Friendship Across Time and Spaceby Tangerine BlastChaptersEntranceIntrosInvestigationEntrance“Princess?” Celestia tensed. There weren’t many ponies who could make her with just a word but this was one such pony. She kept her posture stiff as she replied, “Please tell me you’re here to say you found the rest of them.” Celestia did not turn, so she couldn’t see what her guest was doing, but the lack of hoofsteps or any reply for a few moments made her worry spike into anxiety. “We did,” Her guest finally relented, but the way he said it caused no ease to the Alicorn, “But we can’t get them all together without your help.” Celestia furrowed her brow but kept her gaze on the glittering moon above her. “And why is that? Surely you can corral five ponies around Equestria into one town. It is of utmost importance they all meet.” “I know that, and it can be done. It just might be a tad harder than we first thought. Since, well… you see, Princess. They aren’t really around Equestria. At least, not right now.” Celestia finally tore herself from the moon to stare at her guest. “Then where are they?” The old pony, with a coat and mane and everything so unoriginal he blent into any crowd, gave Celestia a weary smile she had seen many time on his and his co worker’s faces. “I think you mean ‘when’, your highness.” The two stared at each other for a few moments as the weight of the words sunk in. “What do you need me to do?” Celestia asked. Her guest smiled wide. *** Pinkie Pie trudged down the road of Ponyville, completely exhausted. She had taken an extra shift at the diner to make up for the other day when she had come been running late to work. Because of that, she was leaving much closer to sunrise than she would have liked. Plus there was the issue of how work had been that she didn’t even want to think about. Being there only a few hours would have been too long. Let alone most of the day and half the night. She almost collapsed with relief as her home came into view. Finally, she could relax. But then a pang of sadness caused her to continue her slow trudge with dragged hooves. She had almost forgotten that her roommate--and landlord--was out of town for the week, so the large house was going to be dark, empty, and so so lonely. But then, as she got closer, she realized that wasn’t the case at all. Although none of the electric lights were on, she could see flashes of interchanging purple and red lighting up the windows. There was also a sound that wasn’t apparent until she was only a few yards away. Crashes, bangs, growls, and the unmistakable sound of magic being fired. Pinkie Pie shifted the rollerblades hanging over her back and sprinted to the house. Skidding to a halt in front of the door she slowly, slowly, cracked it open. She was expecting a lot of things when she opened the door. Burglars were high on the list, and the noises suggested a fight taking place in her home so maybe two groups of burglars? A wild monster was possible. The house was situated quite close to the Everfree Forest and it wouldn’t have been the first time. She just really hoped it wasn’t a hydra again. They generally made a mess. What Pinkie did see, however, completely blew her expectations out of the water. She really had no idea what she was seeing and stood frozen in the doorway for a few moments trying to process it. The scene before her was best broken up into three parts. First was the source of the bright flashes and magic sounds. Two ponies were locked in a magical duel, throwing spells left and right. What was strange about this was that only one of them had a horn. And the one that did have a horn also had wings. She was wearing strange armor that gave Pinkie the feeling of a really ecstatic Ogres and Oubliettes player. The Alicorn was also wielding a sword with her mouth that, by the slashes in some nearby furniture and walls, was very sharp. The sword-swinging pony was fighting a sky blue Pegasus with a rainbow tail. Pinkie assumed her mane was the same color but couldn’t be sure since it was tucked into what looked like a flight suit the Wonderbolts would wear. Except this flight suit had blinking lights and a helmet attached to it. She was also wielding a weapon, a gun like thing that shot pure bolts of magic in a way that Pinkie was pretty sure was impossible with modern technology. The second part was a lion. A lion locked in battle with a pony… thing. Now Pinkie Pie had never seen a lion before and she was darn sure none lived even relatively close by, but she had read enough books to recognize one when it was right in front of her. Even if this one was non conventional. For one thing, its colors were strange. The big cat had a dark orange coat and a bright blonde shaggy mane that fell around its neck like a frilly collar. Pinkie was pretty sure those should have been opposite. She was also pretty sure lions didn’t have cutie marks of bright red apples or wore old worn hats. The creature that the lion was battling could easily have been mistaken for a butter-yellow Pegasus Pony. It had the same basic dimensions but there were a few key differences. For one, the wings weren’t standard feathered wings. Instead, they were skeletons of wings with skin stretched over. Resembling a dragon’s or bat’s more than the usual bird. The pony also had long sharp fangs growing out of her mouth, and piercing red eyes that seemed to glow from an inner power. The biggest clue that it wasn’t a pony, though, was that it had just been hit with a claw swipe that left three inch deep gashes in the floor and was barely phased. The third thing was unique in that it wasn’t a fight at all, but a lone seapony sitting in a pool of water, yelling shrilly about how barbaric the situation was and pushing either of the duos away with a burst of magic whenever they got too close. Pinkie could only stand frozen in the doorway, her mind trying to grasp onto anything that made even a shred of sense. Finally, it found something, and the Earth Pony’s face morphed from shell-shocked confusion to righteous anger. “WHAT THE HAY IS GOING ON HERE?!?” Instantly, all five… creatures froze and turned their gazes to the fuming pony in the doorway. “Look at this place!” Pinkie yelled, sweeping a hoof around the room, “Nicks and slashes on all the furniture, blast marks on the walls, gashes in the floor, and water everywhere! Is this how you treat your own places?” The five unexpected guests actually had the decency to look guilty, but Pinkie didn’t give them time to say anything in their defense. “Now listen, I’ve had a very hard day and this had kinda topped it off so I am going to go upstairs and take a shower. When I get back, one of two things should have happened.” She held up a hoof and closed her eyes. “One: all of you, the damage, and anything else will be gone because I have finally gone crazy and none of this is real. Or two!” She stamped her hoof on the ground and opened her eyes to glare around the room. Making a few of the occupants flinch. “This is real and all of you are going to remember what manners are and be sitting around that,” She pointed to a table that had been thrown against the wall, “table and be politely drinking hot cocoa and not fighting. If anything other thing has happened I will not be happy.” Pinkie stormed through the throng of creatures and up the stairs on the other side of the room. She climbed up and, right as she reached the bathroom door, heard one of her new guests murmur, “Hot cocoa?” “It’s in the cupboard above the stove!” Pinkie yelled down before slamming the door and getting to her shower. *** About half an hour later Pinkie Pie came back down the stairs. She had changed out of her bright work outfit and into a plain blue t-shirt and shorts. The heavy makeup was completely gone, and instead of two tight pigtails, her curly mane hung loose around her shoulders. The sight that greeted her when she walked downstairs was of six ponies sitting around a banged up table, drinking hot cocoa. That was a bit odd since the lion, seapony, and vampire and been replaced by an orange Earth Pony, white Unicorn, and butter yellow Pegasus. The flight suit Pegasus and sword-wielding Alicorn were pretty much the same as when Pinkie had walked in, the only difference was that the Pegasus’s helmet had disappeared and the Alicorn’s sword was sheathed by her side. “Well that’s disappointing,” Pinkie commented as she descended the stairs, “Caramel owes Thunderlane five bits.” The yellow maybe-a-vampire pony jerked her head up from where she was guzzling her cocoa like her life depended on it. Her eyes focused on Pinkie Pie for half a moment and then as soon as Pinkie dismounted the the last step she was directly in front of her, without seeming to move at all. “W-what is this… this food!” Pinkie didn’t even flinch at her sudden appearance. “What? The cocoa? It’s just chocolate and sugar really.” “Ch-chocolate…” The Pegasus said, testing out the new word, “I… I need more!” Pinkie looked her over. She was trembling and still had cocoa clinging to the fur around her mouth. “Uh, I think you might have had a teeny tiny bit too much already.” “MORE!” Pinkie did flinch this time. She stumbled back as the Vampire’s red eyes flashed and she towered over the Earth Pony. Pinkie bit down a whimper at the terrifying sight. “Hey!” A shout interrupted the brief interrogation and the Pegasus folded down even smaller than Pinkie had cowered. The orange Earth Pony had gotten up from her seat and was glaring at the Pegasus. “Don’t you be doin’ anythin’ to her or so help me I’ll fight ya again!” “...I’m… I’m sorry. It was very good… and I just… thank you for sharing it with me…” The Pegasus apologized meekly to Pinkie, before slumping back over to the table, the orange pony watching her carefully. “Uh…” Pinkie said lamely, watching the scene carefully, “You’re welcome? It’s not that rare of a food. You can get it at any market.” She turned towards the kitchen and was stopped in her tracks by the Alicorn standing a foot behind her, bowing deeply. “Madame I must apologize for how rudely I have behaved this evening.” She talked strangely, with an even heavier accent than the orange pony. “I have come into your home, unannounced, and proceeded to destroy it. Me having no control over my arrival or the