by with an umbrella and looks at them with a raised eyebrow.
'You know it's raining right?' she asks.
'No, really?' Twilight asks sarcastically.
'Come with me before you catch a cold,' Rarity says pulling them under the umbrella.
..................................................................................................................................................................................................
Within minutes the group arrives at Canterlot Boutique where Rarity magically thrusts open the door and hurries them inside. Aurora wrings out her hair near the door while Twilight, trying to get dry shakes all the water off soaking Rarity in the process.
'Oops, sorry,' Twilight grins sheepishly.
'Oh no, it's quite all right,' Rarity replies shivering 'After all, we are... the best of friends, are we not? And you know what the best of friends do?' Rarity asks inches away from Twilight.
'Makeovers,' Rarity sings before Twilight can reply.
She yanks Twilight behind a cover allowing her to work in peace. As Twilight tries to object all Aurora can make out is the sound of clothes rustling and various objections. Finally Twilight is revealed in a beautiful jewelled harness of all colours.
'There. Oh, you're simply darling,' Rarity beams at her handiwork.
'Uh, yeah it is kinda pretty isn't it,' Twilight says looking down at herself.
As Spike gags at the sentiment Rarity startles him.
'And you. Oh Spike, I have a dandy little outfit for the dashing gent,' Rarity says pulling him behind the little wall.
As Rarity repeats the process Spike protests are much more forceful than Twilight's given his nature. Wow she really can be quite stubborn when she wants to be Aurora smiles to herself. He is soon revealed in a blue suit which hugs him tight, restricting his movements. Rarity pulls out a large hat and puts it onto his head.
'Ugh, I told you, I don't want any part of this girly gala gunk. See you back at the library,' Spike waves stripping out of his clothes and running out of the store. Rarity turns back to Twilight forgetting about Aurora who is still dressed in wet clothes.
'Oh, who needs him anyway,' Rarity laughs approaching Twilight, 'This is all about you, and how fabulous you'll look at the Grand Galloping Gala,' Rarity smiles as Twilight admires herself.
'Wait the Grand-' Twilight begins before being cut off.
'And oh, my goodness, what a coincidence,' Rarity gasps dashing over to a similar outfit to Twilight's, 'I happen to have an ensemble of my own that matches yours to a T. We would be the belles of the ball, you and I. Everyone would be clamoring for our attention. All eyes would be on us, and then everyone would finally know, the most beautiful, most talented, most sophisticated pony in all of Equestria is Rarity the unicorn,' she pauses as Twilight glares at her, 'Ah, and Twilight Sparkle, of course,' Rarity forcing a laugh.
'I see what's going on. You're just buttering me up so I give you the extra ticket,' she accuses taking off the outfit, 'Well it's not gonna work. You're going to have to wait for my decision just like everyone else. Now if you'll excuse me, I've been trying all day just to get some lunch!' she yells storming out.
Aurora turns to look at Rarity. Her head is low almost touching the floor.
'Thanks for getting me out of the rain, Rarity,' Aurora nods to her.
Rarity looks up with a smile before realising that while she was trying to gain favour with Twilight she completely let another of her friends remain wet and cold. Her eyes drop to the ground again as she magically levitates a towel for Aurora. Aurora's face softens at the ponies humility. She walks over and puts a hand on her friends shoulder.
'I get the feeling it's all going to work itself out,' Aurora grins drying herself off.
Aurora turns around and leaves the shop almost knocking over Applejack and a cart full of treats.
'What's all this for?' Aurora aks as if she didn't already know.
'They were for Twilight but I guess I'm not the first pony to try and earn the ticket from her,' Applejack nods at the cart.
'Did it occur to you that it's not just because it has happened before but that by trying to prove how good a friend you are, it will be worse if she chooses somepony else?' Aurora asks her.
'No, I guess it didn't,' Applejack replies eyes wide.
'Something to think about I guess,' Aurora turns to go to the library.
After a few minutes she catches up to Twilight who is nearing the library.
'How are you doing?' Aurora asks looking her friend.
'Well Applejack certainly hasn't made anything easier,' she sighs, 'at least here I can get some lunch,' Twilight replies making her way inside.
As the door opens a scene straight out of a fairy tale greets Aurora. Animals are everywhere rearranging the books and dusting the room top to bottom. It's like a zoo in here Aurora thinks jaw dropped and stunned into silence. She looks around and notices Fluttershy cleaning some of the upper bookshelves.
