Chapters In the halls outside of Canterlot Royal library moonlight filtered in through the windows barely illuminating the hallway to the storage of books. “Uggh why did i agree to cover Dusk Lamp for book duty.” the feminine voice coming from the halls sole occupant just outside the door.
“Oh Scout I really need for you to cover for me. If you do i’ll make it up to you.” She mockingly copied the stallion's voice. “Yeah sure you will pal, probably just try to sell me off with some cheap chocolate like always. He could at least set me up with some cider at the barracks with how much I help him.”
Another hour or so past before the night guard heard a set of hoof steps coming her from her left. Looking that way she saw another night guard this time a unicorn approaching but something was off with him. “Oh my… it’s a rookie. Time for some fun.”
Scout tightened her stance and her expression was stone faced as the greenhorn approached and asked “Uhh ma’am is this-” Scout cut him off “Name. Rank. And Corp.” Scout addressed him without so much as looking at him.
“Oh… uhh Spot Light and um private of Canterlot Night Watch ma’am. I was told to relieve you of your post.” Spot finished but Scout didn’t budge “Uhh ma’am you okay?” The Earth pony nudged her side with his hoof.
“What kind of address was that private if I addressed myself to my superiors in that fashion,. Do you know what they would do to me? Scout asked her voice lowering as she meets Spots eyes with her narrowed ones.
“Termination of position for a undetermined amount of time.” Spot replied with a quick and scared voice as he looked into the cat irises.
“Hmm maybe I should take this up with your superior if this is what they're letting fly for guards now in days-” Scout got cut off by the Spot.
“No please I just got my patch. It's my first week here. I'm sorry just let me try-” He stopped when Scout bursted into tears falling to the ground laughing when she could recover her breath and got back up and flung a hoof over Spot’s neck “It’s fine kid I’m only joking. I needed something to lighten up my night. Now you said you were here to take over?” she walked off a few steps before looking over her shoulder.
“Yes, this is actually the first time at a post.” He replied more relaxed than before “Alright then good the post is all yours. Only one pony in the library, just some old stiff from the university counting the books or whatever.”
As if on cue the doors to the library flung open nearly smacking Spot Light in the face. A aged unicorn ran out screaming “It’s gone! We’ve been robbed! Someone get the guard!” He looked to his left and right and finally noticed the two guards standing shocked. “Oh, right. Quickly raise the alarms a tome has been stolen from the Starswirl wing. Quickly now.” Scout looked at Spot who was still recovering from the confusion
“What are you waiting for newbie get going and inform the guard I’ll stay here with the professor.” Spot snapped out of it and gave a salute, saying “Yes ma’am.” before dashing off to nearest alarm station.
“Alright doc.” Scout turned to the professor. “You’re going to have to wait here and give the Guard your story on what happened. Any idea what was taken?” She asked only for the professor to turn around and walk back into the library. “If it’s what I think it is my dear we might have some problems in the near future.”
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile in the alleyways in Canterlot a cloaked figure walked in the fogged filled night clutching a book in one hoof. “You think the castle residence would not leave the windows to that library open or at least have a second lookout along the west wall.”
The stallion trudged on rounding a corner and coming to a stop be an abandoned well.”Now where is he? He should be done at the museum by now.” with that he felt a hoof on his shoulder making him jump “Holy monsoons! Don’t do that you prick.” He said to another cloaked figure who pulled his hood off revealing a horn surrounded by a mess of brown hair barely covering almost lifeless green eyes and blending in with his brown fur.
“Did you get the job done?” The new stallion asked not caring that he scared his partner half to death. “Pfft who do you think I am” The still cloaked stallion said brimming with pride “I’m the better half of The Hermes Bros the most successful thievery team in Equestria.” He said pulling off his hood to let his trimmed blonde mane free from being flattened against his brown coat as his green eyes glistened with confidence.
“I still can’t believe you convinced me to let you call us that. Where's our employer so we can get our pay?” The older brother looked around the area.
“Ahhh so you got all of the items I asked for it seems. Bravo, congrats, someone pull the party poppers.” A third voice spoke up catching the brothers off guard as they looked at the old haggard well in the middle of the clearing as a new pony crawled out it. This one being a blue unicorn with shovel on his flank and sporting a grin that could only be described as unsettling to most. “Now come on then. Lets see the haul.” The unicorn begged
“Not until we see the bits my dude. And were you just sitting in that well waiting for us?” The younger brother rang in.
“Oh of course, of course good work should be rewarded after all.” With that the unicorn's horn lit up but in a odd deep dark almost sickly green color as a sizable sack floated out of the well and landed between the three ponies. “Now for what you have lifted off of the good city. If you would be so kind as to show them before the transaction if completed.”
The brothers both reached around and pulled out the items they were asked to get. “Here you go boss one dusty, moldy book from that castle. And the broach from pre-Equestrian times along with a rusted sword scabbard from the pegasus tribe. Just as promised. Honestly I don't know why you're bothering with this book even if you wanna read if it's just filled with things that look like somepony’s mad ramblings. Nothing to read on a chilly autumn night with a cup of joe.” The younger brother stated while sliding the items next to the bag of bits.
“Yes you are quite correct this is not a book for some leisure reading. I’m just gonna try a little…. experiment sort of speak. Not that it concerns you two. So you have your pay. Off with you two, pleasure to do business and all that jazz.” The unicorn waved off the thieves as he collected the three stolen items.
“Hmph pleasure doing business with you to.” The brothers collected the bag and walked off not before the younger brother spoke to his partner. “Hey I know bro wanna go hit up The Leaky Horseshoe, it’s always open.” As they rounded the corner the unicorn could hear the reply. “You really can’t keep your head dry for more than a day can you?”
With a roll of his eyes the unicorn walked off into a nearby house that has looked abandoned for months. “Simpletons, now lets see what we can do with this.” With that he sat in a dusty old couch and started reading the tome.
__________________________________________________________________
“Alright, so set up the circle made of pure salt drawn accordingly to the diagram with the catalyst in the middle and recite the incantation.” The unicorn looked over the two circles and then at the necklace made of several energized crystals each holding enough magic to charge a small house for a month. “Okay circle check, secondary magic source so I’m not sucked dry check, no one nearby to watch.” He gave the room a once over no windows for any prying eyes. “Check. Okay let’s start.” He closed the tome and set it on nearby table before taking his place in front of the two salt circles in the middle of the room focusing on the one with the broach in it and taking a deep breath.
Let silver and steel be the essence
Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation
Let red the colour I pay tribute/ Let me great Master Oath be the ancestor
Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall
Let the four cardinal gates close
Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate
I hereby declare
Your body shall serve under me
The circle started to glow and the broach started to vibrate on the ground.
My fate shall be your sword
Submit to the beckoning of harmony
If you submit to this will and this reason…. Then answer!
An oath shall be sworn here
I shall be gifted the past
I shall inform the future
Wind and dust started to spiral around the unicorn and circle as he kept on saying the chant.
From the Seventh Plane, attended to by three great words of power
Come forth from the realm of the forgotten
Prospector of our Future!
The circle erupted in light as the unicorn was pushed back landing in a old chair that tipped over back. As the dust settled the unicorn heard a new feminine voice “Ugh what in the name of the archmages am I doing in this disgusting hole.” The unicorn peaked over to see another unicorn this one in purple royal garb which meshed with her platinum colored fur and her purple mane curled in a way to draw attention to her dazzling emerald green eyes. standing where the circle once laid.
“Oh Tartarus is actually worked hehehehahahaha.” He started laughing in his chair as the new unicorn took notice and spoke
“Was it you who summoned me here colt.” She sneered the last word at him.
“Yes, yes I did now let’s have a proper greeting.” He said showing the new marking on his right hoof.
The royal looking unicorn only smirked “Very well then Rider class servant my name is Princess Platinum. Will that do master?” Platinum said the last sentence with heavy sarcasm.
“Perfect now take a seat so i can get the other one done and we can get things together for the main event.” Platinum turned her head to the other summoning circle “You honestly think you can supply two of us at once? You can’t be this dense, you won't last 5 minutes before you’re a husk.” Rolling her head back to the blue unicorn with a raised eyebrow.
“Aye yes I did read into how a servant must be supplied with a sizable amount of magic so that's why I ran out and got this from the market.” He said holding up the necklace,” The stones in this puppy are good enough to power several houses for months i’ll be fine.”
Platinum rolled her eyes before dusting off spot to sit on the couch. “Yuck you could at least have done this summoning in a place suited for someone of my standards.”
The unicorn took his spot in front of the other circle. “In good time you can lounge in a castle like you did before. Oh and the names Changed Oath.”
Platinum just blinked with a blank face. “I don’t believe I asked for your name colt.”
Changed just turned back to the circle “Well that’s just rude. But what else could I expect from the Stone Hearted Royal of the Glass Castle.”
Platinum groaned “I always hated that nickname.It’s to long and drawn out.”
Author's Note
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. And before 90% of the comments are asking the same question like with other Fate related things, no you don't need to have seen any other Fate works before reading this. I'll be going as bare bones with it as I can. Thanks for reading and have fun.
Several days have past since the duel robbery of the Equestrian History Museum and the Royal Library. Celestia and Luna sat in their throne room saying goodbye to two guards that just delivered the update to the cases.
“It’s odd sister the one who hired The Hermes Bros to steal the tome and artifacts is still silent after almost a week. One would think there would have been some siting of the spell being used.” Luna turned to her sister as she got up and walked down the steps to the throne.
“Perhaps they are biding time, you did send a letter to Twilight as I asked did you Luna?” Celestia paused “And now that I think about it, it is odd how there have been reports of strange storms forming over the gates to Tartarus.”
Luna nodded “I did several days ago. I also sent one to Cadence just in case the criminal appears at the Crystal Empire.” Luna stomped her hoof and gave a huff. “We should have just torched those books Starswirl left here. If we did then none of this would be happening.”
Celestia shook her head “Sister we couldn’t have done that, those tomes were apart of his legacy we have no right to destroy his contributes to the land.”
Luna just rolled her eyes “Yes I understand that but he and the rest of the Pillars are back, so we should have at least talked about the guarding of his more dangerous work, maybe even have them sent to him. Anyways I need to return to my room for rest before the night court starts, good day sister.” Luna gave a small bow before walking to the door.
“Rest well Luna I’ll send a scribe to inform you if anything important comes up.” Luna exited through the oversized doors. Celestia turned to the giant stain glass window depicting Twilight and her friends. “Hopefully this is wrapped up soon without any problems.”
It was a normal sunny morning in Ponyville. The farmers market bustled with ponies looking for goods. Shops had customers floating in and out as the fillies and colts made their way to the local school house. Pinkie hopped along the road to the castle where three of her friends live. She hopped up the steps of the castle clearing all of them in a single bounce and knocked on the door with her hoof. She waited but no one answered so she knocked again. This time the door cracked open to reveal a small purple scaled paw. “Yes who is- oh hi Pinkie what brings you here?” The small dragon asked the pink mare giving a curious glance back inside every few seconds.
“Hiya Spike I was coming by to help Twilight with a sciency thing. Or was it a writey thing? Hmm oh I remember now it was a writey sciency thing.” The pink mare bounced in kiddy glee.
“Oh you did huh, well Pinkie I think Twilight is going to take a rain check on that.” A crash came from inside the castle followed by a voice “Oh no oh no. Spike get back here I can’t find her anywhere!” Spike let out a groan. “Coming! Sorry Pinkie I gotta-” He was cut off by a pink blur dashing past him. “-go. Oh good grief.” Spike closed the door and followed the pink mare into the chaos that is what Spike and Starlight have taken to be called ground zero. It was one of the many rooms that was at one point covered wall to wall with books, but all the books have found a new home on the ground creating a sea of paper and ink. Pinkie stood in the doorway next to Spike watching Starlight shift through the books looking for something.
“Three days ago Twilight got a letter from Princess Luna I don’t know what she wrote but whatever it was it got Twilight really riled up.”
Pinkie laughed it off “Oh Spike we have seen worse than this remember the great Discord sealing party last year that we had?” Pinkie started to walk over the discarded books as the dragon spoke up
“Yeah and Discord was their to. It was really awkward to celebrate beating the guest of honor.” Pinkie stopped a small bump in the book pile and reached her hoof into it.
“Exactly and Twilight spent a week trying to figure out how to make a cake. Ah ha found her.” Pinkie then yanked up on the book pile to reveal Twilight swaying in the air as Pinkie held her by the horn not noticing the pink mare as her face was buried in a book.
In the far corner Starlight sighed in relief. “Oh thank Celestia I thought we lost her again.”
It was then Twilight noticed where she was “Oh.” A small poof of magic and she disappeared and reappeared on the other side of Pinkie “Hi Pinkie I didn’t see you come in. What can help with?” Twilight tried to stifle a yawn.
Pinkie teetered on her hooves “Well I did promise to come and help with a sciency writey thing but it looks like you’re having another book swim.”
With that Twilight looked around at the mess and her face flushed red. “Hehe yeah I guess I went overboard. Starlight can you give me a hoof.”
Starlight trotted over to the girls “Yeah sure.” Their horns lit up before all the books were levitated back to their placement on the shelves.
“So Twilight what happened to make you go all super serious study mare again?” Pinkie asked her friend who held up a letter that was left rolled up on the table in the middle of the room. “It’s a Letter from Princess Luna it appears a old tome from the Royal Library was taken along with a few artifacts from the history museum. What she says here is that the stolen tome was one of the few Starswirl the Bearded finished in his time In the Royal Courts. A variation of familiar summoning where the spell constructs a new body for the artificial soul to inhabit and is bounded to the summoner like a-” Twilight was cut off by Starlight who tapped her shoulder who then pointed at Pinkie. Twilight then noticed a steady stream of steam floating out of her ears.
“Maybe you should make it a little more simpler.” Starlight suggests.
“Sorry Pinkie to make it simple imagine being able to make a talking pony out of magic. That make sense?”
Twilight poked her friend who simply nodded “Yeppy got it Twi. A meany baddy stole a book that tells him how to make a new friend out of magic.” Pinkie lets out a loud gasp. “Maybe I should try it, a magic thing that makes new friends. IgottagotellthegirlsIwillberightback.” With that she bolted out of the room leaving the two mares and dragon in a stupor.
Almost a half an hour past before Pinkie rounded up everypony at the Map. “So Pinkie what was so important that you needed to drag me away from my important Wonderbolt duty?” Rainbow spoke up from her chair.
“Silly Dashie when I found you, you were snoozing in an apple tree.” Pinkie chimed in.
Rainbow glared at her pink friend. “Hey I only get one day off now in days I’m gonna take every advantage possible.” Before Rainbow can continue a cough came from the doorway behind her.
Everyone turned to Twilight as she walked into the room. “I didn’t send Pinkie to go and get you girls. I was just explaining to Pinkie about the note Princess Luna sent to me yesterday. And she sort of ran off before I could finish.”
Rainbow facedhoofed. “Of course she did, so what is it this time another skeleton in Celestia’s closet got loose? Is Equestria going to crumble from some natural disaster?”
Twilight shook her head. “No she just asked for me to keep a look out for anypony suspicious, Somepony stole a precious text from the Royal Library and two artifacts were taken from the Equestria History Museum.”
And to that Applejack raised an eyebrow “Now aye can see why some low life would steal some jewel. But why ah sheathe? Why not the sword or some pretty picture you can at least sell the rest for bits?
“The two robberies are probably linked in some way.” Fluttershy finally spoke up.
“Perhaps but what is the connection?” Starlight pondered. “Twilight what exactly was in that book that was stolen?”
Twilight only shrugged “Luna didn’t tell me only that it involves Starswirl's research into summoning magic. Nothing on what the actual spells were”
As she spoke Spike ran through the doorway waving a letter frantically. “Twilight you gotta read this.”
Twilight levitated the paper up and began reading it. As she read it her face darkened. “Twi what does it say?” Applejack spoke.
Rarity was the first to speak up “Tirek? But he’s supposed to be locked in Tartarus. How did he get out?”
“It doesn’t matter we gotta get to the Crystal Empire as fast as possible and kick his flank. I mean he shouldn’t be too big this time right?” Rainbow Dash rang in.