fact that I was attacked upon it does not excuse my behavior. As a Princess, I should have reacted better and I humbly ask for your forgiveness.” Before Pinkie had to think of a response to that speech the other Pegasus spoke up, flaring her wings. “Hey, I didn’t attack you! I was on a space flight when suddenly I’m in a house with a sword in my face. You attacked me!” The Alicorn twitched and shot the blue pony a glare. “I was in the middle of a training session when I was brought here. I tried to apologize but you fired at me!” She huffed and straightened out of her bow. “Besides, at least I have the decency to apologize to our host.” “Why should I apologize?” The Pegasus asked, “How do we know she didn’t kidnap us and bring us here on purpose?” “Sugar,” the orange pony spoke up, “She’s an Earth Pony, ah doubt she can do a big ‘ol teleport like that.” “If she had a device she could,” The Pegasus protested, turning to the larger Earth Pony. She looked away the second her eyes laid on her though, a blush turning her blue face red. “Uhg, can you please put some clothes on? All three of you?” “Oh, I’m sorry,” The vampire immediately apologized, reaching under the table and grabbing a black cloak she threw around her shoulders. “I forgot to put it back on after the fight.” The Earth Pony-maybe-a-lion and the Unicorn-maybe-a-mermaid both raised a brow. “Why in the sea would I need clothing?” The Unicorn sniffed, crossing her hooves. “Ah’m already wearing ma hat.” “You need more than that!” The Pegasus insisted, “It… it’s super weird! You…” She gestured over to Pinkie Pie, “You pink… uh…” “Pinkie.” “Pinkie! You live here right? Can you please get these ponies some clothes?” The orange pony snorted. “She ain’t gonna have anythin’ that’ll fit me. Ah’m twice her size.” That was true. While the Unicorn was roughly the same body type as Pinkie, the other Earth Pony was huge, much bigger than anyone else in the room and almost the same size as the lion had been. “Hmmm, you know I think I might have something, hang on.” Pinkie turned around and trotted back up the stairs, leaving her guests in an awkward silence. She returned just a few minutes later, however, two bundles of clothes perched atop her back. “Here you go, I hope they fit.” She handed the bundles to the two unclothed ponies. The Unicorn unfurled the shirt she was handed and gave it a critical once over. “Hmmm… acceptable.” She concluded and then proceeded to slip it over her head. Instantly, every pony in the room gasped and averted their eyes. “What are you doing?!?” The blue Pegasus demanded, her eyes squeezed shut. The Unicorn blinked in confusion as she finished putting on the shirt. “Changing? Isn’t that what you wanted?” “You can’t change out here!” Pinkie shrilled, blushing so hard her pink coat turned more red. “It’s not… you can’t do that!” “It is improper to change in front of others,” The Alicorn agreed, staring pointedly at the ceiling. The Unicorn blushed and turned up her nose. “Well excuse me for not knowing the ins and outs of land-dwellers social faux pas.” No one was quite sure what do with that comment but the orange Earth Pony broke the tension by standing up and making her way to the stairs. “Sorry Miss. Pinkie, but is there some place ah can change up there?” “Oh yeah, sure!” Pinkie said, moving out of the way, “The bathroom is the third door to the left.” The larger pony dipped her head in thanks and headed up the stairs. “So, um, what are all of your names?” Pinkie asked after a few moments of uncomfortable silence. The Alicorn gave her a baffled look. “Surely you jest? I am not sure where we are but I doubt my name has not reached your ears.” She fluffed her wings and removed her strange helmet, letting her striped purple mane fall loose. She smiled proudly and glanced around at the other ponies. Everyone stared blankly at her. The purple pony’s face fell. “Are you serious? How can you not…? I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle!” Pinkie raised a brow. “Princess? There’s only one Princess, silly, and you’re a little short to be her.” Twilight’s cheeks puffed out at that. “Perhaps there is only one Princess ruling this land but I assure you there are many others. I am a Princess of the great city Roam.” The blue Pegasus snorted. “Please, everyone here knows your lying. There hasn’t been kings and princesses in forever!” “...aren’t there only two left?” The other Pegasus spoke up, her nose scrunched in confusion. “And the city of Roam doesn't exist anymore,” Pinkie pointed out, “I remember that much from my history class.” “You watch your tongue!” Twilight shouted, stomping a hoof, “The great city will never fall and to speak of such things is traitorous!” Her eyes suddenly grew wide and Pinkie quickly backed up as the Alicorn’s sword was suddenly thrust in her face. “I have not been transported to enemy territory, have I? Which Princess did you say you follow? Speak truthfully!” “Um…” Pinkie squeaked as the others started to tense up. The Pegasi looking like they might jump in at any moment while the Unicorn simply watched with mild interest. Pinkie did not want another fight to break out, especially with her now in the middle of it. “P-Princess Celestia! I Pinkie Promise I’m not your enemy Twi- uh… Miss Princess.” The sword was lowered. “Celestia? The Alicorn apprenticed under Starswirl?” Twilight’s eyes trailed to the floor in thought. “But… you said she was taller than me…” Pinkie nodded rapidly, her eyes not leaving the sword that still wasn’t fully removed from her face. “Uh huh! She’s so tall. She might just be the tallest pony I’ve ever seen!” “Oh dear… maybe I shouldn’t be here then…” The vampire muttered shifting in her seat, “I worship her sister and they don’t really get along.” Pinkie turned to her. “Wait, sist…?” “Luna?” Twilight gasped, “But she is nary more than a foal! How…?” Her voice trailed off as she pursed her lips, “Pinkie... how old is Celestia now?” Pinkie giggled nervously. “How would I know? No one can even guess and she’s certainly not telling.” “An estimate then.” The Earth Pony shrugged. “Like, over a thousand at least?” Twilight’s face screwed up in anger and her sword sunk into the wooden floor. “Starswirl you blasted fool! You shall pay dearly for this insult,” Her shoulders sagged and she bowed her head again to Pinkie. “Miss Pinkie, I must apologize once more. I did not realize the extent of the situation.” “And what’s that, darling?” The Unicorn finally spoke up, her head resting lazily on her hoof. Twilight turned to her with a grave look. “I fear we have been transported through time.” Author's Note I did it. This is the weirdest idea I've ever had. But it won't leave me alone and the plot is almost entirely worked (and by that I mean I know how it's going to end and I've thought about the middle at least once) out so I guess I'm going with it. This is going to be my next multi-chapter project. I hope you're ready for it. IntrosIt only took a few minutes to confirm Twilight’s theory. Everypony had assumed it was a radically different date until Pinkie had corrected them with a calendar. Most were from centuries in the past, with the exception of the blue Pegasus (a rookie space captain--Rainbow Dash) who was a few hundred years into the future, and the Unicorn (introduced as Lady Rarity) who used a calendar system none of them recognized. A quick tour of the house solidified that no one was lying to the others and the ancient three had been boggled by things like toasters and fridges while Rainbow had mumbled something about a museum visit. After that, it had only taken a few questions to get Twilight and Rainbow to start fighting once again. “What doest thou mean thou hath no knowledge of our current time period?” “Hey, I’m a Wonderbolt in training! I didn’t have to pay attention to dumb history and junk.” The other four were content to ignore them. “Okay, so the time travel thing that Twilight’s weird friend was working on makes sense,” Pinkie said, head resting on the table as she regarded the other three ponies, “...in a weird kinda way. But what's still confusing is how you three are ponies right now but were super weird creatures when I first walked in.” “Ah, that ain’t too complicated,” the Earth Pony, Applejack, dismissed with a wave of her hoof. “I’m an Equa-Lion is all. It’s in our nature.” Pinkie blinked, wide-eyed. “Like an Equa-Wolf? But I thought those were just stories!” Applejack’s easy smile disappeared. “Well, ah guess we might be now. From the little ah’ve seen of this place it don’t seem like my kind would really fit here… but right after that Discord fella messed with everything folks like me are a dime a dozen.” Pinkie’s eyes grew ever wider. “You’re from right after the Discordian Era?” Applejack nodded. “Yeah, and let me say ah’m real happy ponies ain’t all died out after it. Some days… it kinda feels like we will.” “It took a while…” The vampire, Fluttershy said, “I’m from a couple hundred years after that and society is still feeling the effects of his rule…” “Ya know, I’m amazed yer so nice, sugarcube, the vampires ah know would kill ya as soon as look at ya.” Fluttershy ducked her head. “I’m not surprised by that… vampires don’t have a good history with anypony, really, but Luna’s been helping guide us…” “And what about you, Rarity?” Pinkie asked the Unicorn who seemed bored with the conversation, “What are you?” “A hippogryph.” She used her magic to pull her necklace forward and present it to the others. “This gem helps me transform into whatever creature I please.” Applejack scratched her head. “Why were ya a fish then?” Rarity gave her a cold look. “A hippocampus, thank you, and because my kind has been living as them for some years now, hidden away from…” She waved her hoof around vaguely, “...this?” “Why?” Fluttershy asked curiously, “Did you do something wrong?” Rarity shrugged. “I have no idea darling, I’m afraid it was before my time.” “Well, whatever brought us here certainly knew about ya,” Applejack commented, “Do ya think Twilight knows about them hippowhathaveyas?” “And that’s why a curved sword is pointless!” The Alicorn yelled, shaking the house with her voice and causing the others to glance back at her. “What are they even talking about?” Fluttershy whispered. “I have no