Chapter 1: Nightmare Part 1
The night sky over Equestria was clear as it gave way to creeping dawn which painted the sky in orange and purple hues as Celestia slowly raised the sun over the horizon. The warm rays of light crept over the sleepy village of Ponyville as its inhabitants slowly woke to greet the new day. There was much to do today, much to prepare for the Summer Sun Celebration. Their little town had been lucky to be host to Celestia herself as she rose the sun after the longest night of the year. As the sun crept higher its light reached the edge of a huge apple orchard the leaves sparkling with dew along with their burden of sweet apples. The early morning quiet is disturbed by a loud thwack as one of the trees was kicked by a young human male. Sweat ran down his forehead making dark hair stick to his pale skin while he worked kicking the apple trees so their contents fell into the prepared baskets. He paused to wipe his brow before starting to carry the filled baskets to a wagon which was almost too full with the delicious fruit. The human wore comfortable work clothes hoof stitched by the local fashionista Rarity. She had been adamant in making his wardrobe when he had arrived with nothing but his tattered and dirty clothes on his back. His attire consisted of a pair of comfortable pants, a plain white shirt which fit over his round stomach and finally his boots which were all he had left after his ruined clothes were tossed away. He had been up long before the sun and had begun his work for the day alongside the orchard's owners who were in other parts of the farm doing their harvesting. The work was hard but good and honest with many perks and only the physical exhaustion as a drawback but he liked it all the same.
The morning sun was bright in the sky by the time he finished his harvesting as he loaded the last bushel of apples onto the cart. He sighed tiredly then quickly looked around to make sure no pony was around before gripping the cart's handles and with a burst of inhuman speed had them at the barn and all the apples stowed inside said barn before Applebloom came out the front door of the farmhouse. The young filly had a yellow coat, a bright red tail, and mane with a red bow tying it back. She shot the human a bright smile as she hurried over to him while he pushed the cart into the barn.
"Morning, Edric!" she said happily as she trotted over and looked up at him as he returned the smile before kneeling down to make it easier for her to look into his gray eyes with her autumn orange ones. "Finished before Big Mac and Applejack again, huh?" she asked her tone impressed for such a feat before he could reply the sound of approaching hooves and creaking wood alerted them to the arrival of the mentioned ponies.
Big Macintosh or Big Mac for short, lived up to his name being the tallest stallion in Ponyville before Edric had arrived, his red coat was covered in sweat from the hard work of harvesting apples. A strand of hay hung from his mouth as which matched the color of his short mane and tail. He wore his signature yoke around his neck as he brought the cart to a halt next to the barn. The next arrival was Applejack a chestnut colored mare wearing a Stetson atop a blond mane and tail both had a red band around the ends for reasons Edric had yet to figure out a reason for. Both arrivals didn't appear to be surprised at seeing Edric there before them as they had gotten used to it over the last five years since he moved into their home.
The new arrivals left their carts by the barn and strolled up to Edric and Applebloom, "Breakfast ready Applebloom?" Applejack asked as she came up to her younger sister who nodded happily.
"Yep, ah was just saying good morning to Edric," she said smiling up at him as he quietly patted her head giving her a light scratch behind her ears which made her push her head against his hand before it was pulled away.
"Yee Haw I'm hungrier than a horde of starved Rabbits in a carrot patch," Applejack said followed by Big Mac's usual 'Eeeyup' as the stallion nodded in agreement with his sister.
With that, the two ponies and human got to work unloading the last two carts before walking into the house. Edric ducking to avoid hitting his head on the door frame due to his height. They each washed up for breakfast Edric being last as he didn't need help bathing something that Applejack admitted to being jealous about. He was drying his hair and wearing fresh clothes as he entered the kitchen/dining room. An elderly green coated mare whose mane and tail had long ago turned white stood at the stove dishing out bowls of oatmeal with apple slices sticking out of them as she carried each one to the waiting recipient. Edric thanked the kind old mare for the food before taking his first bite of the sweet and savory meal. The meal was eaten in silence as Granny Smith moved about the room putting the dirty pots in the sink to wash them. Ever since Edric had been welcomed into her home he had been touched by her generosity and kindness treating him as another of her grandfoals which had moved him to tears as he had never been a part of a family before except for his Grandfather but there had only been a Student and Teacher relationship there until the end of the old man's life.