“Right there hasn't been reports of any ponies drained of magic so Tirek shouldn’t have been able to acquire much magical energy. We gotta stop him before he changes that. Starlight you stay here with Spike incase anypony comes looking for us.” Twilight turned to the pink unicorn who gave a firm nod. “Alright girls we need to hurry.” With that the six ponies gathered around each other as Twilight teleported them off.
Two Days Earlier outside the Gates of Tartarus
In the rocky mountain range encircling the gates where its devoted guardian lays a single pegasus is soaring over to the gates. Cladded in light blue armor with a decorative spear strapped to her back the mare came to a landing in a large clearing in front of the pathway into the rocks that lead to Tartarus.
“Here it is about time.” A rashy but feminine voice came from the mare who groaned at hearing her own voice. “I swear when I find the one responsible for making me look like this i will hang her by her wingtips and tar and feather her.” The mare give her chromatic tail a flick hitting her cutie mark that showed a cloud with a bolt of rainbow lightning coming out of it.
She stopped in her tracks as a growl echoes from the tunnel in front of her. The mare’s magenta eyes focused on the tunnel, her grin grew as she saw what crawled out of it. A large canine with three heads and a black coat. “Ha was wondering where you were sleeping at ya pup. Come on then let's have a roll around for old times sake. “The mare beckoned the guard dog on.
Cerberus snarled before pouncing on the intruder. When he moved his paws away from where the pony was pinned he found nothing. The dog frantically looked around the enclosure with all three heads. “You gotten slower over the years haven’t you?” the voice coming from the pegasus who was flying next to cerberus’ ribs with her back to the beast. “You’re still that same dumb mutt I got to guard this place all these years ago. Well if that's the case. Scram!”
The mare jolted her elbow back striking the dog in the ribs. When the elbow connected Cerberus was blasted out of the crater and sailed into the forest outside the mountain ridge. The mare landed and started walking into the tunnel. “Well that was disheartening.”
It wasn’t long before the mare reached the giant obsidian doors that separated Tartarus from equestria. The mare reached up and pulled on the handle as a loud screech echoed through the chamber the doors sat in as the gates were pulled open.
“Okay almost there” The mare stepped through the gateway and walked along the steep slope down into Tartarus. She spent several hours walking down the obsidian staircase passing by caged and chained beasts snarling and screeching at the intruder.who just rolled her eyes. As the pony reached the bottom she saw her target a large cage holding a black coated centaur.
Tirek’s eyes flung open when his cage started to rattle and a loud clanging echoed in his ears. “Rise and shine sleeping filly.”
Tirek shook his head and looked down to see a mare he faintly remembers “Oh it’s one of you. Did you come and gloat about your friendship. You were certainly the type to do it you chromatic pest.”
The mare just laughed. “No i'm only here to take something off you’re um paws claws whatever’ But it looks like you don’t have and accessories on ya except that collar of your.” The mare gestured to the collar Tirek still wore.
“Wait who are you exactly because you’re definitely not Rainbow Dash?” Tirek lowered his head to the pony’s eyelevel to get a better look at her.
“It doesn’t matter.” Tirek returned to his former sitting position in his cell.
“If you think you can take it little pony then come in this cage and get it.” Tirek coaxed.
“Don’t mind if I do.” The mare cracked her hooves before walking up to the pen.
The pits were filled for several hours of pained screams. As the time past every occupant in the realm shook with fear when they heard the screams of agony.
After the screams died down the gate reopened as the mare stepped out of Tartarus with the collar wrapped around her body like a sash and took off back north to where her boss told her to meet with the rest of them. “I wonder if Rider is done with her search. I want this finished as fast as possible so I can get to searching for that damned mare.”
The sun was setting by the time the pegasus touch downed outside a small cabin just outside the Crystal Empire. “Ah Lancer good to see you well. Did you get what I asked for?” Inside the cabin Changed Oath sat in a chair with Princess Platinum sprawled out on the couch in front of the fireplace.
“Yeah one collar from some over sized goat, Boss.” Lancer tossed Tireks collar to Changed who caught it with his magic.
“Ohh Commander I'm just simply overjoyed you didn’t get some nasty scar on that new beautiful face of your.” Platinum grinned looking over from her couch.
“Quiet you silver tongued harlot before I stick you to the wall.” Lancer growled to the unicorn.
“Oh so you want to reenact the night after we signed the treaty. If we do I’m afraid Master is going to have to be Chancellor Puddinghead.” Platinum stifled a giggle as she watched the once proud pegasus steam in rage.
“Now that's enough you two. It's almost time for the next step of the plan and to do that we need to do this just right.” Changed spoke up breaking the two up before a fight happens.
“And what is exactly your plan?” Lancer asked with a crooked eyebrow.
“Glad you asked. With the necklace I can fully supply one more summon freely, a day or two if I summon two more. So I’m going to use what Rider recovered and cast the ritual and have that servant sneak into the city while the next day using what you recovered to stage a full frontal attack. And while the empire is distracted with Tirek our agent will sneak up and swipe the Crystal Heart.With it we can keep this guy-” Changed rattled the collar in his hoof. “topped off. And most importantly the Crystal Heart will be mine all mine to shape and mold.” Changed’s eyes flashed a green color for a few seconds when he said that last sentence before laughing as the rooms other occupants stared in confusion.
The streets of the Crystal Empire were barren, void of its residence since this morning. The only sign of life came from the castle that still held a few ponies hustling about. In the Throne room Cadence and Shining Armor were discussing the situation with the scout the guard sent out shortly after Tirek was spotted.
“And he still hasn’t moved from his spot?” The guard shook his head. “No sir he is just standing there eyeing the castle as still as a statute.” Shining Armor nodded. “Alright then return to your post and tell us if anything changes with him.
The guard saluted. “Yes sir.” As the guard left Shining turned to his wife. “Sweety how is the excavation coming along?”
“It’s almost over the last of the citizens are boarding the last train out. It is strange Tirek positioned himself on the opposite side of where the train station is at. It’s not like him to let so many ponies slip by him.” Cadence then pulled out a letter. “And in more good news Sunburst sent us the letter he promised he would when he and Flurry Heart reached Canterlot.” The pink alicorn’s eyes were mesmerized on the paper as she thought of her daughter.
Shining pulled his wife in for a hug. “It’s okay, it’s almost over. Once everypony is out we will be on the last train out of the kingdom and straight towards Flurry.” As the pair finished their hug a knock came from the door.
“Enter.” Shining yelled as another guard came into the chamber. “Sorry sir but I came to inform you Princess Twilight and her friends have arrived.”
Shining froze as his brain tried to process what he just heard. “WHAT? WHY IS SHE HERE?”
Shining felt a hoof on his shoulder. “I may have sent a letter to Twilight earlier.” Cadence had a guilty smile. “I just thought the evacuation wouldn't have went as well as it did. So it would have been better to ask Twilight for help.”
So should I let them in. Or turn them away?” The guard in the doorway was confused on what to do.
“Yes please show them in. Thank you.” The couple saw the guard off.
A few minutes passed before Twilight came barreling into the room her friends close behind. “Cadence, BBBFF we came as soon as we got the letter. Where’s Tierk? How’s the Crystal Heart? Where’s everypony did he get them? Where’s Flurry Heart? Don’t tell me Tirek got her.” Twilight was frantically asking all these questions while shaking her brother like a ragdoll.
Cadence pried Twilight off of her brother who was going green in the face due to the thrashing. “Twilight everything's okay. The heart is ready to be moved. The crystal ponies are all evacuated save for us and the guard. And Flurry is in Canterlot with Sunburst.”
“Then where’s Tirek?” Rainbow asked from the doorway with the rest of the girls.
“Over-*hugh*- their” Shining pointed with one hoof to the balcony overlooking the city while covering his mouth with the other. The girls rushed over to the balcony and looked out. What they say they couldn’t believe.Standing outside the city shield was large figure. Its black fur and red skin stood out against the white landscape making it easy to see it.
“That’s Tirek? But he’s huge. He’s half the size of the bucking castle.” Rainbow commented slack jawed.
“He’s even bigger than last time.” Fluttershy slowly backed away from the scene only to bump into Shining.
“He’s just been standing there since this morning. A few farmers saw him outside the shield and informed the guard. And we’ve been moving citizens out of the city since. Shining made his way passed the butterscotch pegasus.
“And you said he hasn’t did that sucky thing to anypony?.”
Cadence joined the rest on the balcony. “No Pinkie he’s just been standing there like a statue.” Soon another knock came from the doors.
“Enter.” Shining called towards the door as a guard entered. “Sir you have another pony here. He says he’s Rockhoof.”
“Let him in.” Shining surprised that one of the Pillars were in the kingdom. “I thought we closed the station down from any coming trains?”
Cadence shrugged. “We did I don’t know how he could be here.”
Pinkie hopped up and down waving here hoof. “Yes Pinkie.” Cadence called her like a teacher would call a student.
“Maybe he ran all the way here.” A collective batch of eyes rolled at the pink mare’s statement.
“Pinkie c’mon now. Their no way a pony could run all the way to the Crystal Empire. Not in all tha snow.” Applejack adjusted her hat the was blown askewed by the wind from the balcony.
“Yeah but this is Rockhoof remember.” As if on cue the large green earth pony entered the room.
“Rockhoof ayan’t ya a sight for sore eyes.” Applejack trotted up and gave the large stallion a smack on the back.
“Good to see ya Applejack.” Rockhoof returned the smack only his made Applejack slam into the floor. “Oh I didn’t mean to do that sorry.” As Rockhoof helped the farmer up Cadence approached the two.
“Rockhoof always a joy to have one of the pillars visit us. But now is a real bad time, why are you here?”
“Ah heard from some ponies that got off those train things that theirs something bad happening here so I came running as fast as i could princess.” Rockhoof bowed to Cadence.
“It’s flattering but you don’t have to bow to me. Wait you ran all the way here? As in on hoof.” Cadence looked back to everypony who all held the same expression of confusion she did.
All except Pinkie who was nodding proud to be right. “I called it.”
“Well it doesn’t matter,it’s good to see you’re concerned Rockhoof and we appreciate your help.”
“Happy to help princess. So where’s Tirek.” Shining led Rockhoof to the balcony. “Outside the shield. He hasn’t moved all day. And how did you know it was Tirek attacking?”
“I heard it from the folk that came from the trains. And who are those three running to the city.?”Rockhoof pointed to the green field that separated the city from the shield. And sure enough three pony figures were running across the field.
“Shining did a double take first thinking they were just guards. “Those aren’t ours. Cadence gather the guard are meet me in front of the castle.”
Twilight stepped forward. “We’re coming with you. We didn’t come all this way just to do nothing.”
Shining started making his way to the door. “Fine, Rockhoof keep an eye on them.” With that the everyone left the room with Rockhoof being last.
Moments ago outside of the shield.
“Is he ready yet? I’m getting bored.” Lancer whined from his spot under Tirek to shield him from the cold. Platinum snickered while being kept warm with her large robe
Changed pulled out a grey metal rod that began to change into a dull green and then into a bright red. “That’s the cue, Wait they’re here to. Okay change of plans Berserker stay here until the shield goes down. When it does make your way to us.” Changed called up to the over sized centaur who only growled a response. “The rest of you we are storming the front.” With that the two unicorns and pegasus crossed through the shield and bolted across the green pasture into kingdoms city.
Soon Everyone was gathered at the main road leading to the castle. A small number of guards set up barricades leading to the crystal heart as everyone mt up with Cadence. “Cadence is this all the guards left in the kingdom?” Shining asked looking at the 20 guards finishing the barricades.
“Yes, the rest have already left with their families or left on the last train.” Cadence replied.
“Well it’s only three of them so it should be fine.” Rockhoof said brandishing his shovel that looked brand new.
“Oooo did you get your shovel fixed?” Rarity commented on the dazzling metal that glistened against the crystal roads. “Uhh yeah, when I returned home I met with the blacksmith who happened to be related to the smith who first made it.”
“Well darling who ever made it knows their craft.” Rarity was busy looking at her reflection in the shovel head before Shining spoke up. “Here they come! Everypony in position!”
The guards took their place on either side of the elements and Shining with Cadence behind them with Rockhoof. The three ponies slowed their run, With the one pegasus in the group sizing up the group. While the platinum colored unicorn was too busy taking in the scenery, mesmerized by the glistening crystal buildings.
While the other unicorn grew a smile when his eyes landed on Twilight and her friends. “Well well well I didn’t think I would run into you six until later. Ah well better get this done and out of the way with. Hello girls and hello Rarity did you miss me?” Changed waved to the white unicorn who grew confused.
“I don’t think we have met before, i think i would remember somepony who let their mane look like a rats nest.” Rarity huffed at the blue unicorn who only slumped his shoulders. “Oh thats hurts me. And to think at some point we were so close, until that stupid purple newt tore you away from me. But worry not we will be together again heck this time all your friends can join to.” Changed reached into his sack on his side and pulled out a book. “And to think of the irony a book caused all my problems will be solved by a different book. Isn’t that hilarious?”
Changed started laughing before Lancer leaned over “Uhh boss I don’t think that’s what irony means.”
“Quiet Lancer no one asked you for your opinion.” While the two bickered Twilight stared at the book in the blue unicorn’s hoof.
“Wait, it was you who stole from the Royal Library last week. Who are you and what use does that spellbook has to you?” The alicorns remark stopped the two bickering and Changed turned to Twilight. “Finally somepony that’s actually curious about me. These two here couldn’t give a less of a buck about it.” He gestured to his two accomplices. “To answer your questions my name is Changed Oath. And this tome is my answer to finishing my dream.” Changed held out the book as he continued his triad. “To think a book that can put ponies under the ownership of one pony. It’s like a dream come true.”
“But why did you come here of all places?” Rainbow spoke up. And when she did Lancer froze. “Well the only downside to this spell turns out you need a supply of magic to keep the summons fueled. Lancer what are you doing?” Changed called to the pegasus that stepped forward before brandishing her spear and pointing it right at Rainbow.
“You’re the reason I’m like this. You’re the damned airole that did this to me.” Lancer ripped off her helmet revealing a face that’s a exact copy of Rainbow’s.
Everypony looked at the two blue pegasus looking at one than the other. “Dashie you never told us you had a twin. And what does airole mean?”
Rainbow stuffed her hoof in Pinkie's mouth. “Pinkie don’t say that word, never say that word you do hear me.” Rainbow’s voice was serious.
Pinkie nodded before Rainbow removed her hoof and turned back to her copy. “And who in the hay are you. Look I know I’m the definition of cool but being me does not make you cool.”
Lancer gritted her teeth before replying in a voice drenched in venom. “I am Commander Hurricane leader of the pegasus tribe. One of the founders of Equestria. You are the cause of what has become of me, committed this unforgivable crime. And for that I’ll gut you with my spear Aeolus and feed you to the wolves.”
Hurricane reeled back before throwing his spear right and Rainbow. The spear hurtled to Rainbow and just as it looked like it hit its mark a shield sprung up between the two. The shield strained as cracks grew where the spear deflected off into the air before returning to Hurricane’s open hoof. “Coward! Step out of that shield and face me. Or prove that you don’t deserve the feathers on your back.
Hearing her copies taunt Rainbow stomped towards the barrier. “Oh you wanna go tough guy, bing it.” Before Rainbow could keep her retort she was pulled back behind the crystal walls the guard set up by Twilight.
“Rainbow you can let her get to you.”
“Her?” Hurricane brought her hoof down in anger cracking the crystal road as steam rose from her face in pure anger.
“Lancer control yourself. You can have her once the Crystal Heart is mine.” Changed belittled the trigger happy pegasus.
“If you think we will let any of you near the heart you’re insane.” Shining lowered his shield.
Changed began to laugh at Shining Armor. “What’s so funny.” Cadence stepped to the front of the group. Changed wiped a tear from his eye. “Oh it’s just that you already have. Isn’t that right. Saber.”
A voice spoke up from the back of the crowd as alarm rang out. “That’s right Master.” Everypony turned to see who talked. What they saw was Rockhoof holding the Crystal Heart.