id…” Pinkie’s eyes drifted from the argument in the middle of her dining room to the clock on the wall and she froze. “Oh no! How is it already noon???” “Shoot have we really been talkin’ that long?” Applejack asked, glancing outside at the sun. “Huh, time-travel really messes with ya.” Pinkie groaned and buried her head into her hooves. “I was supposed to go to bed hours ago!” “Interesting,” Twilight commented, seemingly have gotten over whatever she and Rainbow had been shouting about, “Do ponies use a nocturnal schedule in the future?” “Sometimes it feels like it…” Pinkie mumbled, glancing at her guests, “What am I going to do with you guys? I don’t know time magic!” All eyes turned to Twilight. “Don’t look at me! Time travel is an unstable concept at best!” To Dash. “Even if someone had invented a device for that that's totally egghead stuff!” “I still can’t believe there’s a magic shortage in the far future,” Twilight commented, turning back to Rainbow. Rainbow shrugged. “Eh, it’s not really a shortage so much as ponies just can’t use it naturally. The more we turned to cool gadgets and stuff the less we could shoot lasers out of our heads and control clouds. Priorities I guess.” She held up her gun proudly. “This baby though? Chocked full of mana. At full blast, it could shoot a hole through a spaceship.” Pinkie paled. “No more holes in my house!” Rainbow winced and glanced at the blackened walls. “Uh… yeah, sorry about that…” “So, um, how are we going to get back home?” Fluttershy asked, shifting in her seat. The room was silent as everyone exchanged glances. Twilight coughed into her hoof. “Well, considering we now know it is possible... I can most likely cross-reference the events leading up to our departures and find a way to reverse the magic. But… that will take a few days at the very least.” Applejack let out a long sigh. “Well, if that’s how it is. Ah’m really sorry about this here trouble, Pinkie, but do you think we could all crash with ya for a bit?” Pinkie nodded without hesitation. “Of course! I can’t just throw you all out on the street! That would make me a terrible host.” She glanced up the stairs and bit her lip. “Uh, there are only three bedrooms though. Some of you will have to bunk, but I can sleep on the couch.” “Oh no! You shouldn’t have to do that.” Fluttershy cried, “I can sleep out here. You should get a bed to yourself.” There was a collective murmur of agreement and Pinkie couldn’t think of a good enough reason to argue. “Okay, I should sleep in my friend’s room though, she’ll get mad if I let strangers sleep there.” “Sleep?” Rainbow interrupted, “But it’s morning. We should get out there and see the sights. I mean, I gotta get proof of this if any of my buds will believe this story once I get back.” “No.” Pinkie and Twilight said as one. “A heavy spell like this would take a physical toll, even on those just affected,” Twilight continued, “We should all sleep and eat so we can approach the problem with a fresh head tomorrow.” “And you can’t just go wander around,” Pinkie insisted, “Ponyville doesn’t get that many visitors and if you get in trouble I really won’t be able to help you.” Rainbow huffed and crossed her hooves. “Fine, we’ll go recharge or whatever, but I’m definitely exploring tomorrow. I know how to stay out of trouble.” “Ah literally just met ya,” Applejack spoke up, “But somehow ah doubt that.” Rainbow Dash stuck out her tongue. Pinkie clapped her hooves to regain the group’s attention. “Oooookay. If you’re all not going to cause any more trouble than I’m just going to excuse myself. Uh, please don’t break anything, don’t let Fluttershy have any more chocolate, and try not to fight, alright?” Twilight put a calming hoof on her shoulder. “Do not worry. We will all be on our best behavior for as long as we must take advantage of your hospitality.” *** Pinkie got up a few short hours later. She was more exhausted than usual but that was to be expected. Last night (day?) hadn't been very restful with all the commotion in her house, even when her guests had finally fallen asleep themselves. It was weird having so many creatures in her home and even odder to not be sleeping in her own bed. Her roommate's bed was much bigger and… messier than hers. It also had a very weird scent. But, she couldn’t dwell on it too long. She still had to get ready and go to work. After her shift she could have a few days off to figure out how to get her guests back home before they caused her any more trouble. She just had to get ready without waking anyone up and get to work. Then the day would be normal. At least for a few hours. It was fine. Everything would be fine as long as no other problems popped up. “Hey, Pinkie you’re out of grape juice.” Like a little filly raiding her fridge. “Scootaloo!” Pinkie shrilled, frozen in the kitchen doorway, “what are you doing here?” “Not having grape juice apparently,” the Pegasus filly replied, extracting a jug of milk from the fridge, “you really need to think of the juice deprived orphans in your life.” Pinkie squeezed her eyes shut as if that would make the little intruder vanish. “You… I’m super sorry but you really can’t be here right now, Scootaloo.” “Why not?” Scootaloo asked, taking a seat at the table and pouring herself a cup of milk. “Is the old bird back early?” “Well… no but…” “Then don’t worry! No one saw me sneak in and you never have anypony else in your house.” Scootaloo reassured, proceeding to chug her milk. “Hey, Pinkie,” A new voice came from behind the older pony, making Scootaloo’s eyes widen and milk dribble down her chin, “Do you have anything my size that isn’t, like, covered in hearts?” Rainbow Dash’s eyes landed on the filly sitting at the table and she cocked her head. “Huh, you never mentioned you had a kid.” Milk drenched the table as Scootaloo spit her drink out and fell off her stool. “Wha? Me? I’m not doing anything! Pinkie, who is this?” Pinkie just frowned at the growing puddle of milk as it drained from the jug. “Aw, Scoots now I’m going to have to go shopping.” “Sup, I’m Rainbow Dash.” The blue Pegasus, decked in Pinkie’s clothes, waved. “I’m from the future, I guess.” “Dashie! That’s a secret!” Rainbow blinked. “You said that it can’t leave this house and it isn’t.” Another blink. “And don’t call me ‘Dashie’.” Pinkie groaned and buried her head in her hooves. It was too early for this, or well… it was like five so late? Too late for this? “Rainbow Dash this is Scootaloo, she isn’t my foal, she just likes to eat my food. Scootaloo, this is Rainbow Dash, she’s stranded here from the future.” Scootaloo narrowed her eyes at the adults. “Pinkie… remember how some ponies lie?” “I… this isn’t… she isn’t lying!” Pinkie huffed, “We tested it!” Scootaloo raised a brow. “You tested it?” “She knew what a toaster was. So there.” Scootaloo sighed and rubbed the bridge of her snout. “Pinkie…” “No no no,” Pinkie verbally backtracked, “see, the others are from the past and don’t know what toasters are.” “Others?” Scootaloo asked, furrowing her brow in confusion. “Wait…” Rainbow interrupted the back and forth. She was staring wide-eyed at the filly before her. “… did… did you say your name was Scootaloo?” Scootaloo glared back. “Depends who’s asking.” Rainbow Dash took a deep breath as if trying to steady herself. “How old are you, kid? Thirteen?” “...maybe.” “...and, look this is going to probably come off as really rude, but can you fly yet?” Scootaloo’s face flushed. “I...wha… Pinkie why are you gossiping to weirdo strangers about me?” Pinkie looked up from where she was currently wiping up the spilled milk and gave the filly a hurt look. “Scoots, you know I would never break my promise. I haven’t told anypony about you. Ever.” Scootaloo’s anger softened but she still had a pout on her face. “Then… how would she know about that?” She turned back to Rainbow Dash and jerked as the older Pegasus’ eyes seemed to grow like dinner plates and sparkle with wonder. “Oh my gosh, you are Scootaloo!” Rainbow’s wings flapped once and she was suddenly an inch away from the filly’s face, making Scootaloo yelp with surprise. “I can’t believe I am meeting the Scootaloo! And she’s a filly! You don’t even have your cutie mark yet, do you? You have to sign something for me! Oh my gosh, this is the best day of my life. I am going to kiss whoever sent me here!” Pinkie glanced over from throwing away the now empty milk jug. “Is Scootaloo someone famous in the future, Dashie?” “Is she someone famous?!?” The squeal Rainbow let out was more akin to a puppy than a Pegasus. “Scootaloo was only the founder of the Wonderbolts! Or… at least how they are today, erm, my time. They used to just be a stunt team for years but she swooped in and made them an absolute force. It’s because of her they had enough coordination and training to become one of the best space fleets in the galaxy.” Scootaloo’s frown had slowly disappeared during Rainbow’s rambling and now she stood with her chest puffed proudly. “Yeah, alright Pinkie, your friend’s pretty cool. I guess she can stay. Even if she is really weird.” Pinkie rolled her eyes. “I’m so glad you approve. Now, what are you doing here at this time? You know I have to work. How did you even get in?” Scootaloo waved a hoof dismissively. “I didn’t have anything to do after school so I came to crash. I honestly thought you’d already be gone so I used my spare key.” Pinkie gave her a long look before sighing and trotting out of the kitchen. “Well, at least that explains where my key disappeared to.” “I can’t believe you live with the Scootaloo, Pinkie!” Rainbow continued to gush, following after her host. “This is the best thing to ever happen to me.” Pinkie stuck out her tongue. “Well, she may be super cool in the future but right now she’s just an annoying leech!” “I love you too, Pinks!” Scootaloo called back from the kitchen, causing Pinkie to roll her eyes. Rainbow glanced back and forth as if debating who to talk to. “How do you know Scootaloo anyway? You said she wasn’t your foal so is she like… a niece or something?” Pinkie shook her head as she gathered the rest of her supplies for work. “No, we’re not related in any way. She’s… well, she’s just a friend I guess.” Rainbow cocked her head. “That lives with you?” Pinkie glanced up from her packing to shoot Rainbow a confused look. “No? Why would you think she lives with me? She literally just said she stole my key.” “Oh, I thought that was just playful banter. I do that all the time with my parents, not that they ever realize it’s a joke.” She paused, seemingly lost in memories, before shaking her head and addressing Pinkie again. “So what do ponies do for fun in the past anyway? What the coolest place in town?” Pinkie squinted at her. “I thought you all agreed to lay low while you were here.” Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. “I will be laying low. No one’s going to notice one more Pegasus taking in the sites. This place gets tourists, right?” Pinkie reluctantly nodded. “A little bit, I guess. But that doesn’t mean you should just go wandering off! What if you get lost or or…” “Please!” Rainbow scoffed with an eye roll, “I’m a Wonderbolt! One of the best fliers in the galaxy. I won’t get lost in one little town.” She bumped Pinkie playfully with her wing. “Besides, do you really want five strange ponies raiding your home for entertainment all day?” Pinkie opened her mouth to protest but didn’t get anything out before she closed it with a disgruntled sigh. “Fine, but you can’t let anyone know you’re staying with me, okay? You have to just be a normal, everyday tourist.” “Of course!” Rainbow said with a grin, happy she had won the argument, “No one will think twice of me.” ***** An unassuming pony watched the quaint little house from across the road. He had been there for hours, hidden in a way that was both out of sight, and not too suspicious if someone did stumble upon him. As he watched, the first interesting thing since he arrived happened. Two ponies exited the quiet house. One, the insultingly pink mare he knew lived there, and the other a rainbow maned Pegasus that shouldn’t have been alive for another hundred or so years. The hidden pony grinned as he watched the two mares walk off together. Everything was going exactly according to plan. His superiors would be very pleased indeed. Author's Note I'm sorry this has taken two years. I... I have no excuse. Next Chapter Release Date: Nov. 9th InvestigationScootaloo was used to Pinkie’s house being weird. It was Pinkie’s house after all. One could find entire rooms filled with party decorations and games thrown haphazardly about then find another with tax files folded and cataloged almost reverently. You never knew what you’d find when walking in her door and everypony in town knew it. It wasn’t like Scootloo snuck in through the back for Pinkie’s reputation. But this was ridiculous. Besides Rainbow Dash, who Scootaloo had to admit was pretty cool, there were four--four crazy ponies just wandering the halls. And Scoots wasn’t certain they were all actually ponies. She peered around the doorway that led from the hall into the living room, watching the strange yellow creature on Pinkie’s couch. It flared its large, bat-like wings, and yawned with a mouthful of fangs. Definitely not like anypony Scootaloo had seen before and it made her just a little bit nervous to watch. “Oh, hey there Sugarcube. Who are you?” Scootaloo almost jumped out of her skin and whirled around. A very very large Earth Pony had somehow snuck up behind her. “Whoa, calm down there.” The Earth Pony put a hoof up in surrender as Scootaloo crouched into an aggressive position. “I’m Applejack. Pinkie’s...uh… guest. I ain’t gonna bite.” “What are you doing in Pinkie’s house?” Scootaloo demanded, trying to look as fierce as possible. “Well, uh.” The Earth Pony scratched the back of her neck. “That’s kind of a secret, sugar. Who are you that you gotta know?” “I’m Scootaloo. Pinkie’s best friend.” She briefly wondered if she should mention the future-wonderbolt thing but decided against it. There was no way that Rainbow Dash character was actually from the future. “So if you’re taking advantage of her…” Applejack chuckled good-naturedly and shook her head, completely ignoring Scootaloo’s hanging threat. “Ya know, you remind me a lot of my little sis. She’s about your age, got the same kind of fire. I think you two could be friends. ‘Cept that she’s a platypus.” She leaned down like she was telling Scootaloo a secret. “And platypi can be ornery little things. It’s the poison, ah think.” Scootaloo stared up at her, absolutely baffled. “...okay…? New theory: the town decided to just dump all the crazy ponies in one place and call it a day.” The adult blinked at her and pulled back, looking embarrassed. “Ah, right. In the future ain’t no one knows what my kind is. Sayin’ I’m part lion ain’t gonna clear anythin’ up.” She put on a polite yet obviously fake smile and untactfully changed the subject. “So what’cha doin’ here, Scootaloo? I’m sure if ya hurry you could catch Pinkie before she heads ta work.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Pinkie already left. She and that Rainbow Dash pony headed out, like, ten minutes ago. I’m just sticking around to keep an eye on you guys.” Applejack’s brow furrowed. “Wait… Rainbow Dash left? Why in Harmony did she do that? Ah thought we were all supposed ta stay out of sight!” “I don’t know,” Scootaloo said with a shrug, “They just left together.” “Dang.” Applejack frowned down at her hooves, seemingly lost in thought. “Ah hope she doesn’t cause any problems for that nice Pinkie girl.” Scootaloo’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “What does that-” Knock knock Both ponies’ ears perked up as their eyes trailed to the direction of the front room. They stood frozen, as if daring the sound to ring out again. Knock The adult leaned down to the filly’s level and spoke in a soft whisper. “Is… uh… is Pinkie expectin’ anyone she didn’t tell us about?” “No,” Scootaloo hissed back, “Pinkie never has anypony over.” “Well, should we open it?” “Of course not!” “Hello there, good pony, what a fine day we’re having, isn’t it?” Both Scootaloo and the Applejack paled and scrambled to the front room. They peeked around the corner to find the front door wide open, a tall purple pony with a blanket draped across her back, standing in the doorway with a smaller green Unicorn grinning up at her from the porch. “Who art thou?” The purple pony asked suspiciously, eyeing the other Unicorn as if assessing her threat level. “Princess Twilight what are you doin’?” The pony leaning over Scootaloo’s head whispered to herself. The Unicorn at the door did not seem at all bothered by Twilight’s odd word choice. “I’m Clover Glaze. I’m from town hall and I just have a survey about the town that I’d like you, and whoever else lives here, to take.” Twilight stared down at her, unamused. “Thou art lying.” She leaned down until her snout bumped against the other mare’s. “If thou art trying to sell something speak plainly and know I have not acquainted myself with modern currency. Perhaps try your lies at the next house.” “Wha-” But the Unicorn didn’t get another word out before Twilight slammed the door in her face. “Twilight!” Applejack scolded, leaving Scootaloo’s side to advance on Twilight, “What did you do that for?” “Dear Applejack,” Twilight replied, “That pony was very clearly looking to take advantage of ponies. I refused to continue on conversing.” Applejack paused, a thoughtful look on her face, before she shook her head with a small smile. “Nah, not that. Honestly, kinda proud of that. I meant, why did ya open the door in the first place? We’re kinda supposed ta be stayin’ out of sight.” Twilight blinked at her, as if not comprehending the critique. She gestured to her back, shifting her shoulders until the blanket slipped off and revealed a pair of large feathered wings. “I am not a fool. I had mine wings hidden.” Applejack facehoofed. “Why does this day just keep getting weirder?” Scootaloo muttered to herself, coming out to stand next to the two grown ponies. Twilight’s face instantly turned nervous as she fumbled to put the blanket back on. “...indeed… I’m sure you’re wondering what a Princess is doing in your house young child… uh, Applejack why is there a child in the house?” “I’m Scootaloo,” said child explained, gazing past the purple pony and towards the door, “And, honestly, I was talking more about the rando at the door than whatever’s going on with you.” Twilight and Applejack both followed Scootaloo’s gaze, as if the strange Unicorn would come back and explain the oddity Scootaloo was describing. “Is that not a common occurrence in the future?” Twilight wondered, “The pony seemed confident in her delivery that I just assumed…” “No, that’s a thing,” Scootaloo reassured, staring into the distance with a thoughtful look, “Just not here. Pinkie doesn’t get visitors.” Applejack raised a brow. “Why’s that? Town seemed pretty close by.” Scootaloo shook her head to snap herself out of her own thoughts. She turned to glare suspiciously at the two adults. “Look, I may be a kid but I’m not an idiot. You guys are either insane or playing some cruel joke on Pinkie.” She pointed at Applejack. “You’re not part lion or whatever.” Then to Twilight. “Those wings are fake, and I bet your weird accent is too. Neither of you are from the future or past or whatever and there’s nothing you can say to convince me otherwise. So if you don’t tell me what’s actually going on here this very second I’m going to get the cops over to arrest you for trespassing.” A lie, but a believable one. Scootaloo wouldn’t go to the police even if a pony was holding her at gunpoint. But these ponies didn’t seem particularly up to date with the going ons of the town. If she could just scare them into telling her what she needed to know then she could form her own plan of how to proceed. Applejack and Twilight looked at each other, at a loss of what to do or say to put the child at ease. Scootaloo grimaced, but played it off as a dangerous scowl. “Fine then. If you’ll excuse me then I’ll be-” Scootaloo’s shadow surged suddenly, stretching away from her hooves and rippling like water. A yellow head slowly formed out of it like a clay statue being molded right before their eyes. “Has anyone seen Rarity?” The vampire asked, eyes glowing bright red, as the rest of her body slowly grew out of the shadow on the floor. Scootaloo screamed. Author's Note Next Chapter Release Date: Dec. 29th Sorry for the shorter chapter. Midterms are hitting me hard.