'Dr. Livingstone, I presume?' Aurora jokes eyebrow raised.
'Fluttershy, not you too?' Twilight groans
'Oh, well, hello Twilight. I hope you don't mind, but we're all doing a little spring cleaning for you,' Fluttershy smiles as she continues dusting the books.
'It's summer,' Twilight states.
'Oh, well, better late than never, right? It was Angel's idea,' she gestures towards the bunny who smiles.
'You're not doing this for the ticket, are you?' Twilight asks.
'Oh no, I'm doing this because you're my very best friend. Right, Angel?' she looks down at the bunny who glares up at her, 'Oh, yes, we are just doing this for the ticket,' she nods.
'No, no, no! Well, this was all very nice of you and Angel, but I'm not accepting any extra favors until I've made my final decision, so I'm going to have to ask you to leave,' Twilight opens the door and is immediately pulled by Pinkie along with several other ponies.
As Pinkie does whatever it is she does Aurora turns to looks at Fluttershy.
'How exactly did you expect this to go?' Aurora asks eyebrow raised.
'I thought she would at least appreciate it,' Fluttershy answers confused.
'Your idea is probably the least over the top one I've seen but it's still more than necessary if you want the ticket,' Aurora tells her.
'What do you mean?' she asks lowering herself to the ground.
'I mean that Twilight knows you want the ticket and no matter what you do she will judge fairly rather than playing favourites, I expected you and the others would know this,' suddenly the shouting outside grows in volume and frequency. Aurora sprints out just in time to see a crowd gather around Twilight.
'-RUN!' Twilight cries galloping away from the crowd which proceeds to follow her.
Aurora turns to Pinkie as the ponies chase Twilight off.
'What did you do?' Aurora asks quietly.
'I kinda sorta told everypony that Twilight has an extra ticket to the gala,' Pinkie grins.
'Why would you do that?!' Aurora yells.
'I thought everyone should know,' Pinkie smiles.
'Pinkie that is just about the worst thing you could have done. I want you to go find Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash while Fluttershy and I get all the animals out of here,' Aurora glares.
Pinkie nods and gallops away from the library. Aurora heads back inside.
'Fluttershy, we need to get these animals out of here,' she says.
'Why?'Fluttershy asks.
'Twilight is being chased by a mob, when she comes back this will need to be a calm space with nothing besides her friends,' Aurora says gently leading a few of the animals outside.
..................................................................................................................................................................................................
After several hours Aurora and Fluttershy arrive back to see that the other ponies, minus Twilight, have arrived and are waiting above the main room.
'So Aurora, why did you call us here,' Applejack asks as she walks in the door.
'You are here to apologise when Twilight gets back in a few minutes,' Aurora looks up at them.
'But why, all we were doing was helping her,' Rainbow complains.
'Actually you were helping yourselves, it didn't occur to you that she didn't need or want your 'help'. Furthermore all you did was ruin each others chance of getting a ticket,'
'You're right, we were selfish and Twilight deserves an apology,' Rarity nods.
A bright flash of light blinds the group and in it's place stands Spike and Twilight dizzy and dazed.
'Warn me next time you're gonna do that,' Spike says swaying.
'I didn't even know it was gonna happen,' Twilight replies as Spike shakes ash off his scales, 'Now quick, lock the doors,' she turns and spots the others, 'Yaaaargh!' she cries out.
'I can't decide, I just can't decide. It's important to all of you and I just can't stand to disappoint any of you, and giving me gifts and doing me favors won't make any difference, because you're all my friends and I wanna make you all happy and I can't, I just can't!' she collapses to the ground hooves over her head.
'Twilight, sugar, I didn't mean to put so much pressure on you, and if it helps, I don't want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won't feel bad, I promise,' Applejack says climbing down and laying a hoof on her head.
'Me too. I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful,' Fluttershy follows suit.
'And me too. It's no fun upsetting your friends,' Pinkie frowns.
'Twilight, it was unfair of me to try to force you as I did,' Rarity says.
'Yes! That means the ticket is mine,' Rainbow leaps in the air laughing, 'Ha ha, I got the ticket, I got the ticket-' she loos down and notices everyone glaring at her, 'you know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either,' she shrugs.
'We all got so gung-ho about going to the gala that we couldn't see how un-gung-ho we were making you,' Applejack frowns.
'We're sorry, Twilight,' the ponies say in unison.