“Rockhoof what are ya doin?” Applejack spoke as the stallion charged and vault over the crowd. He landing next to Changed and handed him the heart.
“Your's Master.” Changed took the heart in his magic and gazed at it. “Excellent Saber everything went off without a hitch.”
The city’s shields started to fall and when they did a large bellow echoed through the city. “Ahh here comes Berserker.” Changed look over his shoulder to confirm the centaur started to make his way to them. As the crowd was focused on the approaching mountain of a centaur Rockhoof looked at the tome and the Elements. “Block it Prince” Rockhoof alerted Shining as he hurled his shovel at him. Shining snapped to the shovel hurtling at his face and sprung a shield that reflected the shovel. The shovel bounced off the shield, into the ground, and finally ricochet its way to hitting Changed’s hoof holding the spellbook. The book flew in the air and smashed into a random guards face.
Rockhoof called to the elements. “You gotta get out of here find a way to break this spell. Hurry and free us.”
Changed held his hoof in throbbing pain. “What are you doing Saber.” He saw Twilight grab the book off of the guards face. “No that book is mine. Lancer stop them.” Hurricane launched into the air and dove at the crowd.
“Everypony hold tight.” The crowd all grabbed each other as Twilight’s magic glowed from her horn. Just has Hurricane’s spear was about to make contact with the purple alicorn a flash of blinding light shot out and all she hit was ground.
Changed’s blue face turned to red as he saw his property taken from him. “Saber explain yourself! Tell me why I shouldn’t feed you to Berserker this very second!” Changed yelled at the earth pony who hung his head. “Sorry master I don’t know what came over me. It won’t happen again I promise.”
Changed stomped away from the stallion to vent by taking a few deep breaths. “Fine, you better live up to that promise. Rider, Lancer meet up with Berserker we leave for Ponyville in five minutes and Saber I want you at the new hideout by the time we finish our business in Ponyville you hear me.”
Changed left with the other servants leaving Rockhoof behind. “I hope they find a way to fix this.” Rockhoof picked up his shovel and started walking. It’s a long way to the new hideout on hoof.
Author's Note
I feel like this could have been done better. All well.
Spike sighed as he dusting the last book in the room. “Finally done. Everything's perfect.” The dragon hung his shoulders and groaned. “Knowing my luck this is when something happens and I have to do this all again.” As if on cue a white flash filled the room before ponies tumbled into the room some rolling into the shelves spilling the books onto the floor. The dragon looked at the chaos the rooms sudden appearing occupants made. “I’m done for the day.”
Starlight bursted through the door concerned at the sudden noise. “Spike what’s- oh Equestria what happened.”
Spike hopped off his ladder and ran to the large pile of ponies when he saw Twilight poke her head from the pile. “Twilight what happened at the Empire what’s with all the crystal guards. Don’t tell me Tirek did this.”
Twilight shook her head slipping out of the pile and standing up. “No Spike something worse happened. I need you to send a letter to Celestia and tell her we have the stolen spell book.” Spike gave a salute before running out of the room to find some paper and a quill.
Once everypony calmed down and situated themselves Shining told the guards to take posts around the town and to report to him if they see Changed or anypony else. Everypony else sat at the Map of Friendship as Twilight looked through the books contents. “It’s simply amazing the primary spell in the book is so much more than a simple summoning spell. Just by having an object that is connected to the pony, you can summon a near copy of the pony no matter how long ago they lived. They have all the pony’s memories and personality to a tee. Even if a pony is lesser known the spell takes thoughts and traits applied to them to help create the body”Twilight gushed at the efficiency this spell can perform at.
“Twilight dear maybe you should take a break. You have been reading that book for hours. You look absolutely tired,” Rarity pointed to the clock that said it’s been five hours since they teleported back to the castle.
“Sorry Rarity I can’t I have to find some way to undo the spell. Only problem is the only ways seem to be-” Twilight hesitated before resuming. “killing the familiar or cutting off the magic flow from the summoner to the familiar.”
Rainbow sat in her chair this entire time mumbling to herself. “It’s not possible. It can’t be.” She slammed her head into the table drawing the attention to the others.
“Something wrong Rainbow you didn’t fall asleep did you?” Cadence poked the blue pegasus. Rainbow flew her hooves in the air. “You bet somethings wrong. That me back at the kingdom calling herself Commander Hurricane. She said it with as if she is him and and I don’t know how but she even has Aeolus. I mean it’s not possible that Commander Hurricane only had that spear in myths and stuff. It isn’t supposed to be real.” Rainbow panicked trying to make sense of seeing something she only been told was a myth.
“Uhh what exactly is a Aeolus.” Rarity asked her friend who looked like her brain was about to melt.
“It was a magical spear Commander Hurricane was said to have owned during his life. The spear was said to control the very winds that blow over the land. Isn’t that right Rainbow.” Twilight replied without looking up from the tome.
“Yeah and more. The spear can whip up Tornados strong enough to rip apart mountains and throwing it was said to cause enough damage to rival a bolt of lightning. It’s even said Commander Hurricane spun the spear to gather all the clouds that formed Cloudsdale. Even how he got it was awesome. After he signed the treaty with the other leaders the Windigos returned this time in a massive malstrom and Hurricane being Hurricane heroically dove into it alone and found Aeolus at the eye of the storm and pulled it causing the Windigos to scatter. It’s so bucking coooool.” Rainbow layed back into her chair fantasizing about the spear.
“Well if it is supposed to be a myth why was it at the Crystal Empire earlier today?” Starlight spoke while peering over Twilight’s shoulder wanting to see the book as well.
“I don’t know but hopefully we find an answer soon. Until then we just have to wait and hope.” Fluttershy spoke from her seat.
Rarity adjusted in her seat starting to grow uncomfortable from the hours of sitting in the chair. “Well if that mare says she was Commander Hurricane. Then wouldn’t that make the other unicorn Princess Platinum, and why did Changed Oath kept on calling them by those weird titles like Saber and Lancer?”
Twilight responded again without looking up from the book. “It looks like in order the summon a pony they have to be filtered into odd classes. I don’t know why Starswirl named them these maybe it’s due to some traits the familiar has when summoned.”
Half an hour passed as the group tried to understand what happened. Twilight put a bookmark in the book before closing it and rubbing her eyes. “So did you find anything Twily” Shining hoped his sister pulled through his smile fell as she shook her head.
“No I can’t find anyway to disrupt the spell without lethal means. But I did learn that wasn’t the real Rockhoof we saw in a way.” Applejack rubbed her temple. “Ah that doesn’t make sense sugarcube.”
Twilight rubbed her sore neck before responding “When the spell is used on a living pony they fall unconscious as their soul is transferred to the body the spell crafts.”
“Well it’s getting late we can continue this in the morning.” When Cadence finished a fruit stand came crashing through the window nearly hitting Spike who just walked into the room.
“What in the world?” Shining ducked under that table as everypony's heads whipped to the front doors. Several loud knocks were rakked on the door before the doors were flung off its hinges as a large red hand broke through the doors.
Through the light of the setting sun Changed walked into the castle with Platinum and Hurricane closely behind with Tirek Staying outside.
“Good to see you again girls. Now I think you have something that belongs to me.” Changed sneered holding his hoof out for Twilight to give back the book.
“Like in Tutaurus we’ll give it to you.” Shining got out from under the table pulling up a shield that separates the two groups. “Well Lancer did just get back from their a few days ago but if you want. Lancer I’m getting tired of shields tear it down and Rider get that book back.” The two old rulers stepped forward.
Shining turned to Twilight and the girls “Get out of here now we’ll hold them off.” Twilight started to speak but Cadence but her off “Go Twilight it’ll be fine.” Starlight grabbed the book and pulled Twilight as everypony ran for the back door. Twilight stopped when she heard the sound of the shield being shattered by Hurricane’s spear. When it did Shining and Cadence were blown back knocking them out cold. Both landing in Rarity’s chair as it tipped back onto the ground. Before the two can recover Hurricane pounced hellbent on skewering both with her spear. “NO!” Twilight teleported between the Hurricane and her family firing a laser that knocked her back behind Platinum. The girls poked their heads back into the room “Twilight what are you doing! Hurry up.” Spike screamed at her.
“I’ll be fine just hurry and get out of here.” Twilight turned to the two familiars as her magic closed the doors with her magic cutting her friends from the room.
“Lancer stop playing with the princess and get that book. Rider will deal with her.” Lancer nodded at Changed before vaulting over Twilight towards the door she just closed.
“Oh no you don’t.” Twilight lashed her magic out like a tether only to have it intercepted mid air by another. The one who did it was Platinum who had a soft smile on her face Twilight saw Hurricane open the doors and ran after her friends. “I think the master said I’m your problem now.” Platinum flicked her head to the right that cause the two connected tethers to whip Twilight into the wall. “And up you go.” Platinum flicked her head upwards causing the theres to drag Twilight out of the wall and slamming her into the remains of the Golden Oaks Library. “And into the dirt with you.” Platinum reeled her head downwards Causing Twilight to be yanked out of the tree remains and come crashing down to the crystal floor.
Platinum released the tether and approached the downed alicorn while laughing “Ohohohoho are you even alive my dear I still have not even begun to have fun.” Twilight eyes opened as her magic flared up as she teleported above the Unicorn and fired a magic beam down at her. Twilight was sure she got her as she was completely enveloped by the magic and when she stopped her eyes widened. She saw several pegasi made of pure crystal covering Platinum with their wings like a shield. Twilight couldn’t react as two of the mirages delivered a swift kick to her stomach making her reel back and slide across the room. “So how does my Reserve Corp. look aren’t they simply divine only the best were allowed into my guard you know?” Platinum ran a hoof under the nearest mirages chin as more of them appeared each taking on the appearance of either a pegasus or unicorn. “So tell me Princess of Friendship do you have enough magic stored up to take my whole guard down? Ohohohoho” Platinum laughed as her guards charged the half exhausted alicorn.
The girls were running through the halls of the castle following Spike as he led them to the back exit. “It’s this way just hook a right.” The group turned they say a door down the hallway littered with doors and one stairway down. As they approached the door was ripped out by a large red hand as a yellow eye looked down the hall at them.
“Oh no Tirek is here. We need go back.” As the group followed Starlights advice Hurricane came barreling around the corner and slowed down to slowly stalk to them like a predator does to prey. The group looked at both ends of the hall one has a centaur the size of the castle while the other has a feral pegasus. Spike looked down the staircase as the light bulb lit up in his head. “This way I have an idea.” Spike hurried down the stairs as the rest of the girls followed. As they did Hurricane lunged sailing past where they once stood and flew into Tirek’s eye. Tireks reeled back holding his injured eye dragging Hurricane out with him.
When Spike and the girls reached the bottom of the stairs Spike went right before going into a side room. “I hope this works. Applejack Rainbow barricade the door. Starlight help me with this.” The unicorn went over to the control panel with Spike as the earth pony and pegasus began to pile books in front of the door.
“Spike darling what exactly are we trying to do with this mirror. Rarity called as Fluttershy held onto her scared out of her mind.
“We need to get somewhere they can’t get to us and I just thought why not through the mirror.” Spike pulled a lever as the machine came to life. The door began to bend inward as Hurricane bashed on it.
“I guess we don’t have a choice. Everypony get in tha mirror.” Applejack leapt into the portal as the rest followed her in until it was just Starlight and Rainbow left.
The door finally gave as it broke and Hurricane prowled through the doorway like a predator. “Rainbow Dash you disgrace the wings on your back. You made me like this. This crime must be corrected. Your wings are mine!.” Hurricane reared back and threw her spear at Rainbow.
“Rainbow!” Starlight shoved Rainbow out of the way knocked themselves into the portal as the spear struck the control panel. When it hit the panel blew up causing the mirror to power down. Hurricane ran to the mirror and touched it only to feel glass. She reeled back and let out a yell of rage.
Author's Note
Don't worry the story will start up soon I promise. Just gotta set things just right.
“Alright class that will be all for today. You’re homework for your Fall Break is to finish chapter seven and to do questions two, three, and five.” A well aged woman sat at a large desk with a plaque with the name “Miss. Harshwhinny” written on it. “Stay safe and I expect to see you all in two week.” When Miss. Harshwhinny finished the school bell went off with the last bell of the day.
At one of the desks in the room sat a girl with red and yellow hair in a blue blouse and jeans. When the bell started to ring Sunset Shimmer closed her book and got out of her seat. As she made her way to the door she noticed her friend Rainbow being called up to the teachers desk. Sunset chuckled as she made her way into the hallway towards her locker. The halls of Canterlot High were filled with students excited to leave and start their vacation and forget about school for two weeks.
As Sunset approached her locker she saw another of her friends at the one next to it. She had purple hair with a highlight running through it. And she wore a purple skirt with a blue top. “Hi Twilight.” Sunset greeted the purple girl while she opened the locker and grabbed her bag. “You ready for Fall Break?” Sunset closed the locker and turned to her friend with a smile on her face.
“I’m not sure this is the first time I’m spending it with friends and all.” Twilight finished arranging her locker and closed the door as Sunset guided her away and towards the front doors of the building.
“Just relax Twilight. It’ll be no different than when we hang out after school or on the weekends. Now come on we agreed to meet up by the doors and figure out what we’re doing today.”
The two stood in front of the stone railing for a few minutes before they say two girls head their way. One had a denim skirt with a stenson with blonde hair tied into a ponytail. And the other had poofy pink hair with a pink dress. “Howdy Sunset, Twilight.” The blonde greeted them as the pink girl waved.
Sunset adjusted her bag. “Hey Applejack, hey Pinkie. You two ready for Fall Break?” Before Applejack and Pinkie could reply a new voice cut them off.
“Well I’m not sure about those two but Fluttershy and I are ready to get this vacation started.” The four turned to the top of the stair and saw two people standing their. One was a girl with purple hair with a powder blue top and purple skirt. The other was another girl with long pink hair and a white top with a green skirt. “Yes Rares me an Pinks are ready too.” Applejack answered giving Rarity a smirk
Twilight coughed into her hand to get the girls attention as Rarity and Fluttershy joined them at the bottom of the stairs. “Well all that leaves is Rainbow. Sunset you have Cultural History with her. She didn’t try to cut class again did she?” Sunset shook her head before leaning against the stone with her arms crossed.
“No she was their. Miss. Harshwhinny called her when class ended. She’s probably getting chewed out now that I think about it.”
Applejack groaned “Great it was her idea to meet here and that girl gets into trouble.”
Fluttershy looked at her phone to read the time. “I guess we’ll just have to wait for Miss. Harshwhinny to finish talking with her.”
So the six waited outside in the warm spring day as the rest of the school’s student body poured out and left the premises. It was an hour of waiting when the doors opened up and Rainbow walked to her friends lugging around a backpack stuffed and grumbling to herself. “Stupid Teacher. Hey girls ready for Fall Break.” Rainbow cheered the last sentence with her hands raised. When none of her friends replied and kept their look of annoyance on she lowered her arms slowly. “Sorry for being late. Miss. Harshwhinny kept me after class.” Rarity shook her head while Applejack rested her face in her palm.
“Well Rainbow if you didn’t skip her class three times this month maybe she wouldn’t have chewed you out for an hour.” Sunset snapped at her rainbow haired friend.
“I said I was sorry. Look let’s head to the Sugarcube Corner I’ll buy.”
As the group set off they passed by the statute as the face of it began to ripple. Fluttershy caught the ripples out of the corner of her eyes and stopped walking. “Uhh Sunset Twilight didn’t tell you she was visiting did she.”
Sunset looked at Twilight next to her before realizing what Fluttershy ment. “Oh that Twilight, no she didnt why do you ask.” Turned to Fluttershy who was staring at the statute as the ripples in it started to increase.
“Someone’s coming through make space.” the girls made a circle around the portal. “Maybe it’s one of that Twilight’s friends?” Rainbow shrugged.
“Ya mean one of us?” Applejack poked fun at Rainbow’s question.
Fluttershy looked over at Sunset “Maybe Spike had another fight with Twilight.” Sunset stayed silent as she never looked away from the portal in the statute.
“Oooo maybe Starlight came to visit again.” Pinkie cheered as the ones in the portal started to spill out onto the concrete. When it finished none of the girls moved to help the pile that formed in front of them frozen in shock. It was then a purple dog poked his head out of the pile of girls and rubbed his throbbing head.