Entrance“Princess?” Celestia tensed. There weren’t many ponies who could make her with just a word but this was one such pony. She kept her posture stiff as she replied, “Please tell me you’re here to say you found the rest of them.” Celestia did not turn, so she couldn’t see what her guest was doing, but the lack of hoofsteps or any reply for a few moments made her worry spike into anxiety. “We did,” Her guest finally relented, but the way he said it caused no ease to the Alicorn, “But we can’t get them all together without your help.” Celestia furrowed her brow but kept her gaze on the glittering moon above her. “And why is that? Surely you can corral five ponies around Equestria into one town. It is of utmost importance they all meet.” “I know that, and it can be done. It just might be a tad harder than we first thought. Since, well… you see, Princess. They aren’t really around Equestria. At least, not right now.” Celestia finally tore herself from the moon to stare at her guest. “Then where are they?” The old pony, with a coat and mane and everything so unoriginal he blent into any crowd, gave Celestia a weary smile she had seen many time on his and his co worker’s faces. “I think you mean ‘when’, your highness.” The two stared at each other for a few moments as the weight of the words sunk in. “What do you need me to do?” Celestia asked. Her guest smiled wide. *** Pinkie Pie trudged down the road of Ponyville, completely exhausted. She had taken an extra shift at the diner to make up for the other day when she had come been running late to work. Because of that, she was leaving much closer to sunrise than she would have liked. Plus there was the issue of how work had been that she didn’t even want to think about. Being there only a few hours would have been too long. Let alone most of the day and half the night. She almost collapsed with relief as her home came into view. Finally, she could relax. But then a pang of sadness caused her to continue her slow trudge with dragged hooves. She had almost forgotten that her roommate--and landlord--was out of town for the week, so the large house was going to be dark, empty, and so so lonely. But then, as she got closer, she realized that wasn’t the case at all. Although none of the electric lights were on, she could see flashes of interchanging purple and red lighting up the windows. There was also a sound that wasn’t apparent until she was only a few yards away. Crashes, bangs, growls, and the unmistakable sound of magic being fired. Pinkie Pie shifted the rollerblades hanging over her back and sprinted to the house. Skidding to a halt in front of the door she slowly, slowly, cracked it open. She was expecting a lot of things when she opened the door. Burglars were high on the list, and the noises suggested a fight taking place in her home so maybe two groups of burglars? A wild monster was possible. The house was situated quite close to the Everfree Forest and it wouldn’t have been the first time. She just really hoped it wasn’t a hydra again. They generally made a mess. What Pinkie did see, however, completely blew her expectations out of the water. She really had no idea what she was seeing and stood frozen in the doorway for a few moments trying to process it. The scene before her was best broken up into three parts. First was the source of the bright flashes and magic sounds. Two ponies were locked in a magical duel, throwing spells left and right. What was strange about this was that only one of them had a horn. And the one that did have a horn also had wings. She was wearing strange armor that gave Pinkie the feeling of a really ecstatic Ogres and Oubliettes player. The Alicorn was also wielding a sword with her mouth that, by the slashes in some nearby furniture and walls, was very sharp. The sword-swinging pony was fighting a sky blue Pegasus with a rainbow tail. Pinkie assumed her mane was the same color but couldn’t be sure since it was tucked into what looked like a flight suit the Wonderbolts would wear. Except this flight suit had blinking lights and a helmet attached to it. She was also wielding a weapon, a gun like thing that shot pure bolts of magic in a way that Pinkie was pretty sure was impossible with modern technology. The second part was a lion. A lion locked in battle with a pony… thing. Now Pinkie Pie had never seen a lion before and she was darn sure none lived even relatively close by, but she had read enough books to recognize one when it was right in front of her. Even if this one was non conventional. For one thing, its colors were strange. The big cat had a dark orange coat and a bright blonde shaggy mane that fell around its neck like a frilly collar. Pinkie was pretty sure those should have been opposite. She was also pretty sure lions didn’t have cutie marks of bright red apples or wore old worn hats. The creature that the lion was battling could easily have been mistaken for a butter-yellow Pegasus Pony. It had the same basic dimensions but there were a few key differences. For one, the wings weren’t standard feathered wings. Instead, they were skeletons of wings with skin stretched over. Resembling a dragon’s or bat’s more than the usual bird. The pony also had long sharp fangs growing out of her mouth, and piercing red eyes that seemed to glow from an inner power. The biggest clue that it wasn’t a pony, though, was that it had just been hit with a claw swipe that left three inch deep gashes in the floor and was barely phased. The third thing was unique in that it wasn’t a fight at all, but a lone seapony sitting in a pool of water, yelling shrilly about how barbaric the situation was and pushing either of the duos away with a burst of magic whenever they got too close. Pinkie could only stand frozen in the doorway, her mind trying to grasp onto anything that made even a shred of sense. Finally, it found something, and the Earth Pony’s face morphed from shell-shocked confusion to righteous anger. “WHAT THE HAY IS GOING ON HERE?!?” Instantly, all five… creatures froze and turned their gazes to the fuming pony in the doorway. “Look at this place!” Pinkie yelled, sweeping a hoof around the room, “Nicks and slashes on all the furniture, blast marks on the walls, gashes in the floor, and water everywhere! Is this how you treat your own places?” The five unexpected guests actually had the decency to look guilty, but Pinkie didn’t give them time to say anything in their defense. “Now listen, I’ve had a very hard day and this had kinda topped it off so I am going to go upstairs and take a shower. When I get back, one of two things should have happened.” She held up a hoof and closed her eyes. “One: all of you, the damage, and anything else will be gone because I have finally gone crazy and none of this is real. Or two!” She stamped her hoof on the ground and opened her eyes to glare around the room. Making a few of the occupants flinch. “This is real and all of you are going to remember what manners are and be sitting around that,” She pointed to a table that had been thrown against the wall, “table and be politely drinking hot cocoa and not fighting. If anything other thing has happened I will not be happy.” Pinkie stormed through the throng of creatures and up the stairs on the other side of the room. She climbed up and, right as she reached the bathroom door, heard one of her new guests murmur, “Hot cocoa?” “It’s in the cupboard above the stove!” Pinkie yelled down before slamming the door and getting to her shower. *** About half an hour later Pinkie Pie came back down the stairs. She had changed out of her bright work outfit and into a plain blue t-shirt and shorts. The heavy makeup was completely gone, and instead of two tight pigtails, her curly mane hung loose around her shoulders. The sight that greeted her when she walked downstairs was of six ponies sitting around a banged up table, drinking hot cocoa. That was a bit odd since the lion, seapony, and vampire and been replaced by an orange Earth Pony, white Unicorn, and butter yellow Pegasus. The flight suit Pegasus and sword-wielding Alicorn were pretty much the same as when Pinkie had walked in, the only difference was that the Pegasus’s helmet had disappeared and the Alicorn’s sword was sheathed by her side. “Well that’s disappointing,” Pinkie commented as she descended the stairs, “Caramel owes Thunderlane five bits.” The yellow maybe-a-vampire pony jerked her head up from where she was guzzling her cocoa like her life depended on it. Her eyes focused on Pinkie Pie for half a moment and then as soon as Pinkie dismounted the the last step she was directly in front of her, without seeming to move at all. “W-what is this… this food!” Pinkie didn’t even flinch at her sudden appearance. “What? The cocoa? It’s just chocolate and sugar really.” “Ch-chocolate…” The Pegasus said, testing out the new word, “I… I need more!” Pinkie looked her over. She was trembling and still had cocoa clinging to the fur around her mouth. “Uh, I think you might have had a teeny tiny bit too much already.” “MORE!” Pinkie did flinch this time. She stumbled back as the Vampire’s red eyes flashed and she towered over the Earth Pony. Pinkie bit down a whimper at the terrifying sight. “Hey!” A shout interrupted the brief interrogation and the Pegasus folded down even smaller than Pinkie had cowered. The orange Earth Pony had gotten up from her seat and was glaring at the Pegasus. “Don’t you be doin’ anythin’ to her or so help me I’ll fight ya again!” “...I’m… I’m sorry. It was very good… and I just… thank you for sharing it with me…” The Pegasus apologized meekly to Pinkie, before slumping back over to the table, the orange pony watching her carefully. “Uh…” Pinkie said lamely, watching the scene carefully, “You’re welcome? It’s not that rare of a food. You can get it at any market.” She turned towards the kitchen and was stopped in her tracks by the Alicorn standing a foot behind her, bowing deeply. “Madame I must apologize for how rudely I have behaved this evening.” She talked strangely, with an even heavier accent than the orange pony. “I have come into your home, unannounced, and proceeded to destroy it. Me having no control over my arrival or the fact that I was attacked upon it does not