'Spike, take a note,' he pulls out a scroll and a quill, 'Dear Princess Celestia, I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful,' she magically levitates the tickets around the room 'So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala,' she puts the tickets back in the scroll.
'What?!' the ponies cry out in unison.
'If my friends can't all go, I don't wanna go either,' Twilight finishes.
'Twilight, you don't have to do that,' Applejack tells her.
'Nope. I've made up my mind. Spike, you can send the letter now,' Twilight nods.
As Spike sends the letter Aurora walks over and puts her hand on Twilights shoulder.
'I'm proud of you, but it's not over yet,' she tells her.
'What do you mean?' Twilight asks.
'I'm not sure but I do know it will make you happy,' Aurora winks.
'Now you won't get to go to the gala either,' Fluttershy says.
'It's okay, girls. I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me, so I would rather not go at all,' she says. All the ponies gather around and hug her, they look at Aurora expectantly.
'Oh, all right,' she walks forward and joins the group hug. They hear the sound of Spike retching.
'Well wallop my withers, Spike. Isn't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment,' Applejack tells him shaking her head.
'Now hold on, I think this is more than just Spike's immaturity,' Aurora tells her.
Spike suddenly burps and a scroll appears in the air, with the princesses seal on it.
'Whoa Nelly!' Applejack gasps in surprise.
'A letter from the princess? That was fast!' Twilight exclaims.
'My faithful student Twilight,' Spike reads, 'Why didn't you just say so in the first place?" seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala,' he says pulling them from the scroll as everyone else gasps.
'Now we can all go,' Twilight cries as the other ponies cheer.
Her stomach rumbles loudly drowning out the cheers. she lets out a short laugh.
'Allow us to treat you to dinner,' Rarity declares.
'What a great way to apologize,' Rainbow affirms.
'And to celebrate. Come on everyone, the cupcakes are on me,' Pinkie laughs bounding out the door.
As Aurora walks out she and Applejack hear a loud burp and a flash of green light shines out of the library windows. They turn to see Spike skip out of the doorway giggling at the ticket in his hands. He spots them and immediately changes.
'I mean, gross, I have to go too?' he pretends to hurl. Aurora raises an eyebrow at him. He shrugs and continues on his way giggling.
Aurora hurries to catch up to the group while Twilight drops back to talk to her.
'So you knew I would get more tickets from Celestia?' Twilight asks.
'Not quite, I got the feeling it would work itself out and from what I know of your relationship with her, she would sort it out...or you would make I fair by forsaking all the tickets,' Aurora answers with a shrug.
'I think I found the perfect job for you,' Twilight tells her.
'What would that be?' Aurora asks eyes gleaming.
'You would make a good teacher, especially if you develop your ability so that you are aware of more specific outcomes,' Twilight smiles.
'Are there any schools around here, or do you mean a more general teacher, someone who just gives advice or acts as a seer?' Aurora replies tilting her head in thought.
'We have a school for young ponies to learn basic subjects,' Twilight explains, 'It will also teach you more about our world than even I could, but I will be more than happy to help you along anyway,' Twilight glances at her.
'That sounds like a wonderful idea Twilight,' Rarity inputs, 'My younger sister goes there and she could show you around,' she tells Aurora.
'My sister does too, if you get a job helping Miss Cherilee you could wind up teaching her as well,' Applejack grins.
'I see my decision has been made for me,' Aurora laughs, 'Tomorrow I will try to get an audience with Miss Cherilee and see about getting a job there,'
'In the meantime you are more than welcome to stay at my place,' Fluttershy offers.
'You know, you guys are really the best friends a girl could have,' Aurora beams at them, 'Now lets go get some food,' she laughs.
Author's Note
Wow is this late. Sorry about this but with a new job and a more busy social life than before I have been very tired and less motivated to write this. Hopefull things will calm down. Expect another update tomorrow to make up for this. What do you guys think so far? Now that Aurora is looking for a job, I can break away from the Mane 6 for a while to develop Aurora's life in Ponyville. At some point soon a large plot will developd introducing all new characters, an all new town and an all new villain. Finally this plotline will also exclude the Mane 6. Stay tuned and talk to you all soon.