Once the meal was over he helped clean the dishes just to ease the old mare's burden as she went to rest in her favorite rocking chair and resumed her knitting. Macintosh and Applejack were getting everything ready since they were having many cousins coming over from all over Equestria to help baking the food for the Celebration which was the reason for the early morning harvesting to make sure there would be plenty of apples for their needs. A few of their cousins arrived and were greeted by the siblings who introduced them to Edric who was received quite well by the distant relations. They talked with Granny and began to get started on preparing food for the gathering and celebration. It was around this time as Applejack was bucking a few extra apples from the trees that a purple coated and purple scaled dragon walked onto the farm and introduced themselves. Applejack gripped her hoof suddenly and started shaking it.
"Well Twilight Sparkle Ah'm Applejack and it's ah pleasure makin' your acquaintance," she said shaking the unicorn's hoof so rapidly she was still shaking when the earth pony let go.
With a little help from her Dragon companion, the Unicorn managed to stop her hoof from shaking. "Yes well I'm here to go oversee the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration and you're in charge of the banquet right?" she asked explaining why she was here.
"Sure as sugar am," Applejack said with no small amount of pride, "Wanna try a sample?" she asked and before the Unicorn could respond ran over to a triangle and rang it calling to everypony on the farm. "Soups on everypony!" she called causing a stampede of ponies that swept the Unicorn and Dragon up, setting them at a table as Applejack began to fire off their names in rapid succession each depositing a food sample on the table. He was even mentioned and made a small wave to the unicorn and dragon before she finally came to Granny Smith who had fallen asleep in her rocking chair. She woke up when AJ called her telling her they had guests, the aged mare made a slow stroll over to them as she was introduced.
Twilight seemed overwhelmed by the mountain of food that had been deposited on the table as the introductions had gone on. She tried to slip away since it appeared the banquet was taken care of, "I think we best being going," she said making the assembled Apples sadly 'Awww' before Applebloom stepped up using her cuteness to get Twilight and her companion Spike to stay for brunch. After the meal, Edric had been asked to show them around so they didn't get lost on their mission to check on the other items on her list for the celebration.
"Ughhh, I ate too much pie," Twilight groaned as she looked at her stomach which was full of apple treats as it grumbled audibly.
"At least we know it's good," Spike said then turned to Edric, "So what's your story? Most humans stick to the coastal cities," the young dragon asked.
Edric rolled his shoulders in a casual shrug, "My grandfather moved us out here when I was a baby," he answered which got Twilight to pause from her worried examination of her overfilled stomach to listen as Edric spoke. "He was a weird old man who thought the Everfree was a good place to settle down," he continued pointing with his thumb at the dark forest just a few yards from the town.
"Yeah you'd have to be weird to think a place like that would be a nice place to live," Spike said as he looked at the forboding boughs of the trees. The young drake couldn't imagine living in such a place as the Everfree where stories of the messed up and dangerous creatures that lived in there had even reached Canterlot.
"Well, we should keep up with the list of things, what's next Spike?" Twilight asked taking over the conversation with Edric's short story of himself over with.
The drake hurriedly produced a piece of parchment from somewhere since he wore no satchel and scanned it briefly, "We're supposed to check in with Rainbow Dash she's in charge of clearing the skies," he said and all three looked up to see a few clouds lazily drifting above them.
"Well she's not doing a very good job-" Twilight said before a cyan blur crashed into her and left her in a mud puddle totally covered in the brown muck. The cyan blur turned out to be a pegasus mare with a rainbow colored mane and tail.
"Sorry about that," she said her scratchy voice embarrassed before her attitude shifted, "Let me help you out," she began before speeding off and bringing back a cloud. She jumped on said cloud producing a short burst of rain that drenched Twilight Sparkle washing all the mud off. "For the final touch," she continued speeding around Twilight in a rainbow streaked whirlwind. "I call this one Rainbow Dry," the pegasus said finishing her maneuver around the dazed and dizzied unicorn. When she got a look at her handiwork she burst out into laughter soon followed from Spike and even Edric. Twilight soon learned the reason for their laughter as she examined her tail and mane which were booth poofy from Rainbow's drying stunt. While Twilight attempted futilely to get her tail and mane to straighten with her magic Rainbow turned to Edric.
"Hey there 'Tubs'," she said in greeting offering her forehoof to the human who bumped it with his fist before returning the greeting.
"Hey R.D," replied smiling at the prismatic pegasus.
"So...Applejack has you giving tours now?" she asked raising an eyebrow at him.