excuse my behavior. As a Princess, I should have reacted better and I humbly ask for your forgiveness.” Before Pinkie had to think of a response to that speech the other Pegasus spoke up, flaring her wings. “Hey, I didn’t attack you! I was on a space flight when suddenly I’m in a house with a sword in my face. You attacked me!” The Alicorn twitched and shot the blue pony a glare. “I was in the middle of a training session when I was brought here. I tried to apologize but you fired at me!” She huffed and straightened out of her bow. “Besides, at least I have the decency to apologize to our host.” “Why should I apologize?” The Pegasus asked, “How do we know she didn’t kidnap us and bring us here on purpose?” “Sugar,” the orange pony spoke up, “She’s an Earth Pony, ah doubt she can do a big ‘ol teleport like that.” “If she had a device she could,” The Pegasus protested, turning to the larger Earth Pony. She looked away the second her eyes laid on her though, a blush turning her blue face red. “Uhg, can you please put some clothes on? All three of you?” “Oh, I’m sorry,” The vampire immediately apologized, reaching under the table and grabbing a black cloak she threw around her shoulders. “I forgot to put it back on after the fight.” The Earth Pony-maybe-a-lion and the Unicorn-maybe-a-mermaid both raised a brow. “Why in the sea would I need clothing?” The Unicorn sniffed, crossing her hooves. “Ah’m already wearing ma hat.” “You need more than that!” The Pegasus insisted, “It… it’s super weird! You…” She gestured over to Pinkie Pie, “You pink… uh…” “Pinkie.” “Pinkie! You live here right? Can you please get these ponies some clothes?” The orange pony snorted. “She ain’t gonna have anythin’ that’ll fit me. Ah’m twice her size.” That was true. While the Unicorn was roughly the same body type as Pinkie, the other Earth Pony was huge, much bigger than anyone else in the room and almost the same size as the lion had been. “Hmmm, you know I think I might have something, hang on.” Pinkie turned around and trotted back up the stairs, leaving her guests in an awkward silence. She returned just a few minutes later, however, two bundles of clothes perched atop her back. “Here you go, I hope they fit.” She handed the bundles to the two unclothed ponies. The Unicorn unfurled the shirt she was handed and gave it a critical once over. “Hmmm… acceptable.” She concluded and then proceeded to slip it over her head. Instantly, every pony in the room gasped and averted their eyes. “What are you doing?!?” The blue Pegasus demanded, her eyes squeezed shut. The Unicorn blinked in confusion as she finished putting on the shirt. “Changing? Isn’t that what you wanted?” “You can’t change out here!” Pinkie shrilled, blushing so hard her pink coat turned more red. “It’s not… you can’t do that!” “It is improper to change in front of others,” The Alicorn agreed, staring pointedly at the ceiling. The Unicorn blushed and turned up her nose. “Well excuse me for not knowing the ins and outs of land-dwellers social faux pas.” No one was quite sure what do with that comment but the orange Earth Pony broke the tension by standing up and making her way to the stairs. “Sorry Miss. Pinkie, but is there some place ah can change up there?” “Oh yeah, sure!” Pinkie said, moving out of the way, “The bathroom is the third door to the left.” The larger pony dipped her head in thanks and headed up the stairs. “So, um, what are all of your names?” Pinkie asked after a few moments of uncomfortable silence. The Alicorn gave her a baffled look. “Surely you jest? I am not sure where we are but I doubt my name has not reached your ears.” She fluffed her wings and removed her strange helmet, letting her striped purple mane fall loose. She smiled proudly and glanced around at the other ponies. Everyone stared blankly at her. The purple pony’s face fell. “Are you serious? How can you not…? I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle!” Pinkie raised a brow. “Princess? There’s only one Princess, silly, and you’re a little short to be her.” Twilight’s cheeks puffed out at that. “Perhaps there is only one Princess ruling this land but I assure you there are many others. I am a Princess of the great city Roam.” The blue Pegasus snorted. “Please, everyone here knows your lying. There hasn’t been kings and princesses in forever!” “...aren’t there only two left?” The other Pegasus spoke up, her nose scrunched in confusion. “And the city of Roam doesn't exist anymore,” Pinkie pointed out, “I remember that much from my history class.” “You watch your tongue!” Twilight shouted, stomping a hoof, “The great city will never fall and to speak of such things is traitorous!” Her eyes suddenly grew wide and Pinkie quickly backed up as the Alicorn’s sword was suddenly thrust in her face. “I have not been transported to enemy territory, have I? Which Princess did you say you follow? Speak truthfully!” “Um…” Pinkie squeaked as the others started to tense up. The Pegasi looking like they might jump in at any moment while the Unicorn simply watched with mild interest. Pinkie did not want another fight to break out, especially with her now in the middle of it. “P-Princess Celestia! I Pinkie Promise I’m not your enemy Twi- uh… Miss Princess.” The sword was lowered. “Celestia? The Alicorn apprenticed under Starswirl?” Twilight’s eyes trailed to the floor in thought. “But… you said she was taller than me…” Pinkie nodded rapidly, her eyes not leaving the sword that still wasn’t fully removed from her face. “Uh huh! She’s so tall. She might just be the tallest pony I’ve ever seen!” “Oh dear… maybe I shouldn’t be here then…” The vampire muttered shifting in her seat, “I worship her sister and they don’t really get along.” Pinkie turned to her. “Wait, sist…?” “Luna?” Twilight gasped, “But she is nary more than a foal! How…?” Her voice trailed off as she pursed her lips, “Pinkie... how old is Celestia now?” Pinkie giggled nervously. “How would I know? No one can even guess and she’s certainly not telling.” “An estimate then.” The Earth Pony shrugged. “Like, over a thousand at least?” Twilight’s face screwed up in anger and her sword sunk into the wooden floor. “Starswirl you blasted fool! You shall pay dearly for this insult,” Her shoulders sagged and she bowed her head again to Pinkie. “Miss Pinkie, I must apologize once more. I did not realize the extent of the situation.” “And what’s that, darling?” The Unicorn finally spoke up, her head resting lazily on her hoof. Twilight turned to her with a grave look. “I fear we have been transported through time.” Author's Note I did it. This is the weirdest idea I've ever had. But it won't leave me alone and the plot is almost entirely worked (and by that I mean I know how it's going to end and I've thought about the middle at least once) out so I guess I'm going with it. This is going to be my next multi-chapter project. I hope you're ready for it.
IntrosIt only took a few minutes to confirm Twilight’s theory. Everypony had assumed it was a radically different date until Pinkie had corrected them with a calendar. Most were from centuries in the past, with the exception of the blue Pegasus (a rookie space captain--Rainbow Dash) who was a few hundred years into the future, and the Unicorn (introduced as Lady Rarity) who used a calendar system none of them recognized. A quick tour of the house solidified that no one was lying to the others and the ancient three had been boggled by things like toasters and fridges while Rainbow had mumbled something about a museum visit. After that, it had only taken a few questions to get Twilight and Rainbow to start fighting once again. “What doest thou mean thou hath no knowledge of our current time period?” “Hey, I’m a Wonderbolt in training! I didn’t have to pay attention to dumb history and junk.” The other four were content to ignore them. “Okay, so the time travel thing that Twilight’s weird friend was working on makes sense,” Pinkie said, head resting on the table as she regarded the other three ponies, “...in a weird kinda way. But what's still confusing is how you three are ponies right now but were super weird creatures when I first walked in.” “Ah, that ain’t too complicated,” the Earth Pony, Applejack, dismissed with a wave of her hoof. “I’m an Equa-Lion is all. It’s in our nature.” Pinkie blinked, wide-eyed. “Like an Equa-Wolf? But I thought those were just stories!” Applejack’s easy smile disappeared. “Well, ah guess we might be now. From the little ah’ve seen of this place it don’t seem like my kind would really fit here… but right after that Discord fella messed with everything folks like me are a dime a dozen.” Pinkie’s eyes grew ever wider. “You’re from right after the Discordian Era?” Applejack nodded. “Yeah, and let me say ah’m real happy ponies ain’t all died out after it. Some days… it kinda feels like we will.” “It took a while…” The vampire, Fluttershy said, “I’m from a couple hundred years after that and society is still feeling the effects of his rule…” “Ya know, I’m amazed yer so nice, sugarcube, the vampires ah know would kill ya as soon as look at ya.” Fluttershy ducked her head. “I’m not surprised by that… vampires don’t have a good history with anypony, really, but Luna’s been helping guide us…” “And what about you, Rarity?” Pinkie asked the Unicorn who seemed bored with the conversation, “What are you?” “A hippogryph.” She used her magic to pull her necklace forward and present it to the others. “This gem helps me transform into whatever creature I please.” Applejack scratched her head. “Why were ya a fish then?” Rarity gave her a cold look. “A hippocampus, thank you, and because my kind has been living as them for some years now, hidden away from…” She waved her hoof around vaguely, “...this?” “Why?” Fluttershy asked curiously, “Did you do something wrong?” Rarity shrugged. “I have no idea darling, I’m afraid it was before my time.” “Well, whatever brought us here certainly knew about ya,” Applejack commented, “Do ya think Twilight knows about them hippowhathaveyas?” “And that’s why a curved sword is pointless!” The Alicorn yelled, shaking the house with her voice and causing the others to glance back at her. “What are they even talking about?” Fluttershy whispered. “I have no id…” Pinkie’s eyes drifted from the argument