The Magical Land Called Equestia
Chapter 5 - The Ponyville Schoolhouse
Aurora awakens the next day nervous but excited about the prospect of an interview with Cheerilee at the Ponyville Schoolhouse. She gets up off the couch and folds the blanket before putting it and the pillows away in a nearby cupboard. She makes her way to the kitchen and begins to make her breakfast. As she does she contemplates what the school will be like. What subjects will they teach at this school? From what I hear, it is the equivalent of a primary school which accommodates foals. Obviously math and English will be taught, or whatever they will be called. What about science, the world I have seen seems to rely on faith and magic rather than empiricism and science. If they don't teach such subjects, maybe I can introduce it? If it is taught, maybe I can take over?
As Aurora thinks about Fluttershy comes into the kitchen interrupting her thoughts.
'Are you okay?,' Fluttershy asks, 'You look distracted,'
'What makes you say that?' Aurora replies.
'You nearly put eggs in the toaster,' she points.
Aurora jerks them away from the toaster and puts them in the pan instead.
'Sorry, I'm just a little nervous about asking for a job at the Ponyville Schoolhouse,' Aurora says shaking her head.
'Why?' Fluttershy asks sitting down.
'I'm not a pony and am still learning about your world myself, the subjects or subject matter may be much more different than what my world was like...or I could just not get the job,' Aurora sighs, 'either or,'
'I'm sure you'll get the job, but if you don't you can still stay with me,' Fluttershy offers.
'Maybe, either way it will take some time until I have the money to rent a house, but thanks for the offer,' Aurora smiles starting to eat her breakfast.
Once Aurora finishes her breakfast she gets up and cleans the dishes. After that she says goodbye to Fluttershy and heads into town.
'I really want this job, I think I can learn a lot there and not only that doing so will be good for Fluttershy, I just hope that this Cheerilee is willing to see me. I'm sure she could use some help,'
As she walks through town she notices passes Carousel Boutique. Now that I think of it I probably should have asked Rarity where the school actually is. She walks up to Rarity's and knocks on the door.
'Come in,' Rarity calls from inside the shop.
Aurora pushes open the door and notices Rarity getting a small white filly with a pink and purple mane ready for school.
'Oh Aurora, this is a surprise what are you doing here?' Rarity asks putting some books in a saddle bag.
'I forgot to ask you yesterday where the Ponyville Schoolhouse is,' Aurora tells her, 'is that your sister,' she gestures to the filly.
'This is my sister Sweetie Belle, our parents are out of town and I am looking after her for a while. Actually, Sweetie, would you mind terribly if you showed Aurora here the way to your school,' Rarity looks down at her.
'Why? Is she a new student or something?' Sweetie asks looking at Aurora.
'She is applying for a job as a teacher there,' Rarity answers settling the saddlebag on her sisters back.
'Are you replacing Miss Cheerilee?' Sweetie gasps.
'No I wont be, rather I am hoping to take over some of the subjects for her, that way she can have longer breaks, better prepare for lessons while I get the job of teaching you the more scientific classes,' Aurora says kneeling to address her.
'I guess I could show you the way,' Sweetie shrugs.
'Thank you very much, Sweetie' Aurora replies standing up.
'Have a good day at school!' Rarity calls out as the pair leaves.
As they walk Sweetie Belle remains silent.
'So what are your classes like?' Aurora asks.
'They're alright I guess,' Sweetie replies.
'What classes do you have?' Aurora tries again.
'The usual,' Sweetie answers tersely.
'Care to elaborate?'
'What does elaborate mean?' Sweetie turns to her.
'Give a more detailed answer.' Aurora replies looking at the young filly.
'Oh, not really,' Sweetie shrugs again.
'Is something the matter?' Aurora asks stopping her.
'It's just that school is hard for me, I only have one friend and my teacher lets Diamond Tiara get away with everything,' Sweetie says, almost shouting in frustration.
'Is this Diamond Tiara a bully or something?' she asks.
'Yeah, but because her dad is rich she can do what she likes,'
'Are you worried that I'll would let her do what she wants?' Aurora asks
'Everyone else does,' she nods.
'Tell you what, I'll treat everyone fairly if I get the job. In return you try to make some more friends. Deal?' Aurora offers her hand.
Sweetie looks at it before smiling shyly.
'Deal,' she squeaks bumping her hoof with Aurora's hand.
'Is that the pony version of a handshake?'
'I guess, we stick hooves together rather than shaking though,' Sweetie giggles.
After a few minutes they come to a small pink building with a belltower on top and pink hearts above the windows. Outside is a tall flagpole with a red flag and a short sign with an open book on it.
'I'm guessing this is the Ponyville Schoolhouse?' Aurora turns to sweetie.