Spike looked up to notice Sunset looking right at him. “Sunset!” Spike leapt at the bacon haired girl. Sunset was knocked on her but as the puppy landed on her. “Spike what are you-” Sunset stopped when she heard sobs coming from the dog that buried his face into her.
Starlight being on the top of the pileup was the first to sit up and take in the new surroundings. “Ugh my head.” Starlights vision finally focused to see herself surrounded by Sunset and her friends. When she looked at herself and saw that she was human again a sigh escaped from her. She looked back up at the circle of girls she’s surrounded by. “It’s too late in the day for this crap.” Starlight then flung herself back lying on the pile wanting nothing more than to sleep this off.
Sunset looked at the pileup and the puppy crying into her shirt. Rainbow walked over. “Sunset why is their a pile of us that came out of the portal?” Sunset looked at Rainbow before getting up cradling the puppy like a child.
“I don’t know Rainbow.” Her eyes landed on a book Starlight had in her other hand. “But I think Fall Break is going to have to wait.”
As the pile sorted themselves out they saw what happened to themselves. “Pinkie what in Luna are you?” Rainbow pointed at her pink friend.
“Me? Dashie you’re the weird looking one.” Pinkie pointed at the rainbow haired girl. Fluttershy was looking at herself breathing heavily almost to the point of hyperventilating. Rarity was trying to calm her ex pegasus friend.
Applejack finally noticed the other group and tried to stand up only to fumble back down. “Why in tarnation are their others us’s here?”
Sunset walked in front of the group still clutching Spike. “Please you all have to calm down before someone sees us.” Sunset looked frantically around the area iseeing if the panic drawn any unwanted attention.
“Wait Sunset is that you? What happened to you are what are we?” Rarity commented finally making her way to her feet without stumbling.
“Sunset we need to get them out of sight before someone comes around.” Twilight commented over Sunsets shoulder.
The ex ponies minus Starlight froze when they saw the purple girl before pouncing her shouting. “TWILIGHT!” The poor girl was soon buried under duplicates of her friends.
Sunset saw the newly made pile.“We really need to get them somewhere out of sight. Any ideas?” Fluttershy raised her hand. “No one should be in the school greenhouse around this time and there's a empty table we can use.” Sunset and the rest nodded in agreement on using the greenhouse.
The girls gathered around the new pile and helped pried off their duplicates from the mirror. When everyone was paired up with someone else Sunset carried Spike while Twilight walked with Starlight as the others walked themselves to the greenhouse in the back of the school. When they entered the building they took seats opposite themselves with Sunset, Twilight, Starlight, and Spike at the head of the table. As the girls and Spike calmed down and Sunset explained that the Twilight here is not the one they know, Sunset asked them what happened in Equestria. The girls each took turns explaining about Changed getting the spell to summon ponies, his takeover of the Crystal Empire, Twilight telling them to escape, And Spike’s plan to use the portal to come here.
“Well can’t they follow you through the portal” Human Rarity asked growing concerned for her home's safety.
“No I saw Lancer break the panel that controls the machine right before me and Rainbow went into the portal.” Starlight said while handing the book to Sunset and Twilight to look through.
“Oh Pinkie please don’t touch that. It’s a very delicate flower.” Human Fluttershy called to her friend who was poking a small flower with powder blue pedals.
“What do you mean Fluttershy I’m sitting right here.” The newly transformed pony commented from her seat. Fluttershy looked from one Pinkie to the other. “My head hurts.”
“Oh I know how about we use different nicknames to tell us apart.” Human Pinkie said returning to her bench.
“Ohh good idea me. I say the ponies use their names and the rest of use nicknames.” Pinkie hopped in her seat “Well we gotta do something or people are going to be really confused and some might even pull their hair out in anger.” Both pink girls hopped forward in their chairs.
“So you’ll be Pinks and I’ll be Pinkie then?” The ex mare said holding out a hand for a handshake.
“Yeppy.” Pinks grabbed the outreached hand and shook it. When they finished the girls sit back down and Pinkie stared at her hand. “Wow that felt weird.”
Twilight watched the event unfold. “So are we at a agreement with how we will tell the difference from each other?” AJ shrugged “I don’t mind being called AJ for a while how about you Rares, Dash?” The farmer gestured to the soccer player and fashionista.
“I’m cool with it.” Rares nodded agreeing with the soccer player.
“Now that that’s taken care of. Starlight you said Twilight couldn’t find a way to stop this spell without harming either the familiar or summoner right?” Sunset said skimming through the book with Twilight looking over her shoulder.
“Yeah that looks like the only way to stop it. Besides the Summoner dismissing the summons.” Starlight slumped “But after hearing the girl's story about what happened at the Empire and how easily Hurricane broke through Shining Armor’s shield I don’t think we can fight them.
“Maybe ya can’t but we can.” Aj said tipping her hat like they do in Spaghetti Western films.
“Oh and how so.” Rainbow said egging the farmer on. Aj smirked before standing up and with one hand grabbed the table everyone was sat at and lifted it like it was weightless. As Aj set the table back down Rainbow recovered from her stupor. “That was so cool. How did you do that.”
“It seems like exposure to magic from your home has given us each special abilities.” Twilight proved her point by lifting a few potted plants around the building with her telekinesis and setting them back down.
“Wow you have super powers just like the Power Ponies.” Spike said in glee finally recovering from his crying fit.
“Don’t you worry girls we’ll go to your world and save it. Oh boy it sounds like a plot to a sloppy sci fi movie.” With that remark from the purple scientist Rainbow sprang from her seat and ran around the table knocking into Sunset,
“No you can’t you don’t realize how insanely dangerous Commander Hurricane is with Aeolus.” Rainbow grabbed Twilight by the shoulders her voice was slow and dead serious.
When Rainbow knocked into Sunset her eyes lit up as she saw a vision from her past. She saw their first confrontation with Changed and his familiars and the second time in the castle. When Sunset came back from her trip she looked at Twilight trying to calm down Dash who was panicking. Sunset returned to the book flipping to the back where she found footnotes. As she read them the color drained from her face.
“AJ you might wanna hear this before we get to far ahead of ourselves.” When Sunset spoke the two fighting stopped and looked at her.
“What ya mean sugarcube?” both Applejacks talked in unison.
“These notes left by the maker of this spell Starswirl have some interesting things.” Sunset passed the book to Twilight who read them out loud.
“Experiment number 23. I made progress in developing the Rider catalyst. I managed to summon famed earth pony leader Chancellor Puddinghead. I’m glad I chose to do these experiments outside the castle keep in the countryside. Puddinghead somehow managed to carve a ghastly ravine into a nearby landscape when we went demonstrate his abilities. It appears that the spell seems to push the summoned individual to exceed physical traits that are near impossible to almost mythical levels.”
Twilight looked down the table to see everyone listening intently except Dash who had her head down. She continued. “Experiment 25. For this experiment I tried the newer unstable Berserker catalyst and to think this spell started out as a way to preserve history by hearing it straight from the pony who lived in it. Only to turn into something so dangerous. This experiment involves a local guard who recently gained fame for his feats to drive off a dragon from his platoon, his name was Flash Magnus. He agreed to participate in my experiment. When I casted the spell on the pegasus his once dazzling golden shield was more rigid almost feral in a sense losing its golden color for a more grey with serrated spines.For the pony himself he seemed to lose his colors taking on a darker shade of his original coat color. I had no time to start the tests before he flew off and by the time I caught up to him to issue the command he flew down into a mountain obliterating it leaving nothing but a valley. The subject exhibited traits of madness. I managed to subdue the guard and issue the release command before further destruction could happen. I need to find a way to keep this catalyst in better control.”
Twilight set the book down looking at her everyone. “That’s unsettling.” Spike laid on the table losing hope. “Going over his notes it looks like he managed to make seven vessels for this spell to use on. Saber, Lancer, Archer, Rider, Assassin, Caster, and Berserker. That means this Changed person could still summon three more familiars. Each as strong if not stronger than the ones you escaped from.”
“I don’t think we can handle somthin like that. Hey Dash you’ve been quiet this whole time. Girl what are ya doing?” Aj called down the table at the girl, everyone turned to the rainbow haired girl who had a pen in one hand and looking through a textbook.
“Dash at a time like this are you serious.” Sunset scolded the girl as she looked up.
“Sorry but I want this stupid extra paper Miss. Harshwhinny gave me today to be done.”
Rainbow perked up at hearing herself complain about writing. “And what did that loser teacher tell you to write?” Applejack turned to Rainbow giving a swift smack to the back of the head.
“Now’s not the time for this.”
“She said I gotta have a five page paper on any hero I want. So I chose this cool guy called Heracles.” Dash turned the book to herself that had a detailed picture of a man slaying a hydra.
“Woah is that a hydra?” Rainbow commented on not believing that anyone could fight one.
“Yeah he did loads of awesome stuff like this. He dragged the three headed dog Cerberus from hell. He killed this lion that everyone thought was invincible. The guy even held the entire sky up once on his shoulders.
While the two rainbow haired girls talked about the achievements of Heracles Spike sat up from his spot on the table and began to look at the spellbook and then at Dash’s textbook. “Wait.” Spike tried to start but the two girls talking drowned him out. “Hey I have an idea.” Spike still went ignored. “Hey can you shut up!” Spike yelled drawing the rooms attention.
“Thank you, as I was saying I got an idea on how we can save Equestria.” Spike ran across the table and grabbing the textbook propping it up for everyone to see. “If this Changed guy summoned ponies to fight for him why can’t we do the same and summon this Heracles guy and others.”
“But Spike Heracles is a myth he isn't real.” Sunset said softly not wanting to crush the puppies hope.
Spike pushed the textbook away before standing up. “And so? Nightmare Moon was a myth. Tirek, Discord, some ponies even thought Starswirl was a myth but they all turned out to be true. Come one Sunset it's at least worth a try.” Spike was begging at this point wishing his plan could work
“But even if Heracles was real. We need something attached to him in order for this spell to work. And where are we gonna find something like that.”
“We could try the museum.” Everyone turned to Twilight. “I’m a girl of science but if I learned anything in my time with being with you all. It’s that fact is sometimes stranger than fiction.”
“But I doubt the curator is just going to let us wander in and take stuff out of the cases.” Dash wasn’t very keen on spending their first day of Fall Break at a museum of all places.
Twilight pushed her glasses up on her nose. “You leave that to me. Let’s hurry there's no time to lose.”
The group made their way from the school with Twilight in the lead brimming with confidence. The ponies caught onto how to walk on two legs with a few trips along the way. By the time they reached the museum they didn’t need support from the high school students. As Twilight reached the door with one hand while holding the spellbook in the other she looked back at the group. “Let me handle the talking the curator is a good friend of mine.” The group funneled through the entryway with the Rainbow Dash's in the back.
“Of course she’s friends with a person who works in a museum.” Dash whispered to Rainbow who snickered.
Inside was a large lobby with a info desk off to the right wall. Their sat a aged woman with a brown cloak wearing spectacles. As Twilight walked up to the desk the woman looked up from her computer monitor. “Ahh Twilight it’s been forever since I saw you last. How goes your studies.” The woman saw the crowd that was behind Twilight. “Dear me Twilight I think I’ve been looking at the screen to long I’m seeing doubles now.”
Twilight looked back to her friends before noticing what the woman was talking about, “Oh no, it’s not that Mrs Yearling. It’s not what you think.”
Mrs. Yearling removed her spectacles and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “If you say so dear. What do I owe the pleasure for you to visit this old woman again?” Mrs. Yearling set the spectacles back on her nose putting her full attention on Twilight.
When she did Twilight froze, all the confidence she had outside evaporated when the woman stared at her. “She’s not going to believe me. What were you thinking Twilight?”
“Well it's just that. I was hoping I could talk to you with my friends in private. I need a favor.” Sweat started to run down her face as her old friend processed what she just said.
“Well surely anything for my favorite museumite. Let me call up Case to man the front desk and we can go into my office.”
After Mrs. Yearling made a call on a walkie talkie a man rounded the corner and made his way to the desk. “Thank you Case these girls need me in private for a few minutes.” The man took his seat behind the desk as Mrs. Yearling led the group towards her office in the back of the building.
“Not a problem Mrs. Yearling.”
Mrs. Yearling led them down a stairwell marked employees only and turned left on the bottom into a room with several chairs lining one wall, on the opposite wall had a few paintings with another door. and a desk with a chair at the other. She sat at the desk and spun the chair around facing the girls that each took a seat in a empty chair. “Now Twilight what can I help with? I wouldn’t think you called me into private for another mistake in one of your history books?”
Twilight shook her head before handing the spellbook to the museum curator. “No it’s something different. My friends here are in trouble and what’s in your museum might be their only hope.” The woman was confused at what her young friend said but opened the book and started to read it. The room fell silent for what felt like hours before Mrs. Yearling closed the book and turned to Twilight.
“Twilight I need you and your friends to explain in detail what you brought me and this favor you want.” Yearling said in a flat tone.
The girls from Equestria each took turns explaining to Mrs.Yearling who sat silently listening to their story not letting any judgment show on her face. When they finished Twilight told Yearling about their plans about using artifacts from the museum to summon help to stop Changed. After she finished Yearling was still silent with her eyes close digesting what she just heard. Minutes passed before she broke the silence. “As the curator of this museum I can’t allow a bunch of high school girls to take artifacts from here.” With that everyone slumped sad that their last hope seemed to vanish. “But. You might find something to use from my private collection.” Yearling smiled at the group at smiles spread across all their faces.
“Wait you actually believe us?”
Yearling turned to Twilight. “My dear if this last year in this town has taught me anything it’s that the world is not what it seems. I remember when holes appeared around town a few months back and I saw a whole other world in it. I know that wasn’t fake. If anyone asked me this I would have turned them down. But I know you would never lie to me Twilight. So I’m willingly to give this a try.”
Yearling reached behind and pulled the book off the desk. “But first things first we need salt for the circle.” Pinkie threw her hand up “Ohh I got some” She said she pulled a sack of salt out of her hair.”
“Um alright then Miss. Pie. Well then girls follow me to my private storage and we can begin.” Yearling got out of her chair and opened the other door. When the girls followed they were shocked at what was inside. The room was the size of a small warehouse. The door went into a spacious open area with large shelves breaking the rest of the room into six allies. “This is your private collection?” Sunset took in the sight.
“Yes my family all work in the historian field. They just love to send my little gifts especially my sister.” Yearling turned to the crowd. “Have at it, my collection is for your personal use. But I do want them back when you’re done.”
Everyone huddled up to form a plan. “So how do we do this?” Dash was rearing to get started.
“I think the ponies should be the ones who should perform the spell since it was originally designed to be used by someone with Equestrian magic.” Twilight stated.
“But that will only leave us at six and I don’t trust the spell will work right if Spike used it.” Starlight stated concerned as the group started to come up with alternatives ranging from not needing all seven to one of the high schoolers performing the spell
Sunset spoke up. “I’ll be the seventh.”
“Sunset you sure that means you will have to return to Equestria.” Fluttershy said wanting to be sure her friend was dedicated to her idea.
Sunset nodded to the shy girl. “Equestria needs help Fluttershy, I have to help anyway I can.”
“Well let’s get to looking.” Spike piped up from the ground below.
“I call the first row.” Rainbow said running into the first aisle.
“Rainbow wait.” Starlight called as the former pegasus disappeared around the corner. Dash walked past her. “Come on we’ll follow her. See you girls in a bit.” The two went into the aisle in pursuit of Rainbow.
“Ooo I got the second one. Wanna help me, me?” Pinkie turned to herself. “Sure thing me.” The two locked arms and walked down the second aisle.
“I’ll uhh make sure they don’t break anything.” Aj followed the identicals down the aisle rubbing the side of her head trying to nurse a headache that was starting to develop.
“Um Rarity wanna go down this aisle.” Fluttershy asked her friend. “Sure darling I’m sure we’ll find something.” With that the animal caregiver and fashionista went down the third aisle alone.
“Well ah guess me an Sunset got the other two aisles. See y’all in a few minutes.” Applejack waved the rest of the group off as her and Sunset made their way into the collection.