"Nah, just had to check in on Pinkie Pie and they were heading into town," Edric explained watching Twilight try once more to straighten her hair before the Unicorn, at last, gave up with a huff.
Rainbow nodded, "You know going there for treats is why you're tubby," she said smirking at him when he patted his round stomach. Rainbow couldn't say any more as Twilight approached having given up on her mane for the moment. The unicorn mare did not look happy with the poorly concealed chuckles Edric and Dash were failing to hide. "Again I'm sorry for flying into you," Rainbow Dash said smiling but still sounding apologetic even as Twilight glared a little at her.
"It's fine. I take it your Rainbow Dash?" Twilight responded sighing and ceasing to glare at Dash.
"The one and only," the pegasus responded polishing a hoof on her chest with a proud and cocky grin on her muzzle.
"Aren't you supposed to be clearing the clouds?" Twilight asked as Spike stood next to her.
"Yeah, I was just practicing some stunts for the Summer Sun Celebration," she said smiling. "I hear the Wonderbolts will be there and I'm going to show them my stuff," Rainbow Dash bragged proudly. "I'll catch their attention with a few stunts, then amaze them with my Buckaneer Blaze," she finished going so far as to pose as if she had done just that.
"The Wonderbolts?" Twilight asked sharing a conspiring smirk with Spike.
"What, you don't know about the most amazing team of stunt fliers ever?" the pegasus asked in shock her face a mask of pure horror.
"No, I've heard about them. But you really think they'd take a Pegasus who couldn't keep the sky clear for a day?" Twilight asked her tone suggesting they wouldn't.
"What this? I could clear this out ten seconds flat," Rainbow said waving a hoof at the clouds overhead.
"Prove it," Twilight challenged and the Pegasus seemed more than eager to take the challenge as she shot off from the ground. Twilight and Spike were buffeted by the air she stirred in her wake.
Edric had stood silent watching the exchange with an amused smile crossing his face as Rainbow took off like an arrow loosed from a bow. In an impressive show of speed and skill Rainbow lived up to her boast finishing the clouds in precisely the time she said she would. When she landed she and Edric shared a laugh at the amazed faces of Spike and Twilight's whose jaws hung open in awe.
"See? I'd never leave Ponyville hangin'," Rainbow Dash said happily as she calmed down from her laughter and closed Twilight's mouth. "I'll catch you later, see ya around Tubs," she added flapping her wings as she took off again leaving behind her usual rainbow contrail.
"Well, she is certainly fast," Spike spoke up recovering from his daze.
"Yes, she is," Edric replied watching the rainbow trail Dash made fade away.
"Okay, that's taken care of," Twilight started as she came out of her daze, "What's next on the list, Spike?" she asked and the drake took a little time to find their place on the list.
"That would be Decoration by Rarity Belle," he answered after a brief silence.
"That's would be at Town Hall," Edric said pointing to the largest building in the town. "I have to check something at Sugarcube Corner," he continued as Twilight and Spike looked at the building he had indicated. "Think you can get there on your own?" he asked and after they both nodded he smiled. "Alright, it was nice meeting you both," he finished before making his way to Sugarcube Corner.
==================************==================
Meanwhile in Canterlot...
Princess Celestia was taking one of her few breaks from the endless parade of petitioners all seeking to push through some law or project for one thing or another. Her ever billowing mane and tail flowed around her as she sat on the couch relaxing and easing the migraine dealing with the nobles inevitably brought. Over the years the petitions had stopped benefitting the common Pony and were instead for the Nobles asking to build walls between the richer housing to 'keep out the commoners'. She felt a small pang of guilt for allowing such ridiculous thoughts to take root among the nobles. She reminded herself of a few petitions that were actually worth noting but they were few and far, far, between but at least there were a few. The Alicorn let out a sigh as she raised a cup of tea to her lips and quietly sipped the warm and perfectly sweetened beverage. She could hear the birds singing outside mingled with the distant hoofbeats of patrolling guards. She smiled letting the peaceful sounds of life soothe her.
It was in these quiet moments that Celestia allowed her mind to wander. Today it seemed to wander to memories of an old battle with perhaps the only being to ever fight her as an equal. The Absolute One had been her greatest challenge and she could remember every moment of their final battle. Some historians claimed she defeated him but that was a lie she would not stand for and had them change it to a draw which was the truth. She remembered when news came to her that he was dead slain by one of his disciples that hungered for more power. Not only had he turned on his master and teacher but against the man's family as well slaughtering them to the last.