in the middle of her dining room to the clock on the wall and she froze. “Oh no! How is it already noon???” “Shoot have we really been talkin’ that long?” Applejack asked, glancing outside at the sun. “Huh, time-travel really messes with ya.” Pinkie groaned and buried her head into her hooves. “I was supposed to go to bed hours ago!” “Interesting,” Twilight commented, seemingly have gotten over whatever she and Rainbow had been shouting about, “Do ponies use a nocturnal schedule in the future?” “Sometimes it feels like it…” Pinkie mumbled, glancing at her guests, “What am I going to do with you guys? I don’t know time magic!” All eyes turned to Twilight. “Don’t look at me! Time travel is an unstable concept at best!” To Dash. “Even if someone had invented a device for that that's totally egghead stuff!” “I still can’t believe there’s a magic shortage in the far future,” Twilight commented, turning back to Rainbow. Rainbow shrugged. “Eh, it’s not really a shortage so much as ponies just can’t use it naturally. The more we turned to cool gadgets and stuff the less we could shoot lasers out of our heads and control clouds. Priorities I guess.” She held up her gun proudly. “This baby though? Chocked full of mana. At full blast, it could shoot a hole through a spaceship.” Pinkie paled. “No more holes in my house!” Rainbow winced and glanced at the blackened walls. “Uh… yeah, sorry about that…” “So, um, how are we going to get back home?” Fluttershy asked, shifting in her seat. The room was silent as everyone exchanged glances. Twilight coughed into her hoof. “Well, considering we now know it is possible... I can most likely cross-reference the events leading up to our departures and find a way to reverse the magic. But… that will take a few days at the very least.” Applejack let out a long sigh. “Well, if that’s how it is. Ah’m really sorry about this here trouble, Pinkie, but do you think we could all crash with ya for a bit?” Pinkie nodded without hesitation. “Of course! I can’t just throw you all out on the street! That would make me a terrible host.” She glanced up the stairs and bit her lip. “Uh, there are only three bedrooms though. Some of you will have to bunk, but I can sleep on the couch.” “Oh no! You shouldn’t have to do that.” Fluttershy cried, “I can sleep out here. You should get a bed to yourself.” There was a collective murmur of agreement and Pinkie couldn’t think of a good enough reason to argue. “Okay, I should sleep in my friend’s room though, she’ll get mad if I let strangers sleep there.” “Sleep?” Rainbow interrupted, “But it’s morning. We should get out there and see the sights. I mean, I gotta get proof of this if any of my buds will believe this story once I get back.” “No.” Pinkie and Twilight said as one. “A heavy spell like this would take a physical toll, even on those just affected,” Twilight continued, “We should all sleep and eat so we can approach the problem with a fresh head tomorrow.” “And you can’t just go wander around,” Pinkie insisted, “Ponyville doesn’t get that many visitors and if you get in trouble I really won’t be able to help you.” Rainbow huffed and crossed her hooves. “Fine, we’ll go recharge or whatever, but I’m definitely exploring tomorrow. I know how to stay out of trouble.” “Ah literally just met ya,” Applejack spoke up, “But somehow ah doubt that.” Rainbow Dash stuck out her tongue. Pinkie clapped her hooves to regain the group’s attention. “Oooookay. If you’re all not going to cause any more trouble than I’m just going to excuse myself. Uh, please don’t break anything, don’t let Fluttershy have any more chocolate, and try not to fight, alright?” Twilight put a calming hoof on her shoulder. “Do not worry. We will all be on our best behavior for as long as we must take advantage of your hospitality.” *** Pinkie got up a few short hours later. She was more exhausted than usual but that was to be expected. Last night (day?) hadn't been very restful with all the commotion in her house, even when her guests had finally fallen asleep themselves. It was weird having so many creatures in her home and even odder to not be sleeping in her own bed. Her roommate's bed was much bigger and… messier than hers. It also had a very weird scent. But, she couldn’t dwell on it too long. She still had to get ready and go to work. After her shift she could have a few days off to figure out how to get her guests back home before they caused her any more trouble. She just had to get ready without waking anyone up and get to work. Then the day would be normal. At least for a few hours. It was fine. Everything would be fine as long as no other problems popped up. “Hey, Pinkie you’re out of grape juice.” Like a little filly raiding her fridge. “Scootaloo!” Pinkie shrilled, frozen in the kitchen doorway, “what are you doing here?” “Not having grape juice apparently,” the Pegasus filly replied, extracting a jug of milk from the fridge, “you really need to think of the juice deprived orphans in your life.” Pinkie squeezed her eyes shut as if that would make the little intruder vanish. “You… I’m super sorry but you really can’t be here right now, Scootaloo.” “Why not?” Scootaloo asked, taking a seat at the table and pouring herself a cup of milk. “Is the old bird back early?” “Well… no but…” “Then don’t worry! No one saw me sneak in and you never have anypony else in your house.” Scootaloo reassured, proceeding to chug her milk. “Hey, Pinkie,” A new voice came from behind the older pony, making Scootaloo’s eyes widen and milk dribble down her chin, “Do you have anything my size that isn’t, like, covered in hearts?” Rainbow Dash’s eyes landed on the filly sitting at the table and she cocked her head. “Huh, you never mentioned you had a kid.” Milk drenched the table as Scootaloo spit her drink out and fell off her stool. “Wha? Me? I’m not doing anything! Pinkie, who is this?” Pinkie just frowned at the growing puddle of milk as it drained from the jug. “Aw, Scoots now I’m going to have to go shopping.” “Sup, I’m Rainbow Dash.” The blue Pegasus, decked in Pinkie’s clothes, waved. “I’m from the future, I guess.” “Dashie! That’s a secret!” Rainbow blinked. “You said that it can’t leave this house and it isn’t.” Another blink. “And don’t call me ‘Dashie’.” Pinkie groaned and buried her head in her hooves. It was too early for this, or well… it was like five so late? Too late for this? “Rainbow Dash this is Scootaloo, she isn’t my foal, she just likes to eat my food. Scootaloo, this is Rainbow Dash, she’s stranded here from the future.” Scootaloo narrowed her eyes at the adults. “Pinkie… remember how some ponies lie?” “I… this isn’t… she isn’t lying!” Pinkie huffed, “We tested it!” Scootaloo raised a brow. “You tested it?” “She knew what a toaster was. So there.” Scootaloo sighed and rubbed the bridge of her snout. “Pinkie…” “No no no,” Pinkie verbally backtracked, “see, the others are from the past and don’t know what toasters are.” “Others?” Scootaloo asked, furrowing her brow in confusion. “Wait…” Rainbow interrupted the back and forth. She was staring wide-eyed at the filly before her. “… did… did you say your name was Scootaloo?” Scootaloo glared back. “Depends who’s asking.” Rainbow Dash took a deep breath as if trying to steady herself. “How old are you, kid? Thirteen?” “...maybe.” “...and, look this is going to probably come off as really rude, but can you fly yet?” Scootaloo’s face flushed. “I...wha… Pinkie why are you gossiping to weirdo strangers about me?” Pinkie looked up from where she was currently wiping up the spilled milk and gave the filly a hurt look. “Scoots, you know I would never break my promise. I haven’t told anypony about you. Ever.” Scootaloo’s anger softened but she still had a pout on her face. “Then… how would she know about that?” She turned back to Rainbow Dash and jerked as the older Pegasus’ eyes seemed to grow like dinner plates and sparkle with wonder. “Oh my gosh, you are Scootaloo!” Rainbow’s wings flapped once and she was suddenly an inch away from the filly’s face, making Scootaloo yelp with surprise. “I can’t believe I am meeting the Scootaloo! And she’s a filly! You don’t even have your cutie mark yet, do you? You have to sign something for me! Oh my gosh, this is the best day of my life. I am going to kiss whoever sent me here!” Pinkie glanced over from throwing away the now empty milk jug. “Is Scootaloo someone famous in the future, Dashie?” “Is she someone famous?!?” The squeal Rainbow let out was more akin to a puppy than a Pegasus. “Scootaloo was only the founder of the Wonderbolts! Or… at least how they are today, erm, my time. They used to just be a stunt team for years but she swooped in and made them an absolute force. It’s because of her they had enough coordination and training to become one of the best space fleets in the galaxy.” Scootaloo’s frown had slowly disappeared during Rainbow’s rambling and now she stood with her chest puffed proudly. “Yeah, alright Pinkie, your friend’s pretty cool. I guess she can stay. Even if she is really weird.” Pinkie rolled her eyes. “I’m so glad you approve. Now, what are you doing here at this time? You know I have to work. How did you even get in?” Scootaloo waved a hoof dismissively. “I didn’t have anything to do after school so I came to crash. I honestly thought you’d already be gone so I used my spare key.” Pinkie gave her a long look before sighing and trotting out of the kitchen. “Well, at least that explains where my key disappeared to.” “I can’t believe you live with the Scootaloo, Pinkie!” Rainbow continued to gush, following after her host. “This is the best thing to ever happen to me.” Pinkie stuck out her tongue. “Well, she may be super cool in the future but right now she’s just an annoying leech!” “I love you too, Pinks!” Scootaloo called back from the kitchen, causing Pinkie to roll her eyes. Rainbow glanced back and forth as if debating who to talk to. “How do you know Scootaloo anyway? You said she wasn’t your foal so is she like… a niece or something?” Pinkie shook her head as she gathered the rest of her supplies for work. “No, we’re not related in any way. She’s… well, she’s just a friend I guess.” Rainbow cocked her head. “That lives with you?” Pinkie glanced up from her packing to shoot Rainbow a confused look. “No? Why would you think she lives with me? She literally just said she stole my key.” “Oh, I thought that was just playful banter. I do that all the time with my parents, not that they ever realize it’s a joke.” She paused, seemingly lost in memories, before shaking her head and addressing Pinkie again. “So what do ponies do for fun in the past anyway? What the coolest place in town?” Pinkie squinted at her. “I thought you all agreed to lay low while you were here.” Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. “I will be laying low. No one’s going to notice one more Pegasus taking in the sites. This place gets tourists, right?” Pinkie reluctantly nodded. “A little bit, I guess. But that doesn’t mean you should just go wandering off! What if you get lost or or…” “Please!” Rainbow scoffed with an eye roll, “I’m a Wonderbolt! One of the best fliers in the galaxy. I won’t get lost in one little town.” She bumped Pinkie playfully with her wing. “Besides, do you really want five strange ponies raiding your home for entertainment all day?” Pinkie opened her mouth to protest but didn’t get anything out before she closed it with a disgruntled sigh. “Fine, but you can’t let anyone know you’re staying with me, okay? You have to just be a normal, everyday tourist.” “Of course!” Rainbow said with a grin, happy she had won the argument, “No one will think twice of me.” ***** An unassuming pony watched the quaint little house from across the road. He had been there for hours, hidden in a way that was both out of sight, and not too suspicious if someone did stumble upon him. As he watched, the first interesting thing since he arrived happened. Two ponies exited the quiet house. One, the insultingly pink mare he knew lived there, and the other a rainbow maned Pegasus that shouldn’t have been alive for another hundred or so years. The hidden pony grinned as he watched the two mares walk off together. Everything was going exactly according to plan. His superiors would be very pleased indeed. Author's Note I'm sorry this has taken two years. I... I have no excuse. Next Chapter Release Date: Nov. 9th
InvestigationScootaloo was used to Pinkie’s house being weird. It was Pinkie’s house after all. One could find entire rooms filled with party decorations and games thrown haphazardly about then find another with tax files folded and cataloged almost reverently. You never knew what you’d find when walking in her door and everypony in town knew it. It wasn’t like Scootloo snuck in through the back for Pinkie’s reputation. But this was ridiculous. Besides Rainbow Dash, who Scootaloo had to admit was pretty cool, there were four--four crazy ponies just wandering the halls. And Scoots wasn’t certain they were all actually ponies. She peered around the doorway that led from the hall into the living room, watching the strange yellow creature on Pinkie’s couch. It flared its large, bat-like wings, and yawned with a mouthful of fangs. Definitely not like anypony Scootaloo had seen before and it made her just a little bit nervous to watch. “Oh, hey there Sugarcube. Who are you?” Scootaloo almost jumped out of her skin and whirled around. A very very large Earth Pony had somehow snuck up behind her. “Whoa, calm down there.” The Earth Pony put a hoof up in surrender as Scootaloo crouched into an aggressive position. “I’m Applejack. Pinkie’s...uh… guest. I ain’t gonna bite.” “What are you doing in Pinkie’s house?” Scootaloo demanded, trying to look as fierce as possible. “Well, uh.” The Earth Pony scratched the back of her neck. “That’s kind of a secret, sugar. Who are you that you gotta know?” “I’m Scootaloo. Pinkie’s best friend.” She briefly wondered if she should mention the future-wonderbolt thing but decided against it. There was no way that Rainbow Dash character was actually from the future. “So if you’re taking advantage of her…” Applejack chuckled good-naturedly and shook her head, completely ignoring Scootaloo’s hanging threat. “Ya know, you remind me a lot of my little sis. She’s about your age, got the same kind of fire. I think you two could be friends. ‘Cept that she’s a platypus.” She leaned down like she was telling Scootaloo a secret. “And platypi can be ornery little things. It’s the poison, ah think.” Scootaloo stared up at her, absolutely baffled. “...okay…? New theory: the town decided to just dump all the crazy ponies in one place and call it a day.” The adult blinked at her and pulled back, looking embarrassed. “Ah, right. In the future ain’t no one knows what my kind is. Sayin’ I’m part lion ain’t gonna clear anythin’ up.” She put on a polite yet obviously fake smile and untactfully changed the subject. “So what’cha doin’ here, Scootaloo? I’m sure if ya hurry you could catch Pinkie before she heads ta work.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Pinkie already left. She and that Rainbow Dash pony headed out, like, ten minutes ago. I’m just sticking around to keep an eye on you guys.” Applejack’s brow furrowed. “Wait… Rainbow Dash left? Why in Harmony did she do that? Ah thought we were all supposed ta stay out of sight!” “I don’t know,” Scootaloo said with a shrug, “They just left together.” “Dang.” Applejack frowned down at her hooves, seemingly lost in thought. “Ah hope she doesn’t cause any problems for that nice Pinkie girl.” Scootaloo’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “What does that-” Knock knock Both ponies’ ears perked up as their eyes trailed to the direction of the front room. They stood frozen, as if daring the sound to ring out again. Knock The adult leaned down to the filly’s level and spoke in a soft whisper. “Is… uh… is Pinkie expectin’ anyone she didn’t tell us about?” “No,” Scootaloo hissed back, “Pinkie never has anypony over.” “Well, should we open it?” “Of course not!” “Hello there, good pony, what a fine day we’re having, isn’t it?” Both Scootaloo and the Applejack paled and scrambled to the front room. They peeked around the corner to find the front door wide open, a tall purple pony with a blanket draped across her back, standing in the doorway with a smaller green Unicorn grinning up at her from the porch. “Who art thou?” The purple pony asked suspiciously, eyeing the other Unicorn as if assessing her threat level. “Princess Twilight what are you doin’?” The pony leaning over Scootaloo’s head whispered to herself. The Unicorn at the door did not seem at all bothered by Twilight’s odd word choice. “I’m Clover Glaze. I’m from town hall and I just have a survey about the town that I’d like you, and whoever else lives here, to take.” Twilight stared down at her, unamused. “Thou art lying.” She leaned down until her snout bumped against the other mare’s. “If thou art trying to sell something speak plainly and know I have not acquainted myself with modern currency. Perhaps try your lies at the next house.” “Wha-” But the Unicorn didn’t get another word out before Twilight slammed the door in her face. “Twilight!” Applejack scolded, leaving Scootaloo’s side to advance on Twilight, “What did you do that for?” “Dear Applejack,” Twilight replied, “That pony was very clearly looking to take advantage of ponies. I refused to continue on conversing.” Applejack paused, a thoughtful look on her face, before she shook her head with a small smile. “Nah, not that. Honestly, kinda proud of that. I meant, why did ya open the door in the first place? We’re kinda supposed ta be stayin’ out of sight.” Twilight blinked at her, as if not comprehending the critique. She gestured to her back, shifting her shoulders until the blanket slipped off and revealed a pair of large feathered wings. “I am not a fool. I had mine wings hidden.” Applejack facehoofed. “Why does this day just keep getting weirder?” Scootaloo muttered to herself, coming out to stand next to the two grown ponies. Twilight’s face instantly turned nervous as she fumbled to put the blanket back on. “...indeed… I’m sure you’re wondering what a Princess is doing in your house young child… uh, Applejack why is there a child in the house?” “I’m Scootaloo,” said child explained, gazing past the purple pony and towards the door, “And, honestly, I was talking more about the rando at the door than whatever’s going on with you.” Twilight and Applejack both followed Scootaloo’s gaze, as if the strange Unicorn would come back and explain the oddity Scootaloo was describing. “Is that not a common occurrence in the future?” Twilight wondered, “The pony seemed confident in her delivery that I just assumed…” “No, that’s a thing,” Scootaloo reassured, staring into the distance with a thoughtful look, “Just not here. Pinkie doesn’t get visitors.” Applejack raised a brow. “Why’s that? Town seemed pretty close by.” Scootaloo shook her head to snap herself out of her own thoughts. She turned to glare suspiciously at the two adults. “Look, I may be a kid but I’m not an idiot. You guys are either insane or playing some cruel joke on Pinkie.” She pointed at Applejack. “You’re not part lion or whatever.” Then to Twilight. “Those wings are fake, and I bet your weird accent is too. Neither of you are from the future or past or whatever and there’s nothing you can say to convince me otherwise. So if you don’t tell me what’s actually going on here this very second I’m going to get the cops over to arrest you for trespassing.” A lie, but a believable one. Scootaloo wouldn’t go to the police even if a pony was holding her at gunpoint. But these ponies didn’t seem particularly up to date with the going ons of the town. If she could just scare them into telling her what she needed to know then she could form her own plan of how to proceed. Applejack and Twilight looked at each other, at a loss of what to do or say to put the child at ease. Scootaloo grimaced, but played it off as a dangerous scowl. “Fine then. If you’ll excuse me then I’ll be-” Scootaloo’s shadow surged suddenly, stretching away from her hooves and rippling like water. A yellow head slowly formed out of it like a clay statue being molded right before their eyes. “Has anyone seen Rarity?” The vampire asked, eyes glowing bright red, as the rest of her body slowly grew out of the shadow on the floor. Scootaloo screamed. Author's Note Next Chapter Release Date: Dec. 29th Sorry for the shorter chapter. Midterms are hitting me hard.