Meanwhile in aisle 1
“Wow look at all this stuff. Hey look at this broken sword.” Rainbow pulled a broken sword off the shelf and showed it to Starlight. “Time was not kind to it. Probably a mass made sword for infantry. Now put that back.” Rainbow did as she was told and went back to looking. “So what are we supposed to be looking for anyways?”
Dash turned to Starlight who was admiring a few old coins. “Don’t know, just anything we think that might be tied to some significance to the world.” Rainbow turned back to the shelf when a blue hand landed on her shoulder.
“How about that?” Dash pointed a spear with its spearhead snapped off.
“You serious?” Rainbow asked not seeing much use from a broken spear.
“Yeah think of the guy that used it and breaking it cause he was so strong.” Dash explained giving the shaft a quick twirl.
Rainbow shrugged grabbing the broken stick. “Works for me, hey Starlight find something yet?” She turned to Starlight who was examining a carve piece of wood broken into shards. “I think so let’s get back and see if Mrs. Yearling and the others finished setting up.”
In aisle 2
“I knew I should have stayed with tha others.” Aj groaned as the two pink mares buzzed around her asking her what the things on the shelf were.
“Hey Aj whats this?” Pinkie held up a small ornamental asian dish most likely used for drinking liquids.
“I’m gonna tell ya one last time I don’t-” She stopped when she realized this wouldn’t end unless she tells her to take something. “ Ya see Pinkie this dish here was err probably used my some rich guy from long ago or something like that.” Aj hoped she bought it. “Works for me. Come on me let’s head back.”
Pinks set back a old chinese arrow quiver and joined the two “Okay.” The two locked arms and walked back to the front leaving Applejack behind.
“You’re telling me all I had to do was say yes? Oh for the love of. Ow.” Aj clutched the side of her head as the headache spiked as she followed the two back to the front.
In aisle 3
“Wow Rarity it didn’t take you long.” Fluttershy commented on her friend who had a small stick in her hand.
“Well it wasn’t hard my dear look at the craftsmanship used into the grooves. This wand had to be made by a genius for a genius. Now how about you find anything?” Rarity asked her as the animal lover scanned the shelves as they walked. A minute passed before Fluttershy stopped in front of a particular item a letter sealed with a wax stamp and the bottom tinted red.. “How about this?” Fluttershy picked up the letter and looked over it waiting for her friends opinion.
“If that’s what you think dear it’s your choice. Come along let’s head back”
In aisle 4
Sunset stood alone in the aisle staring at a piece of wooden panel studded with a metal bar in her hands. The broken panel looked as if it was apart of a great chariot that stood against the worst conditions the world could throw at it. “This will do.” Sunset put the panel under her arm and walked back towards the others.
In aisle 5
“Well ah guess it couldn’t hurt.” Applejack said as she looked at an old arrow who had its head snapped off. “What could go wrong the arrow brings in some kind of tyrant with a ego bigger than Rainbows.” The farmer made her way back with arrow in hand.
At the front of the room after everyone returned
After the girls returned they say that in their absence Mrs. Yearling sent Twilight and her friends to go set up chairs by the wall as she set up the seven circles. As they waited for the curator to finish Starlight started to read the instructions to the spell with everyone crowding her to read as well.
“Alright girls who’s up first.” Yearling called to the group as she finished lining the last circle with salt.
Rainbow leapt from her seat with spear shaft. “That’ll be me.”
“Rainbow did you even read the cantation you have to say.” Starlight looked up from the book and passed it over to Fluttershy and Rarity.
“Don’t worry I was reading it from over your shoulder the whole time.” Rainbow commented as she set the shaft on the circle. “Alright everypony stand back.” Rainbow held her arms out and cleared her throat before speaking.
Let silver and steel be the essence
Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation
Let red the colour I pay tribute/ Let me great Master Oath be the ancestor
Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall
Let the four cardinal gates close
Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate
I hereby declare
Your body shall serve under me
The circle started to glow and the spear started to rattle on the ground on the ground. “I don’t believe it.” Yearling was amazed at the sight taking place in the room.
My fate shall be your sword
Submit to the beckoning of harmony
If you submit to this will and this reason…. Then answer!
An oath shall be sworn here
I shall be gifted the past
I shall inform the future
Wind and dust started to spiral around Rainbow as the rooms lights began to flicker.
From the Seventh Plane, attended to by three great words of power
Come forth from the realm of the forgotten
Prospector of our Future!
Light filled the room as the circle flashed into a blinding light. When the light died down smoke covered where the circle was once was and Rainbow was sitting down being pushed back by the spell. “Did it work?” Pinks asked as Rainbow sat in front of the smoke cloud.
When she began to stand up a hand stuck itself towards her from the smoke. “Need some help?” A new voice more masculine asked Rainbow as the smoke cleared the one who talked was revealed.
Rainbow looked the man over. She saw a man in blue spandex lined with lines that made patterns running over the entire suit. His hair was a dark blue and his eyes were a intimidating red. But what was most eye catching of him was in the hand he wasn’t offering to Rainbow he held a large dazzling ruby red spear.
“Well what will it be?” The man asked making Rainbow look away from his spear and at his face. “You summoned me right? Do you need some help Master?” He shot Rainbow a cocky grin waiting for a reply.
The girl looked at the grin and gave one of her own. “You bet I do.” She took the man’s hand.
Author's Note
Happy Season 8 and to celebrate it I give you the reason any of you clicked on this story. The actual Heroic Spirits from Fate. So enjoy.
The man pulled Rainbow to her feet and looked at the rest of the rooms occupants. “So master who are these girls?” Rainbow patted the man on the shoulder and leaned on it trying to act cool.
“Their friends you see we’re in a little bit of a pickle.” She gestured to the rest of the circles. “So who are you anyways and what’s with that awesome spear.?”
The man rubbed the back of his head trying to think. “Well the spear was a gift from my teacher and I guess you can call me Lancer.” Rainbow groaned at hearing the word lancer.
“Pfft bahahahaha. You serious that's your name?” The man continued to laugh to the point where he was on his back splitting his sides.
“Hey it’s not that funny.” The man recovered and after taking a few breathes looked up at Rainbow from his seat on the ground.
“Alright kid I’ll tell ya. Names Cu Chulainn.”
When Cu said his name a loud gasp as the sound of sprinting feet was heard from Cu’s left. Cu looked over only for his sight to be filled with purple. “Cu Chulainn as in thee Cu Chulainn? Cu Chulainn of the legendary Red Branch Knights of the Ulster Cycle. The son of Lugh. Student of Scathatch. Wielder of the famous spear Gae Bolg. That Cu Chulainn?” Twilight couldn’t believe her ears when the man who Rainbow used the spell on said he was the famous demigod.
“Twilight is that supposed to mean anything special?” Rainbow was genuinely curious as she saw the girl having a geek out like her Twilight did when they first met Starswirl.
“Yes Rainbow you just summoned one of the strongest warriors in Celtic civilisation.” Cu stood up and brushed off the purple girl off of Rainbow. “Look your friend is right it’s not that special to warrant you to freak out like this. And yes I am that Cu Chulainn.”
“Hey guys we still have six more of these to go through can you finish this later?” Aj called from her spot by the door drawing the attention of the two girls and servant.
“Alright we’ll be right over.” Rainbow replied before pushing the spearman to the group.
“Alright who’s next?” Sunset asked the girls. “Oh oh me me me.” Pinkie raised her hand and waved it like a child wanting to be called on by the teacher.
“Alight Pinkie you’re up next. Applejack you’re after her.” Applejack nodded to Sunset as Pinkie made her way to a summoning circle with her dish in hand.
Pinkie set the dish in the circle and mimicked what Rainbow did before.
Let silver and steel be the essence
Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation
Let red the colour I pay tribute/ Let me great Master Oath be the ancestor
Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fall
Let the four cardinal gates close
Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the Kingdom rotate
I hereby declare
Your body shall serve under me
The circle started to glow and the dish started to rattle on the ground.
My fate shall be your sword
Submit to the beckoning of harmony
If you submit to this will and this reason…. Then answer!
An oath shall be sworn here
I shall be gifted the past
I shall inform the future
Yet those that serve with thine eyes clouded in chaos
Thou, bound in the cage of madness.
I am she who command these chaos
Wind and dust started to spiral around the girl. “Wait that’s not what Rainbow did.” Twilight flipped through the book wondering if Pinkie did something wrong until she found why the new lines were said. “Oh no. Stop! That’s how you summon a Berserker.”
From the Seventh Plane, attended to by three great words of power
Come forth from the realm of the forgotten
Prospector of our Future!
Again the circle erupted into light as smoke filled the room again. Pinkie stood in front of the cloud with a smile waiting for her new friend to step out. Until she felt hands on her shoulder turning her to face an angry Twilight “Pinkie why would you do that. Do you remember what the notes said about Flash Magnus. The Berserker catalyst is to unstable. Who knows what’s gonna walk out of their.” As Twilight chewed Pinks out a figures shadow began to take form in the smoke. “And one more thing.” Twilight stopped when she saw the figure behind Pinkie stare at her. What stared at her was a man who’s build consisted of more muscle than of Cu’s. He wore a white dress shirt in black jeans with a large belt buckle saying GOLD and gold dress shoes. He had blond hair patted down and wore blue lensed shades. “And what do you think you’re doing to my Master?” The man asked Twilight as he brought what he held in his right hand to rest on his shoulder. Twilight looked at the object the man held. It was a club that has a golden face with an occasional jolt of electricity jumping from it. “Well?” The man asked again snapping Twilight out of her shock.
“Um well you see. Pinkie help me.”
Pinkie slipped out of Twilights grasp only to climbed up the mountain of a man and looked at him eye to eye.
“HighI’mPinkiePiewellheremeandmyfriendsarecalledbynicknamessowhoareyou iknowyouraberserkercauseIusedtheberserkerversebutwhat’syournameohandwhat’syourfavoritedogandcolor.” The Berserker stood there not sure how to respond to his master talking. “What the golden are you?”
Sunset tapped Applejack on the shoulder “You might wanna get set up while they get this sorted out. Applejack nodded and made her way over to another circle as the man tried to answer Pinkie questions.
“Okay look boss to start my names Sakata Kintoki, my favorite dog is the golden retriever and my favorite color is gold, that okay?” Pinkie checked off the questions on her clipboard that she pulled out from behind her. “Just a few more any things that you don’t like Sakata?”
Kintoki nodded. “Actually could you not call my by my name it’s not you or that I don’t like my name it's just for reasons.” Pinkie nodded as she checked off the last mark. “Sure then can I call you Goldy?” Kintoki’s eyes lighted up at hearing the nickname “Yeah that sounds freakin golden.”
Pinkie threw the clipboard away and looked up at the berserker. “Alight one last question.” She lunged at the man grabbing him by the hem of his shirt and begged. “Will you please please please with extra sugar help me and my friends save our home?”
“Yeah sure just please get out of my face that’s not golden.” Kintoki was startled as the girl lunged at him and had her face only a few inches from his.
“Yippie we have a new friend girls.” Pinkie ran over to tell the others.
“Just so you know she is always like that.” Twilight said to the berserker. “That’s not golden either.” As he finished a white light filled the room. When it died down the two turned to see Applejack in front of a smoke cloud.
“Anypony in their?” Applejack called into the smoke. “Well I’m not a pony Master but I’m sure I’ll do. A voice called through as a man walked out of the smoke. He clutched a bow in one hand with a quiver over his back. The only thing covering his chest was a green breastplate with a orange cloth over his shoulder. His boots were a solid brown along with his waist cloth. “Archer Arash at your service.” Arash bowed to Applejack.
“Hey come on no need to bow to me put it there.” Applejack held out her hand for the archer to shake. Arash nodded and took the hand and the two smiled. “And here aye thought aye was gonna summon some trouble like those two. You look like a good guy Arash.”
The archer chuckled at the random praise. “Thanks for the kind words Master.”
“Ya can drop the whole master thing names Applejack.” The two started to walk back as Rarity made her way to the circle.
“Okay if that’s what you want Applejack.” As the farmer and bowman made their way back to the front of the room Applejack nodded to Rarity as she passed them.
“Good luck Rarity.” Pinkie called to her friend before she started to speak the incantation.
“I wonder who will come from this one?” Fluttershy was starting to get nervous at the people were summoned.
“Maybe a horrible woman who used the blood of beautiful girls to stay young. Or a king who put themselves in solitude just to watched their kingdom fall.” Pinkie ran off other ideas on who will come next and each one made Flutters and Fluttershy more and more scared.
“Pinkie I think that’s enough.” Rares scolded the pink girl.
Another flash as smoke filled the room again. Rarity stepped back from the cloud as coughing came from it. “Oh my what a dusty room. Who ever cleans this place has to try harder.” Another man this one much smaller than Cu or Kintoki stepped out. He was wrapped in dazzling garb with a long yellow scarf to compliment his long blonde hair. He wore a soft smile and the wand that Rarity used for the summoning in his hand clutched by long fingers.
Rarity stepped up to the man and gave him a curtsy. “Pleasure to meet you my good sir my name is Rarity” The man smiled before bowing in return. “A pleasure to meet you to my dear. My name is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart a Caster if you will.”
“Amadeus, what a great name. And darling your uniform is simply divine.” Mozart chuckled into the back of his hand. “Thank you my dear it’s a custom design from a dear friend.” Rarity was about to go on when a cough cut her off. “Oh, well Amadeus can we continue this later my friends need to finish this whole summoning.” Rarity gestured towards the last three circles.
“Very well then. Lead the way Master.”
As the two returned to the seat Dash patted Fluttershy on the back. “You’re up.” Fluttershy stood up and walked over to the nearest circle and set the letter on it.
“Good luck.” Flutters called to her alternate self as Fluttershy started the spell.
With the incantation finished and the flash died down and smoke covered the circle. “Um hello anypony their?” Fluttershy called into the smoke only for silence to answer. Kintoki, Cu, and Arash readied their weapons.
“Master tell your friend to get back. Something evil is in that cloud.” Arash told Applejack not taking his eyes off the smoke ready to fire an arrow at whatever is in their.
“Fluttershy you heard him get away.” Rainbow told her friend who started to back away but froze when a voice called to her.
“Hello.” The voice sounded young and childlike. The smoke cleared and all that was left was a small child with white hair, yellow eyes, wore a large piece of cloth that was cut to ribbons, and had a few scars on her face. “Did you summon us?” The child tilted her head at Fluttershy.
“Oh um I guess I did.” Fluttershy didn’t move from her spot. The three didn’t lower their guard but didn’t move in hopes that the child won’t attack. “C-ca-ca-can I ask who you are?” Fluttershy wanted to keep the child talking hoping she wouldn’t come closer. “We have no name.” The child looked down and continued in a sad voice. “We were never given names we only knew one name.”
Fluttershy heart started to sink when she saw the sad child. “And what were you called sweetie.”
She wanted to comfort the child. The child looked up at Flutters and her yellow eyes stared right into Flutters teal ones. “Jack the Ripper.”
“Fluttershy get away from that child this instant.” Twilight demanded “That child is one of the most elusive serial killers of our world. Applejack, Rainbow, Pinkie tell your servants to help her now.” Fluttershy flinched back when she heard Twilight’s explanation about the child in front of her. She started to back away again. “Please don’t hurt- huh?” She stopped when she saw a sight she didn’t expect. The child, the supposedly serial killer was crying. Tears rolled down the child’s scared cheeks as she curled up and started to sob.
Fluttershy turned to Twilight. “Um you sure this child was a killer?” Twilight gestured to the three men who still had their weapons trained on the child. “Yes that’s the only reason these three are still on edge.” Loud sobs brought Fluttershy’ attention back to the child.
“We didn’t. We didn’t mean to. We had no choice.We don’t even remember who we hurt.” Fluttershy heart started to break at seeing the crying child and started walk slowly to her.
“Hey didn’t you hear her get away.” Cu called out ready to pounce the moment the child moves. Fluttershy knelt down in front of the child and softly spoke. “Jack look at me.” The child sobbing died down as she looked up at her master in front of her. “It’ll be okay. There's no reason to cry.” Fluttershy smiled at the girl who looked at her dumbfounded for a second before burying herself into Fluttershy’ chest and continued to cry. “There there let it out. Everything will be okay.”