'Yeah, Miss Cheerilee should be at her desk inside. We aren't allowed in until the bell rings,' Sweetie spots an orange pegasus and runs off, 'see you later,' she calls back.
With a deep breath Aurora walks up to the door. As she does she notices that not a single foal has noticed her except for the small pegasus that Sweetie is friends with. She raps on the door and listens.
'Come in,' Aurora hears a voice call. She pushes open the door and steps inside.
'Oh, hello,' the voice says.
Aurora turns and spots a pony with a mix between a pink, purple, and red coat. On her flank are smiling flowers.
'Can I help you?' the pony asks.
'Are you Miss Cheerilee?' Aurora asks the pony.
'Yes I am, and you are?' Cheerilee answers.
'My name is Aurora, I wanted to speak with you,' Aurora tells her.
'Class doesn't begin for a while, so I guess I can chat,' Cheerilee nods, 'what was it you wanted?'
'I was wondering if you needed any help with your classes,' Aurora tells her, 'but I can see that this was more than likely a waste of time,' she says looking at the desks.
'Well I really only have one class, I mean I teach several subjects but only to one group,' Cheerilee tells Aurora.
'I only came because I don't really have any other skills or talents beyond knowing thing. If you were overworked, or needed an assistant I would have signed on as an aide as well. However you seem to be managing alright,' Aurora smiles at her.
'Truth be told some of the students can be quite unruly and I always wanted to bring happiness to them rather than sadness. Teaching all day also leaves me with little time to prepare for the next classes,' Cheerilee paces,' if you were serious about the offer to help, I could give you a trial run?' she asks looking at Aurora.
'I was serious and would be more than happy to show you what I can do,' Aurora smiles at her.
'Well I have the lesson plan here, I think to start you off, you should try to teach them English. Today we are focusing on grammar,' Cheerilee points.
'How much do your students currently know?' Aurora asks.
'They know quite a bit but this is less about sentences structure and more knowing when to use the right phrases and words,'
'Sounds straight forward,' Aurora nods, 'how is this going to start? Will you introduce me to them or just wait and watch from the back?'
'Both. I'll let them know you will be teaching this class. I'll take over from you at the end or if it gets out of control,'
The bell rings out and the sound of galloping and talking makes it's way inside.
'Good luck,' Cheerilee laughs.
'I'll need it,' Aurora smiles back.
Cheerilee walks past Aurora and opens the door letting all the young foals into the room. They start to rush to their desks when they spot Aurora. Shocked everypony stops and stares, except for Sweetie and her friend.
'Please be seated everypony,' Cheerilee tells the silent foals.
They slowly move to their seats eyeing Aurora as they do.
'This is Aurora and she will be teaching this class for today,' Cheerilee tells them once seated, 'Are you ready?' she asks Aurora.
'I am,' Aurora nods.
'Alright then,' she smiles. She turns around and makes her way to the back of the room and sits a an empty desk.
'Okay everypony. As Miss Cheerilee just said, my name is Aurora Blossom, but you can just call me Aurora. Today I will be taking your class and we will be focusing on the grammatical rules of the English language,' she tells the silent ponies, 'Now who can tell me what-' Aurora is suddenly interrupted by one of the students.
'Why are we even learning from this thing?' the filly asks. She is pink with a purple and white mane, with a small tiara perched on her head.
'You're Diamond Tiara I presume?' Aurora asks her.
'Yeah, but what are you?' she asks snidely.
'Thank you for asking. I am a human being, or homo-sapien if you want to be clever, however my name is Aurora,' Aurora tells her patiently.
'Why is it teaching us Miss Cheerilee?' she whines.
'Now Diamond Tiara, I told you that I am not an it, you know what I am now so I would prefer it if you called me by either Aurora, or miss,' Aurora states.
'Why is it still talking to me?!' she cries in indignation.
Aurora looks at the students and watches Sweetie's face fall. She looks at Cheerilee and sees her wink in Aurora's direction.
'I understand Diamond Tiara. Your father is rich and now you think that you can do whatever you want because you're better than others. However I can also clearly see why you are at this school and not at home,' Aurora tells her.
'But I am better than others,' Diamond smiles.
'No you're not, you're just like everyone else,' a lavender filly speaks up.
'Shut up Aura. You think I'm the same, your parents abandoned you. In fact, the only reason you're here at all is because others took pity on you. I can take care of myself,' Diamond snaps at Aura.