Fluttershy felt something brush her knee from under Jack’s cloak. When she lifted it she found a sheathed knife on either side of the child. “Oh my.” The three warriors lowered their weapons not sure what to do next. “Uhh are we done here?”
Jack soon stopped sobbing and just laid in Fluttershy’s embrace. “Jack are you okay?” Jack looked up and gave a soft smile. “You’re warm and soft like a mommy.”
Fluttershy returned the smile and patted the child’s back. “Thank you for the kind words Jack. Do you mind if we find a seat with the others if that’s okay with you.” Jack pulled away and stood up dusting off her cloak. “Okay.” She took Fluttershy hand and helped her up. “And Jack can I ask one more thing. My home needs help can you help me and my friends.” Jack looked over and the group behind Fluttershy and latched onto her leg trying to hide like a small child would to their mother. “They don’t look nice.”
Fluttershy patted the child’s head. “They are nice I promise.”
Jack looked up and thought about it. “Okay can we call you Fluttershy if we agree?”
Fluttershy was taken aback but soon recovered. “Sure thing sweetie anything you want.” The two walked back and took a seat with Jack clutching onto Fluttershy like a scared child would to their mother.
Author's Note
You know going over the list I did the one thing I tried to avoid. Using to many of my favorite servants.
“Starlight want to go next?” Sunset still on edge about having a serial killer in the room but trying to keep off that topic. “Uhh sure.” Starlight grabbed her chunk of wood and walked over to begin the spell.
“Mrs. Yearling are you sure we can trust that child.” Twilight gestured to Fluttershy and Jack who had her head in her lap. The rest of the girls turned to her wanting to know as well.
“Well it doesn’t appear to be the actual Jack the Ripper. Twilight you said the spell also incorporates the persons myths into the summoning correct.” Twilight nodded as the curator continued. “Hmm I do remember a story connecting to Jack that might explain this. My father was always reading up on mythos of famous criminals. Now lets see the myth was mostly spread through local taverns by drunken men but it went that Jack wasn’t actually a human but a angry spirit made out of the pained souls and tormented young of the city of London. All the anguish formed a vengeful wraith that seeked to eliminate the woman who abandoned the children, mostly prostitutes. But the myth was debunked and turned into drunken tales of bar patrons.”
Twilight started to understand. “So what you’re saying is that isn’t actually Jack the Ripper but it’s really the abandoned children of the time period? That would explain why she keeps addressing herself as ‘we’ and ‘us’.”
Yearling nodded “And the aborted fetuses left to rot in the drainage pipe but let’s leave that part out.” The girls faces started to turn green thinking of the disgusting sight.
Before they could continue Starlight finished the spell as the smoke settled a figure stood in front of Starlight. It was cladded in grey armor with red cloth for detail. The knight’s helm had two horns like a bull and the lower half had armor mimicked a dress.It carried a large sword with a mix of grey and red pattern on it. The knight took two steps forward stopping in front of Starlight who starred in the knight’s faceplate.
The knight planted the sword between the two and rested its hands on the end of the handle. Before Starlight could speak the knights helm started to unfold and reveal a woman with blond hair done in a ponytail with piercing eyes and sported a grin like Cu was when he was summoned. “Servant class Saber. Are you worthy of being my master.” Starlight steeled her nerves and looked Saber right in the eyes.
“My name is Starlight Glimmer. Yes I am your master. Who are you exactly?”
Saber broke eye contact to let out a laugh before answering. “Straight to the point. I like that. My name is Mordred Pendragon. Successor to King Arthur Pendragon.”
“So that makes you a princess then?” Mordred gritted her teeth as a low growl rumbled in her throat.
Yearling growing confused made her way over to the two. “Wait did you call yourself Mordred? As in Mordred of the Knights of the Roundtable? But Mordred is supposed to be a man not a wo-.” She was cut off as Mordred lunged at Yearling thrusting her sword out and stopping as the tip grazed the curators neck.
“I’ll give you one chance to not finish your sentence. The next time you dare call me a lady I will strike you down. Do I make myself clear.”
Starlight put her hand on Mordred’s arm trying to get her to lower her sword. “Mordred stop she didn’t mean to offend.” The two locked eyes, when Mordred realized Starlight wasn’t going to back down she sighed and lowered her sword.
“All right if that’s what you wish Master.” Mordred walked off to find a seat leaving Starlight and a Mrs. Yearling who was still shaking like a leaf.
Mordred found a seat on the end of the group next to Fluttershy and Jack. She set her sword to her side her gaze staying on Jack drawing Fluttershy’s attention.
“Something wrong Mordred?”
“No just looking at the other people besides me here.” Mordred turned her head away not wanting to look in Fluttershy’s direction anymore.
Yearling finally recovered from her brush with death but still used Starlight as a support. “Thank you Starlight, I was scared senseless.”
“No problem, I’m going to have to keep an eye on her.” The two walked back to their seats as Sunset walked up to the last circle.
“Good luck Sunset.” Dash cheered her friend on from her seat next to Cu Chulainn. The Celtic man looked between his master and her duplicate before asking the obvious question. “Hey Master, why is their two of you?”
Kintoki leaned forward from behind Cu. “Yeah what's with the doublegangers?”
“Um well you see.” Rainbow was unsure how to go about answering them.
Luckily though Twilight beat her to the punch. “We will explain after everyone is here so please be patient.”
“Come on can we atleast get a hint?” Kintoki was starting to get antsy being cooped up in this room without an explanation.
Mozart stopped his small talk with both Rarity’s and turned to the two men. “Come now Berserker the nice lady only asked for your patience. We can give them a few minutes of our time, no?” The two warriors shared a shrug before sitting back in their chairs.
As the light from Sunsets circle grew brighter Applejack took a look at the people her and her friends summoned. “Aye wonder who Sunsets gonna bring?”
Fluttershy looked up from Jack who was lying in her lap. “If I remember right we don’t have a Rider yet. So it’s most likely that one.” Applejack looked over her shoulder at her friend before taking one last look at the group as she turned her attention back to the summoning. “Makes sense.”
The lights in the room started to flicker and rattle harder than when Cu Chulainn was summoned as Sunset finished and the usual smoke filled around the summoning circle. Minutes passed as no sign of life exited the smoke cloud. “Um hello, anyone in their?” When no answer came Sunset turned back to the crowd who were as confused as she was.
Cu tilted his head back as he took a small sniff. “Hey Berserker you smell that to?”
“Smell it? I can feel it.”
“Smell what exactly?” Twilight was starting to worry that they were gonna have another problem worse than the small hiccup with Jack.
The two warriors traded a nod before answering at the same time. “Ego.”
Taking a small step forward Sunset kept calling into the cloud. “For whoever is in their I need to ask a fa-.” She was cut off as two feline creatures pounced out of the smoke at Sunset. The sudden appearance of them caused Sunset to fall back on her back as she got a better look at the felines. Both creatures fur were black with a blue tint making the fur look as if it is made of the cosmos upon their heads they wore a headdress of yellow and blue stripes and stood roughly up to Sunsets knees. But the most unsettling feature of the creatures was not the fur patterns or the fact they have wings, it was that they lacked any traces of a face. As Sunset picked herself off the ground the figure emerged, taking slow steps towards the girl.
“And on what grounds do you have in asking anything from me. No the better question is what gives you the right to breathe life into me without my approval?” A man emerged from the smoke, his brown hair was swept back as if it was burdened by the heated desert winds for years. A white cape draped over his shoulders as gold bracers cover his hands and forearms. A gold necklace sets on top of his collar bone over the cape as his torso was bare to see minus the two gold bands that wrap around his back that clung to his brown skin. From the waist down he was fully clothed in garb fit for a pharaoh golden decorations hung from his waist with two blue teathers set in front of his legs that were wrapped in baggy black pants. With each step his sandals clacked against the tile floor as he never took his orange eyes from her. He stopped a few feet from her pointing his crook at Sunset.
“Well then mage, I asked you a question. Now answer before you end up as a meal for my two sphinxes.”
Author's Note
And the heavy hitters are here.
Sunset was frozen in fear, not sure what was more terrifying. The two sphinxes primed to pounce on her. Or the man who is standing above her glaring daggers waiting for her answer. When she tried to slide away the sphinx on her right let out a snarl making her stop. “So you have no answer. So be it.” Sunset looked away from the sphinxes and back to the man who was standing there with a growing frown.
The man raised his hand with his fingers primed to snap when a new voice drew his attention. “All right thats enough fun call them off.” Sunset snapped her head back to see Cu and Kintoki walking up both with weapons drawn.
“Unless you think those two kittens of yours will be enough to keep you safe from us.” Cu finished lifting his spear from his shoulder and letting it hang in his hand as Kintoki kept his ax over his shoulder with his free hand in his pocket.
“I only want to know why this mage called upon me without my permission this has nothing to do with you or your friend.” The three stood their ground making the air grow heavy as Sunset finally made her way between Cu and Kintoki.
“Please you two we can’t risk fighting in here, who knows what might happen. As for you, who are you?” Sunset grew bolder taking a few steps towards the man she summoned.
The man cracked a grin while letting out a huff. “Again you dodge my question and lay out your own with a stern face under my gaze. Very well as a reward for your newfound courage I will answer this question. My name is Ozymandias. A king amongst kings. A pharaoh that even the sun yields to. Gaze upon my being.” When Ozymandias finished a bright bloom of light appeared behind him making him appear as the definition of divine as the three infront of him shielded their eyes from the light.
“Did you do that on purpose?” Sunset asked after the light died down.
“But of course a pharaoh must always know how to set themselves above the common rabble.” Ozymandias called his sphinxes back and knelt down to pet one before he continued speaking. “Now for the answer to my question.”
“Yeah I think it’s about time you tell us why we are here.” Kintoki leaned back as he called back to the group in the front of the room.
Everyone soon got up and made their way to the Sunset and the others as they split into two groups with the servants in one group and the rest in the other. The girls stood under the servants gaze before Twilight broke the silence. “Well to put it simple, your um masters need your help.”
“Yeah I heard Rainbow say that but what does that mean.” Cu crossed his arms wanting this to be over as fast as possible.
“Out home Equestria is in trouble. Somepony used the same spell we used to bring all of you back and has several servants terrorizing our home. We can’t fight them so we thought that fighting fire with fire was the answer.”
“So what you’re saying is some bastard brought others like us to life and is wrecking your home. So you summoned us thinking we will help just like that?” Mordred asked making sure she heard her master right.
“Yes so please we aren’t asking we’re beggin you, help us save our home.”
The servants exchanged stares before Cu spoke up rubbing the back of his neck. “Well I already said I helped so guess I’m in.”
“I did to so guess we’re both in the same boat Lancer.” Kintoki gave a smack to Cu’s back as the two gave a laugh.
“We agreed to help Fluttershy from the start.” Jack looked up at Mozart who stayed silent but nodded his confirmation.
Everyone looked at Ozymandias as he had his eyes closed deep in thought. “Ozymandias?” Sunset hoped her summoning wasn’t a waste of time.
Ozymandias’ eyes opened as he smirked at his master before giving his answer. “A pharaoh must lead others and give assistance when it is needed. So put your worries away as I will solve your trouble. Go on you may cheer for me.”
The girls lit up with joy as the servants agreed to help and started to cheer with them as the chance to save their home grew brighter. But before they can get to carried away Kintoki raised his hand. “Uhh but I still have one question. What’s with the doubles of most of you?”
Pinkie was more than happy to answer her new friends question. “Well you see Goldy me and my friends are from another world. We only came here cause we got chased by this super scary pegasus with this big old spear screaming angry words at Rainbow. There was also this huge red centaur called Tirek and a big Earth pony with a shovel and-.” Rainbow clamped on her mouth cutting her off. “You all got that right?”
“So you are from a different world with talking pegusi?” Mozart pointed out the ludicrous statement wanting confirmation from his master.
“Why yes dear we are. Well now that I go over it this does seem silly.”
“So does that mean your a pegasus Fluttershy?” Jack grew curious to know what their master really was. Fluttershy nodded making the child’s eye light up.
“Wait you’re all pegusi?”
“No Mordred only Rainbow and Fluttershy are. Applejack and Pinkie are Earth Ponies and Sunset, Rarity, and I are unicorns.” Starlight piped up not wanting Mordred to get to riled up.
“Well if what you are saying is true how do we reach your home world then?” Ozymandias’ curiosity grew greater as this conversation dragged on.
“Wait wait wait. You all just gonna believe them right out of the gate? Just like that?” Aj scratched her head as she didn’t understand why all of them would agree to help so willingly. Cu simply shrugged off the question as if it wasn't the craziest thing he heard in his life.
"It's not the first time I saw a different world. Even lived in it for some years. The bigger pill to swallow is this whole talking horse thing."
“It’s because they have not given us any reason to doubt them. They appear and even have a aura of innocence to them. Arash stepped away from the servants towards the door connecting to Yearlings office. “And besides I agree with Rider I want to see how Applejack and her friends came to our world. Now shall we be off?”
The group broke up as they followed Arash back through the door and through the hallway to the museum lobby. “But isn’t it gonna look weird. With all of us going through town and back to the statue?”
“You don’t have anything to fear Twilight. Look it’s half past ten and I should be the only one here to lock the museum up.” Yearling passed her friend her phone that showed the time confirming what she said.
As they reached the museum lobby moonlight filtered through the windows lighting the room up in a soft glow.
“Wow she wasn’t kidding it really is night. Hey look at the tattoo things their glowing this awesome red color.” Rainbow turned the back of her left hand to the others to show off the summoner brand. It red lines reflected the moonlight to depict a hexagon with each point being a sphere and lines extending inward from each point to the center forming its own circle in the center. The girls all looked at their own hand to see a matching symbol.
“Thank you so much Mrs. Yearling. None of this would have been possible without you.” Twilight hugged her friend who returned it.
“Your welcome Twilight. I just ask you to be careful.” Twilight nodded as she followed everyone out of the building leaving Yearling in the room alone.
“Good luck everyone.” Yearling called as she followed them to the door and locking them.
“She seemed nice.” Jack commented as the group rounded the block back towards the school.
____________________________________________________________
“So let me get this straight you guys used this statue as a portal toward your world?” Cu leaned closer getting a better look at the statue.
“Yep all we gotta do is walk through and we will be back in Equestria.” Rainbow said over her shoulder as she shook hands with Dash as everyone said their goodbyes.
Sunset broke her hug with Twilight as the rest of her friends said their goodbyes. “Girls it’s okay I’ll come back after this whole problem is solved I promise.”
“We know darling but it’s just difficult to just sit idly by as you throw yourself into something dangerous.”
“Don’t worry Rares we’ll take good care of her.” Applejack stated coming up behind Sunset.
“Wait has anyone seen Spike?” Twilight started to panic at the thought of her dog missing.
“Over here.” Spike called from the school stairs as both dogs ran to the group. “So did you find any help. Can we save Twilight?”
The servants stood quiet before Kintoki spoke what was on the groups mind. “Did that dog just talk?”
“Puppies!” Jack ran up and cradled one of the Spikes in her arms as if he was a plush toy.
“Spike quit playing around it’s almost time to head back.”
“Starlight, I’m your Spike the one the kid's holding is from here.” The other Spike said as his counterpart gets squeezed by Jack.
“Jack sweetie please put Spike down it’s almost time to go.”
“Okay Fluttershy.” Jack set down the puppy and went back to the group as the Spike joined them.
“Well thanks for all the help but we gotta be going.” Starlight waved off the school students as the group turned to the statue as Rainbow took the lead.
“Alright everypony here we go.” Rainbow lept toward the segment of the statue where the portal was at.
Author's Note
Okay so I really need to give Arash and Mozart some more time in the spotlight. I actually feel bad about giving them so little compared to the rest.
Rainbow confidence was shattered in less of a second as she smashed her face into the stone base stand the statue sat on top of. As Rainbow fell back rubbing her face the group was stunned. Spike was the first to recover as he ran up and pawed at where the portal home was supposed to be.
“But it’s supposed to be here. Why isn’t it here?”
Starlight was helping Rainbow off the ground as it downed on her. But in doing so made her drop Rainbow. “I know it was back in Equestria with Hurricane. He went to attack Rainbow but I pushed her out of the way. But he ended up hitting the control panel to the machine.”
“So what you’re saying is we’re stuck here?” Rainbow was still sitting on the ground rubbing her face.
“Only until the next full moon.” Sunset answered Rainbow not looking away from the statue to see if it was actually closed.
“Well when is that. We can’t afford to lollygag about as Changed is doing Celesia knows what.”
Rainbow felt herself be lifted up as she looked over her shoulder to see Cu picking her up and setting her on her feet.
“So are we going to this Equestria place or are you even telling the truth here?”
“Yeah I’m with Lancer. What the hell is even going on here?”
“Saber please I’m sure the masters have a explanation.” Arash tried to calm the short tempered knight.
“Arash it’s fine Mordred has every right to be suspicious but Mordred we have no reason to deceive any of you.”
“Sunset did you say full moon or new moon?” Twilight asked her face buried in her phone bringing everyone's attention to her.
“I said full moon. Why?”
“According to the net the next scheduled full moon is in precisely two days.”
“Two days? We can’t wait two days. Who knows how much damage Changed can do to Twilight while we’re stuck here.” Spike started to freak out as his alternate self tried to console him.
“Spike there isn't much we can do but wait. Besides at least Changed can't get more dangerous since we have to spellbook.” Starlight highlighted one of the good things in the situation. “So it's best for us to hold tight and wait until the portal opens again.”
“But what are we going to do. Where are we going to stay.”
As conversation of where the group from Equestria and the servants would stay Rares received a call on her phone. “Oh I see. Okay I’ll be right their. Okay bye. Sorry girls my parents just called they need me to look after Sweetie Belle and her sleepover. It appears they decided to make tonight a date night.”
As everyone waved her off she turned to Flutters. “Need a ride home dear.”
Flutters nodded as she turned to give herself a hug. “I hope it all works out for you. For all of you. Goodbye”
“Hey wait I need a ride to.” Dash called to them as she soon joined up and set off to the parking lot. As the three left the rest tried to figure out where everyone will be staying the next few days.
“Hey Aj. Don’t you have any room?” Twilight tossed the idea out randomly.
“What you mean by that?”
“Well you have a few cabins for farm help right. As I recall you told me most of them went home for the winter since Sweet Apple Acres got the harvest done early.”
Aj scratched the back of her head. “Yeah you’re not wrong most did go home only like one or two are staying over the winter, so I guess we have room on the farm for all of y'all since Mac went with Granny to visit Aunt Delicious.”
“A farm? You must be joking.” Ozymandias was beginning to lose interest on the whole plan.
“What’s wrong Rider scared of some dirt.” Cu and Kintoki tried to hold a small laugh from Mordred's jab.
“What!”
“Pfft relax I’m only kidding.” Mordred waving off Ozymandias’ annoyed glare.
“Are you really fine with us staying on your farm though. We wouldn’t be a problem will we?”
Aj chuckled at the butter colored girl’s question. “Naw it’s fine Fluttershy, like I said Mac and Granny are gone and Applebloom is staying at Sweetie Belle’s for a sleepover for a few days. Don’t have to explain anything really. Besides y'all will just be there for a few days what damage can y'all really do.”
“We thank you for your hospitality Miss.” Arash gave a bow to Aj who’s cheeks reddened from embarrassment.
“Well shucks no need to go that far. Alright then let’s get a move on it’s getting late.” Aj started walking towards the parking lot before calling back to the group. “Everyone stay here I’ll just pull the bus around an we can head out.”
With her gone the group broke off into several separate discussions. “Do you mind if I keep ahold of the book for the time being Starlight? I kinda want to keep reading it.”
“Sure it’s not like we need it any time soon anyways.”
“Thanks I should be heading home now before my parents start to worry. Sunset are you staying on the farm or are you going home?”
“I think I should stay with Ozymandias just in case something comes up.”
“Okay then I’ll be over tomorrow if I find anything.” Twilight slipped the spellbook into her backpack and took off for home with her Spike in her arms.
“Wait Twilight I’ll go with you.” Pinks bounded after the purple girl leaving only the ponies left with the servants.
While Fluttershy tended to Rainbow about the bruise on her head she felt a tug on her skirt. Looking down she saw Jack with skirt in hand. “Oh Jack, something I can help with.”
“So we’re not going to your home?”
“I’m afraid not tonight sweetie we will in a few days. Right now we’ll be staying at Sweet Apple Acres, is that okay?”
Jack nodded before running off to Kintoki and Cu. “So what’s your take on this Berserker?” Cu said arms crossed and leaning against the statue.
“They don’t seem to be lying. This statue even has a off smell to it so their something to what they were saying. What about you Assassin?”
“We are Jack and we trust Fluttershy.”
“Already took a shine to your master huh? Can’t say I blame ya, she’s got that kind and pure feel to her.”
“What’s that supposed to mean.” Kintoki set his hand on top of Jack’s head and patted her.
“I’m saying is your master is a good person and you should trust her.”
As the two finished their talk the rest of the servants joined them with Arash arguing with Ozymandias. “Berserker, Lancer, Assassin please help me. Rider here still thinks the masters are up to no good.”
“Stay your tongue Archer, besides all I am saying is that their story is far fetched and we should be cautious.”
“Yeah I’m with Rider. I don’t believe that bullshit about being talking horses.”
“So you will go against them to prove your point Saber?” Mozart set his chin on top of his knuckles thinking how that will end.
“No I’ll still serve my master but I just want her to tell me the truth is all.”
“What if they are telling the truth?” Cu got off of the statue and stretched his arms.
“Pfft yeah right, if they are telling the truth then I’ll see a flying unicorn.”
“Everything alright over here.” the servants turned to see Rarity with a concerned face. Before any of them could move Mozart stepped up and walked her off with a arm over her shoulders.
“Nothing to concern you with Master. Just having a talk between servants. Now you said you wanted to talk about my clothes yes?”
As the two walked out of earshot the group looked at themselves before Ozymandias let out a groan. “Ugh fine we will play their game for now. But the moment they step out of line I'm ending it.”
It was then a horn drew everyone’s attention to the street at Aj pulled up in a overly brightly colored bus. She opened the door and climbed out.
“Alright everyone on. Time to head on over to the farm.” The group started walking over all except Cu and Kintoki who stood in shock.
“You’re joking right?”
“No way in hell I’m getting on that thing.”
The two stumbled forward as they were pushed from behind. “Come on suck it up you big baby.”
“Yeah what Rainbow said. Let’s go already Goldy.” Pinkie ran around Kintoki taking his arm and dragging him towards the bus.”
After everyone was seated Aj took the driver seat and pulled the bus from the curb and started heading to their destination. As the town buildings dropped off to be green fields Jack pressed her face into the glass amazed at the sight of no buildings, Ozymandias stayed quiet watching the fields roll by, Mozart continued his talk with Rarity, Mordred was finding a hard time to sit on the bus seat in her armor but managed with some help from Starlight, And clear in the back Cu and Kintoki sat with their heads down ashamed to be riding in such a vehicle.
As the moon hung overhead the group finally pulled off from the road onto a dirt path flanked by both sides with apple trees. A short drive on the dirt road ended at a large farm house with a few cabins behind it and a large red barn. As Aj pulled up to the cabins she called out. “And here we are everyone off.”
When everyone was off Aj gave them a quick tour. “Alright cabins only have beds, showers are in that building over their, kitchen is in the main house, and don’t go breaking anything. Got it?”
When everyone nodded Aj started to make her way to the house. “Alright then make yourselves at home and see ya in the morning.”
With her gone the group quickly decided on that the servants get one cabin while the girls get the other. They said their good nights and filed into the cabins. With the servants they each found a bed and dropped into it with only Mordred left as she had to remove her armor first before climbing in hers. The servants quickly let sleep take them with little to no fuss.
It was a different story in the cabin with the girls. “I still can’t believe that the spell actually worked.” Fluttershy was sitting on the end of one of the beds while Pinkie laid across the one next to it. While Rainbow took her place on a bed across from where Fluttershy was sitting, with Rarity next to her and Sunset and Starlight taking the last two closest to the door with Spike sitting in the latters lap.”
“Yeah only wish we didn’t have to wait three days to go back.” Rainbow slid down from the face board and stared up at the ceiling.
“I wonder how Twilight is doing.” Everyone turned to Spike who was still in Starlights lap with a crestfallen look.
Starlight started petting him trying to give the dragon turned puppy some encouragement. “Don’t worry Spike Twilight can handle herself and when we do go back we’ll save her I promise.”
“Thanks Starlight.”
“We really should get some sleep. Twilight said she would be over tomorrow after she finished reading the book.” Sunset went over to the wall light and flipped the switch turning the lights off as the girls climbed in the beds and let slumber take them.
Author's Note
So I was thinking about using the authors note's to go over the servants statistics and abilities. That will most likely start next chapter.
“They did what?” Changed’s face was once again red with rage as he threw one of the throne chairs across the room. “How could they have escaped, Lancer tell me.”
“I already told you they dove into a mirror and were gone.”
“Fine then, we’ll just have to move onto phase three of the plan. Rider send one of your men ahead to inform Saber to meet with us at the Canterlot wall.”
Rider gave a nod to one of the three crystal guards of hers that was pinning Twilight who was badly bruised from her fight with Rider.
“And what exactly is phase three.”
Changed whipped his head toward Rider with a smile fit for a psychopath. “Why with the Elements down all that’s left is Celestia and her sister. And then this country will be fit for my shaping.”
“So that was your plan this whole time? Is that why this one is still alive?”
“Exactly Lancer, Celestia will fold like towel with her precious student in danger. All we have to do is simply walk up to her door and she will surrender.”
“Well what about them.” Lancer pointed to Shining and Cadence who were still unconscious by the map.
“Ehh leave them. Nothing they can do especially if we have Twilight.”
“Alright so does that mean we aren’t leveling the castle.”
“No no no we can’t do that look at this beautiful construct. It’s simple glorious. No it shall stay as a footnote on how the rest of the town should, look like after we finish our business. Now let’s head out. Rider take the princess out and let Berserker carry her.”
Platinum ordered her guards to drag Twilight outside who was then picked up by Tirek, as the others climbed onto his back. Ponies hidden in their homes watched as the giant centaur walked through the streets and left town heading towards the mountain that Canterlot hanged off of.
When they cleared the forest and started up the road that spiraled up the mountain Twilight started to wake up. It took a few moments for her brain to register where she was. When she noticed her horn lit up about to teleport before Changed’s voice caught her attention.
“Now you wouldn’t be trying to leave are you Twilight?”
Twilight twisted around to see Changed on Tireks shoulder. “What if I am?”
“Well I think if you do it would be unfortunate that Lancers spear would slip while he keeps a close eye on your brother if you get what I’m saying.” Twilight cut off her magic never breaking eye contact with Changed.
“Why are you doing this? Breaking into the archives. Stealing the book. Summoning two of Equestria’s founders. Why?”
“It’s a little early to explain everything and besides I want everypony here when I do.”
“And what about my friends what did you do to them?”
Changed grumbled at remembering that slip up. “They wormed their way out. Not like it matters all I need is one of you. Besides the rest will come back and I’ll take care of it then.”
Tirek rounded the mountainside as the walls surrounding Canterlot came into view. “Ahh we made great time good work Berserker. Now let’s go see Celestia.”
When Tirek stepped over the walls a small surge of white was seen leaving the castle heading toward him.
“Rider get rid of the pests we have bigger concerns.”
“As you wish.” Wish a wave of her hoof Platinums guards started to materialize around Tirek. “Take them.” With the words of their princess said the group of guards charged and met with the Royal Guard.
With the two groups fighting Tirek continued his walk toward the castle. When they reached the castle gates Changed nodded to Lancer who flew off without Twilight noticing.
“Berserker the doors.” Changed pointed at the gates as Tirek also brought his arm back. Tirek then swung his fist as the gate breaking it off its hinges in one hit. The doors slid across the courtyard as the group continued their way stopping in front of the balcony that hung above the main doors.
“Celestia show yourself. I know you’re in their. Look I even brought you your precious student.” Silence took hold of the area for what felt like hours before Celestia walked out onto the balcony.
“Ah Celestia so good to see you again. Love the new castle. How about you come down here so we can talk.”
Celestia paid Changed no mind as she looked at Twilight. “Twilight are you harmed?” Twilight shook her head. Relieved at that Celestia turned her attention to Changed.
“I do not know who you are. But as one of the princesses of Equestria I order you to stand down and surrender.”
Changed could barely hold back his laughter. “Glad to see you found yourself a sense of humor Celestia. If you haven't noticed your guard is all but beaten by Riders forces. Your heroes are all absent. You are alone. Even your sister will be struck down in mere moments.”
The sound of brick shattering as debris fell above from where Celestia stood. Everypony looked up to see the tower that held Luna’s room was destroyed with most of its wall facing the caste gates blown out. In the remains of the towers floor Hurricane held Luna’s unconscious body by the throat dangling her over the edge.
“Well Celestia what was that about surrendering?” Celestia looked at her sister, then to Twilight, and finally looked at Canterlot who started to have a few fires spring up from the fighting.
“I don’t have all day. Maybe your sister will help you decide.” Changed gave a nod to Hurricane who with his free hoof held up Aeolus about to run it through Luna.
“No stop!.”
“Oh so you yield?” Celestia gave a nod before letting her head hang low.
“Perfect then, Rider take care of this.” Platinum summoned three more guard all of them pegasi. Platinum waved them off as the three guards took flight to the balcony where Celestia was and ushered her inside.
_____________________________________________________________
“Yes yes yes yes. Oh all that work to get back in the throne. Oh it was worth it.” Changed giggled like a child from his new seat in the throne room as Celestia, Luna, and Twilight stood in the center of the room with Hurricane, Platinum to their right and Rockhoof to their left.
“Enough with your childish fits. Who are thou?” Luna rubbed her throat as it was still sore from getting thrashed around her room but Hurricane a few minutes ago.
Changed broke away from his delightful fantasies and turned to the three alicorns. “Oh alright, might as well start from the beginning. Stop me if you realize it Celestia.”
“Once long ago there were two sisters who ruled a kingdom. But when the youngest sister rebelled against her sister she was banished. Years ticked by as the thought of falling to the same darkness her sister did struck fear into the oldest sister.”
Celestia’s eyes slowly widened as she pieced the puzzle together. Noticing that Changed continued with a wicked grin on his face.
“So in a attempt to protect herself and her people the eldest sister forged a spell. A spell that syphoned out off of her desire to control, to tame, to shape others to her wish. And sealed it in a book. Locking the book away in a dark tomb in her castle never to be open again.”
Changed finished his tale as Celestia looked like she was about to have a panic attack. “How how did you get out? I sealed that book away by myself. Nopony knew where it was except me. Who let you out?”
“You can thank your students pet newt for that one. Little pest even found me a new body. It was a glorious one to, it made being torn out of her by him all the more aggravating.”
“So the body you are in isn't your own?”
Changed snapped at Twilight’s question. “No you ditz. My original body is right there.” He pointed at Celestia.
“This one is my tenth body. After your stupid drake casted me out of Rarity’s body I had to run for the hills. Lucky enough a train was departing and I hitched a ride on a pony heading to Canterlot. It was their I found Celestia School and started to make a plan. While hopping from pony to pony i finally found one who struck my liking. He was a honor student and close to the history professor their who makes routine visits to the castle. First I thought I could sneak into the castle and get back to Celestia. But on the night I was gonna hop into him he said something that caught my attention. He told his student about all kinds of books in the library that he goes and sorts and then he brought up one that was a finished work of Starswirl.”
Changed got up from his seat and walked towards. “Not like it mattered in the end. He was charmed to resist my intrusions so I decided to look into what that spellbook could do. So I waited and saved funds to hire ponies to steal it while digging through the professor's notes for any hints on the book itself. And look at where we are now. Everything went according to the plan.”
“So are you going to go and take over Celestia now?”