Aura tears up and runs out of building crying.
'Alright Diamond, as I was saying before the reason you are here is because you need to be. Almost everything you have said has been insulting and, for the most part, rife with stupidity. Refusing to address me as sentient is just a sign of how simple you are. Furthermore, given your family wealth a significant amount of intelligence is not necessary. Maybe you should consider why your parents wish for you to attend this school. Maybe that will cause you to treat others better than you currently do,' Aurora tells her.
Diamond Tiara's mouth drops open as Aurora leaves to comfort Aura.
'Thanks for the opportunity Cheerilee,' Aurora nods as she leaves.
She closes the door and looks around before hearing the sound of crying. She follows the sound along the wall of the school around to the back of the building. She peeks around the corner and spots Aura lying on her stomach crying.
'Are you okay?' Aurora asks her.
Aura spots her and sniffs, rubbing her eyes.
'She's just always so mean,' Aura sniffs, her soft voice disrupted by the recent crying. Getting a good look at her for the first time, Aurora notices her teal mane, and bright blue eyes.
'I can tell,' Aurora nods sitting next to her, 'I'm sorry I made her mad, had I known she would lash out at you I would have kept my mouth shut,'
'I knew what I was getting in to. This isn't the first time she's said it, and it probably won't be the last,' Aura sighs.
'Since I probably won't be here anymore she won't be mad as often as she would have been,' she tells the filly.
'Sorry about that,' Aura sighs.
'Nonsense, everyone should take responsibility for their own actions, something I hope Diamond Tiara learns from this,' she smiles.
'Thanks for cheering me up,' Aura says giving a little smile.
'Tell you what, if you need anything or if Diamond Tiara gives you anymore trouble, you let me know and I'll sort it out okay,' Aurora says sticking her fist out.
'Deal,' Aura beams bumping her hoof on Aurora's fist.
Aurora stands up and helps Aura to her feet. They head back around the front and Aurora walks up the steps. Aura hesitates at the door.
'Everything's going to be fine,' Aurora comforts her.
Aura suddenly lifts her forelegs and wraps them around Aurora's waist. After pausing in surprise, Aurora returns the gesture, kneeling to hug the young filly.
'Tell you what, once I get a place of my own, you are more than welcome to visit me,' Aurora smiles at her.
'I would like that,' Aura sniffs.
She pushes open the door and walks inside with Aurora. She calmly takes her seat without looking at Diamond Tiara.
'I'll be back in a minute,' Cheerilee tells them following Aurora outside.
'I'm sorry about that, Diamond Tiara just really made me mad. I'm probably not suited for this job, but I thank you for giving me the opportunity,' Aurora smiles sadly.
'I was going to thank you actually. Diamond Tiara was quiet that whole lesson and we actually managed to accomplish more than if you had let her get away with that,' Cheerilee laughs, 'In fact, I think you would be perfect for this job. You're clearly intelligent, you are kind to the young ones, and best of all you are strict with the trouble makers. If you want to teach some of the classes, I will be glad to have you,'
'Absolutely,' Aurora gasps.
'Just try not to insult them anymore okay?' Cheerilee jokes, 'When can you start?'
'I think they probably need a break from me. How about tomorrow?' Aurora suggests.
'Done,' Cheerilee nods.
Aurora turns to leave when she stops at the last minute.
'Aura, does she actually have a place to stay?' Aurora asks turning back to Cheerilee.
'She stays with the mayor, but I don't think she likes it very much. Why?' Cheerilee asks her.
'I was just wondering,' Aurora shrugs turning away.
This day turned out better than I expected. I showed Diamond Tiara I will take no bad attitude from her, I showed the others that I value everyone equally. And better than all that, I got the job I wanted Aurora smiles to herself. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
Author's Note
Maybe I should stop putting a time limit on these chapters right? Out of all the chapters this is probably the worst quality chapter as I had no idea how to begin it. Hope you enjoyed it nevertheless.
Anyway, while looking at the children who attend the Ponyville Schoolhouse, I found young Aura. She doesn't have any speaking parts and isn't seen with anyone. She is quite cute as well. Finally, Aura is similar to Aurora and that is why I think it would be kind of nice if they lived together at some point. This side plot was a bit rushed I feel, but I think it would be better to develop this further.
In other news, I just earned my first dislike :) and yes, I am happy about it. This means that there is something that needs work. Please try to provide feedback so I know what to change or leave the same.