Changed shot Twilight a confused look. “Why would I do that when I can use her for something else. But of course I have to test it.” Rider have your guards take them to the dungeon. Rockhoof go with her.”
As they departed Hurricane took of his helmet. “Well what do we do now? Those seven are gone.”
“Pay no mind they’ll return to try and save their friend. Until then we wait.”
Hurricane rolled his eyes as he wandered over to the window, his eyes caught sight of Cloudsdale in the distance. Changed noticed and called over to the commander.
“Oh yeah it would be bad if the country’s weather goes awry so I’m sending you to Cloudsdale to keep it running.” Hurricane gave a nod as he trotted out of the room.
___________________________________________________________
After dropping the prisoners off in the dungeons Rockhoof and Platinum were walking back to the throne room when Platinum nudged Rockhoof. “You took your time getting here while we sacked the castle Saber. Almost as if you were off doing something else.”
Rockhoof flinched as Platinums comment as sweat started to roll down his head. “Oh well maybe that guard of yours was just a little slow to find me.”
“Do you take me for a fool? I knew that you helped evacuate some of the citizens while we made our way here.”
Rockhoof sidestepped wanting as much distance from Platinum as possible. “Does Master know?”
“Of course not. I have no reason to tell him. Besides it was rather courageous to do such a stupid thing. Do you know the power he has over us? The things he can make us do.”
“Why would you care? Aren’t you some tyrant or something?”
Platinum let out a huff while lifting her nose to the air. “Despite what the history texts might say I did care about this country and the ponies in it. Which is why we need to be careful around Master. The worst he can do himself is rub away some of the fine gloss that decors this land. But he can easily make us tear it down to the core. As long as that doesn’t happen they can rebuild. We just need to find a opening to take.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because Berserker is to far gone and Hurricane is to swallowed in his own pride over what happened to his form. You on the other hand still have your head on straight, and that is what I need in a pony right now.” The pair finally reached the doors to the throne room. “Now off with you. You are needed on the streets finding any stragglers for the master.” Platinum shot him a wink as she left through the doors leaving Rockhoof in the hall.
Author's Note
Alright I'm a man of my word so lets start with Princess Platinum.
Class: Rider
The Sun’s first rays filtered through the farm’s trees. A roosters crow echoed through the orchard as it slowly woke the farm’s occupants.
In the farmhouse Sunset lumbered through the halls towards the kitchen. When she reached the doorway a voice stopped her. “Alright Goldy all that’s left is to squirt your frosting on my rolls.”
“Pinkie? What is she doing- Wait what did she say?”
Sunset was sure she misheard when a second voice convinced her. “Dang it Master if you want me to do it then hold still. I don’t wanna make a mess.”
“Okay putting a stop to this.” Sunset rounded the corner and entered the kitchen. “Pinkie what in Equestria are you doing?”
What Sunset say standing in front of her was Pinkie holding a tray of cinnamon rolls while Kintoki was standing in front of her with a red apron that said ‘Is the chef golden?’ in yellow text, holding a tube of frosting as he was about to dress the rolls.
“Oh thank Celestia you were just making cinnamon rolls.” The baker and servant traded confused looks.
“Yeah we just finished baking them. What did you think we were doing?”
“Oh nothing I think I’ll go roundup everyone for breakfast. Sunset bolted back the way she came from her face a noticeable shade of red leaving the two alone.
After sharing a shrug they went back to finishing the cinnamon rolls.
Soon everyone was gathered in the farmhouse digging through the breakfast Pinkie and Kintoki made.
“Hmm these aren’t half bad.” Ozymandias finished off his first roll as he reached for his glass of milk. “My compliments to the chef.” Ozymandias raised his glass before taking a drink.
“Ya nice work you two. Hey Arash can you go get the jug of juice in the fridge.” Aj pointed out the refrigerator for him.
“Oh no problem.” As Arash made his way to the fridge a knock came from the door next to the fridge. Opening the door Rares was on the other side with a large box set next to her.
“Oh you’re um Rares. Correct?”
“Well it’s Rarity but for now yes. You’re Arash right? I was hoping if you would be a darling and help me carry this box in?” Arash stepped outside and hefted the box over his shoulder and gestured Rares inside.
“Sure, lead the way.”
As the two walked into the dining room Aj was the first to noticed. “Hey Rares, what brings ya hear this early?”
“Well I thought It would be helpful if I came by and drop off some clothes for everyone. Just incase anyone would want to go into town.”
“Why? What’s the matter with what we’re wearing right now?”
“Well Mordred if you hadn’t noticed not everyone is walking around in full armor.”
Arash went digging through the box pulling out a plain white shirt. “Hey Lancer catch.” He tossed the shirt to Cu who caught it with his free hand while he was taking a drink.
“What’s this for?”
“Cause your suit is covered in frosting and milk. You need to wash up and change.”
“Then throw me some pants or something.” A pair of gray slack then smacked him in the face. “Thank you.”
Cu departed out of the house and headed to the shower building with the clothes in hand. Arash continued digging through the box sorting out different clothes.
After Arash finished Rares pulled Rarity out of the room. “Say Dear would you mind if you came into town with me today? There's someone I want you and Amadeus to meet.”
“Oh, and who might that be?”
“Her name is Octavia. I promised her i meet her at the music hall and sit in on her rehearsal. Poor dear has been struggling with her music as of late and she needs some support.”
“But why us? I can understand asking for you their but wouldn't that make me and Amadeus a third wheel sort of speak?”
“It’s as I said Octavia has been in a scuff for a month now and she needs help. And since we have the Amadeus Mozart here, I thought maybe he could help hey by giving some advice or something.”
“Well I wouldn’t mind but you’re gonna have to ask him yourself Dear.” Rares pulled her alternate self in for a quick hug.
“Thank you so much. I’m gonna ask him right now and we can head out right after.” Rares walked away back into the room. As Rarity was about to follow her Aj came through the doorway nearly knocking into her.
“Oh sorry their sugarcube. Didn’t mean to nearly run ya over.”
“It’s fine, where are you off to in such a hurry?”
“Just got a message from one of the helpers. He said some of the trees were dug up. Gotta head over and see what happened. I gotta get going.”
Aj hurried passed Rarity disappearing out of the door. As Rarity stepped in she saw Rares shaking Mozart’s hand with the energy of a child.
“Oh thank you thank you darling, this means so much to Octavia and I.”
“Not a problem my dear. It would be refreshing to see another musician at work. Now if you excuse me I need to make myself presentable.” Mozart then departed out of the house to head to the shower grabbing a pair of clothes on his way out.
After Mozart finished he returned trading his normal garb and instead wearing a grey sleeveless vest with a plain white under shirt and dark dress pants. Mozart rounded to the front of the house to find his master and her duplicate by a car waiting for him. They waved to him as he got near.
“Well come on dear, hop in. We have no time to lose.” The three got in and pulled drove off leaving the farm. As they left the property they passed another car with the rest of Rares friends in it.
During the drive Mozart leaned forward from the back seat and pointed as the car radio. “May I ask what exactly is that?”
“Well that dear is a radio. It’s for playing music.” The cars other two occupants traded a confused look before Rarity spoke.
“Like a gramaphone?”
“Yes but easier to use.” Rares proved her point by pressing one of the numbered buttons as a simple melody filtered through the cars speakers.
“Fascinating.” Mozart said the last word that came from the car as the melody was the only noise that was heard as the trio pulled into the town and made their way to the auditorium. Rares pulled the car off to the side of the road and turned the engine off.
“Alright here we are.” The three got out and headed inside. They quickly found the theater where the rehearsal was being held. The only people on the stage was a girl with oil black hair and grey skin tone with a cello in hand. The other person, a woman was busy shuffling papers on the stand in front of her.
Upon seeing Rares, Octavia set her instrument on its stand and met her half way up the aisle. “Rarity, I’m so happy you could make it. Thank you for coming.”
Octavia noticed Rares’ company. “And you brought guests. Wonderful.” A pang of fear crept into Octavia’s voice.
“Oh don’t worry now darling. These two might be of help to you.” Rares getured to Mozart and Rarity as the former was to distracted by the design of the amphitheatre and the latter gave a meek wave.
A cough broke the conversation as Octavia turned to see her instructor. “If you are done Miss. Melody we need to get back to practice.”
“Yes sir. Rarity please have a seat with your guests.” Octavia gave a small bow before returning to the stage. The trio took their seats as Octavia got ready. Her Instructor gave her the signal. As Octavia played Mozart's leaned forward in his seat when Octavia fumbled on a note. Mozart became enveloped in her sound. While the other two were sitting comfortably as the musicians fumbles went unnoticed to them.
As Octavia finished she let hew bow hang low to the floor. “Now Miss. Melody you must take your practice more seriously. Once more from the beginning.”
Octavia nodded as she played again. While the two on stage were enveloped in their practice Mozart got out of his seat and made his way to the stage keeping his chin resting on his knuckle as he continued to study the cello player. Mozart got onto the stage and approached Octavia who was to focused on playing to notice him. As he got a closer look the pair finally noticed him with Octavia stopping abruptly.
“Uhh may I help you sir?” Mozart cut off the instructors by snapping his fingers. He then Looked through the music sheets Octavia was learning when a idea struck him.
“You there bring me a blank sheet of paper and a quill. And after you’re done move that piano next to the young lady.”
“On what ground do you order me around like that?” Mozart stomped his way to the man glaring daggers at him. When he reached out the instructor thought he was going to hit him. But all Mozart grabbed was a sheet of paper on the podium and a pen from the instructor’s pocket.
“No dilly dallying now good sir we are burning daylight. Now Miss. Octavia I need you to adjust your fingers and hold this form.” Mozart moved Octavia’s fingers slightly along the cello strings. Then he started to write on the paper using Octavia’s music stand as a solid surface.
“I think I have found your problem my dear. How long have you been practicing this piece?”
“For about 3 months.”
“Well that may be your problem. You spent so much time working on a difficult piece that you forgot about the fundamentals.”
Octavia let her head hang low at the news. “Oh is that so.”
“Fear not even I had this problem from time to time. Lucky enough I have a piece that is a easy enough to quickly get ahold of fundamentals.” As he finished his explanation he handed Octavia the sheet he was writing on. Octavia looked at the paper as a smile grew on her face.
“I haven’t played this piece since my childhood. Who are you anyway? You seem like you know alot about music.”
“Well of course I know alot about it. I made a career out of it after all. Speaking of which, what is your opinion on the composer?” Mozart tapped the corner of the paper in Octavia’s hands.
“Well I do have respect for him and everything he accomplished. But I always was more of a Salieri fan myself.”
Mozart chuckled at her answer. “So was I. Now my dear would you like a partner in this little warm up?” The instructor finally finished moving the piano in place as Mozart gestured toward it.
Octavia’s eyes shined with joy. “Yes of course. Let’s start.” Mozart took his seat and gave a quick test on the piano to see if it was ready.
“Very well then, now on my mark.” Mozart wagged his finger once, then twice, and on the third time the pair started to the piece Mozart drew up.
The two in the seats listened at Rares recognized the melody. “Hm so their playing that.”
“Playing what, you know this piece?”
“It’s a simple song we all learned when we were real little. It’s called Twinkle Twinkle Star. I guess when Mozart said he had a simple piece to play he meant it.”
As Rares finished the two musicians opened a eye and gave a nod, as the started to play the second variation of the song. The song changed it’s pace for a quicker one.
The sudden change caught the duo audience off guard. “Or not. But it looks like Octavia is relaxing.” Rarity pointed it out noticing Octavia softly smiling as she continued her duet with Mozart.
Octavia failed to stumble on a single note as she and Mozart finished the twelfth variation of the song. Mozart stood up from his seat and turned to see Octavia mesmerized by the sheet music.
“Well, I think you are warmed up as they say.”
The instructor rounded the table. “Who are you? Where did you come from?”
Mozart took the pen and started to scribble something in the corner of the sheet music. “I’m just a simple visitor to your town. Here you go my dear always remember this piece in case you burn yourself out again. And always remember there is no shame in going back to the basics.”
Mozart handed her the sheet as he walked back to his seat. “Sorry for disturbing you.”
Octavia looked at the new writing in the corner of the sheet as it had a name. It spelled out of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
When Mozart reached the Rarity’s Rare hopped up and gave him a hug. “Thank you so much dear. I knew Octavia just needed some outside help.”
“She has quite a talent and I couldn’t stand by letting talent go to waste. I wish I can see what becomes of her.”
As the three got comfortable in their seats Octavia and her instructor started from where they left off before the musicians intrudence.
When the sun was high in the sky the trio made their way out of the theatre. “That was a wonderful way to spend the morning. Also don’t pretend that I didn’t see you nod off a little while ago.”
Rarity was blushing from embarrassment. “Well I couldn’t help it Octavia’s melody was just so enticing, I just got swallowed up in the moment.”
`A rumble erupted from the three. “Well it does appear to be noon. Care for lunch? My treat.”
With a nod from the other two the three started to leave when Octavia came through the auditorium doors. “Hold on. I have a few question.”
“Oh Octavia would you care to join us for lunch.”
“Well I guess I could. If you want I know a small diner nearby.”
“Well then lead the way.”
The four rounded the block and and approached a small building with neon lights saying Diner on them. “Me and my friend Vinyl love this place.”
The four found a booth to sit in and a waitress dropped off menus and left.
“So Miss. Octavia you said you had some questions for me.”
“Yes I do.” Octavia took off her backpack and set the sheet music that Mozart gave her. “Who are you? And I will not accept a cryptic answer like before.”
The waitress came back and dropped off the groups drinks. Mozart reached for his coffee and took a sip before answering. “It’s as it says on the paper my dear.”
“So you’re saying you are the Amadeus Mozart?” Octavia looked away from Mozart and turned to the girls across from her with a hitched eyebrow.
“It’s a long story. Another Equestria thing came up.” After Rares statement Octavia relaxed.
“Oh that clears up some things. So I take it this one is from the Equestria place?” Rarity nodded before introducing herself. When Octavia pulled her hand back she saw her watch. “Oh no I promised I would be back before one. I’m sorry Rarity but I need to head back now. Waitress I need that order to go.” Octavia soon departed leaving the three alone once more.
“Well master I guess a thanks is in order.”
“Oh whatever for?”
“Well if you had not summoned me then I would not have had this delightful morning. It reminds me of my youthful days playing for the royalty of several countries.” Mozart started to look through the menu as Rarity chuckled.
“You played for royalty?”
“Yes I did. From a very young age I was surrounded by a audience of royals and the instruments I practiced on. In the end I loathed playing pieces that they asked instead of letting me decide. Well not all of them were like that now that I think about it.”
The two girls perked up as Mozart continued his story. “Oh any examples?”
Mozart took another sip of his coffee. “Perhaps my favorite time was when I was on my grand tour with my family, I was only seven at the time. My family was invited to the palace in a marvelous place called Vienna, where I was to play for the nobility. As I was crossing the room to set up me in my carelessness tripped and spilled my music sheets that the audience wished for me to play. It was then she walked out. A stunning girl who shined like a star. She helped me gather my papers and told me that she couldn’t wait to hear the pieces I prepared. Her smile, her voice spoke to me. I went on to play for the hall but instead of using their recommendation I played what I knew in my heart was better.”
“Well she sounds like a absolute treasure dear. What was her name anyway?”
“Marie, Marie Antoinette was her name. Her joyous attitude and hope filled eyes could move the stars themselves.” Mozart chuckled when he tried to look Rarity in the eyes.
“Funny enough Master I see those same eyes in you.”
“Thank you for the compliment Mozart. I would have loved to meet her.”
“And I’m sure you two would have became fast friends.”
It was then the waitress came back to see if the group was ready to order. Since they spent the entire time talking they have yet to open the menus. Rares turned the waitress away telling her they needed a few more minutes.
“Well Mozart when this ordeal is over how about seeing if we can’t get you to play for Celestia.”
“Oh and who is she, your queen?”
“Princess but yes she is one of our rulers. I’m sure you’ll adore her.”
“I’ll hold you up to that promise Master. Now can either of you two tell me what this food called a cheeseburger is?”
Author's Note
Remember when I said I would be doing servant stats? I only meant the pony ones.