A tear ran down Celestia's cheek as she remembered her enemy turned dear friend. She remembered reading one of his letters that told her his first grandchild had been born, but now she'd never get to meet them. The sting of unshed tears blurred Celestia's vision before a hand offered her a handkerchief to dry them with. Without reacting to the sudden appearance of the human beside her Celestia took the offered cloth and dabbed at her eyes to remove the tears. "Thank you Allia," she said smiling at the young human woman standing next to her couch.
"You seemed upset so it was only polite," the woman said returning the Solar Princess' smile. She took a seat opposite Celestia pouring her self a cup of tea from the still steaming pot.
"Your skill does you justice, I didn't even hear the door open," Celestia commented while Allia dropped a few cubes of sugar in her drink.
"I've told you many times Princess you need better guards," Allia said smiling as she stirred her tea letting it cool. "And who said I used the door?" she added getting a giggle from the princess.
Celestia took another drink before speaking again, "Your mother often said the same. How is the Lady of Silk these days?"
Allia took a long time before responding as she took her own sip of tea and savored the relaxing flavor, "This is Zedula from Zebrica, isn't it?" she said seeming to ignore Celestia's question.
"It is," Celestia answered calmly watching the girl. The silence grew and Celestia had to hide her smirk as the girl started to fidget in her seat a telltale sign she had not yet managed to bring under control. The Princess kept quiet and watched Allia expectantly.
At last the young human woman caved and answered Celestia's original question. "She's recovering from a recent illness," she answered at last.
Celestia was surprised covering her mouth with a hoof genuine concern showing on her face, "I wish you would have told me sooner, I should arrange a visit with her soon," Celestia said before changing to more immediate concerns. "I assume this isn't just a normal visit from the Leader of the Iron Star Squad," Celestia said and her tone more serious as she sat there ready to hear anything Allia felt important to share.
"There have been no changes and my source in Ponyville has sent word that Twilight Sparkle and Spike arrived in town," Allia's answer began. "There are a few rumors of Changling activity along the border of the Badlands so I've dispatched a team to investigate," she finished receiving approving nods from Celestia.
"Good," Celestia finally said before she finished her tea and poured herself another cup. "Then we shall..." Celestia began but was interrupted by a knock at the door. Celestia's head turned to the door and she didn't need to look to tell that Allia was gone, "Yes?" she called and waited for a half-second before Ink Well her assistant opened the door to poke his head inside.
"Princess a representative is here to have an urgent word with you," Ink Well said sounding a little nervous as he spoke.
"Tell him court will resume shortly," Celestia replied but this made Ink Well even more nervous.
"He claims to represent the Absolute One, your majesty," Ink Well replied seeming to be confused or uncertain of what to make of it.
Celestia's face was an unreadable mask as she spoke, "Show him in then," she finally said nodding to Ink Well who bowed and opened the door wider for the visitor. The figure on the other side was a quadruped dressed in a heavy black cloak the hood pulled up to hide his face in shadows, he was taller than the average pony. The tips of sharply pointed horns stuck out just beyond the brim of the hood near the stranger's muzzle. Celestia couldn't see them but she could feel the stranger's eyes on her if she had any less control she would have shivered under that gaze. When the stranger walked she heard the slightest chime of a bell with each of his steps till he stopped and bowed deeply in respect to her one of his front hooves over his chest.
"Greetings your majesty," he said his voice was as unsettling as his gaze with its deep tone and slight rasp. "My name is Chirin and I have the honor of representing the Absolute One," he continued.
"I don't recall the Absolute One being a title one can just take when the original holder has passed on," Celestia responded. "Nor does it confer any authority over the Warlords that have carved up your nation," she added.
Chirin chuckled but this too only made Celestia uneasy as it held no mirth, "True but it can be claimed nonetheless," Chirin retorted as he approached closer. "My master was a disciple of the first Absolute One and he wishes that you would aid him in subduing the Warlords," Chirin continued to speak and at the end all Celestia did was glare at him.
"Your Master," Celestia began anger seeping into her usually calm tone as she rose from her seat to look down at the cloaked figure before her. She had heard of the upheaval that the Absolute One's death had caused. Bandits ravaged the land taking all they could till the Warlords powerful men and women and masters of Ki put a bloody end to the bandits. She glared at the cloaked Chirin who did not seem to react to her sudden turn to anger. "Murdered his teacher and his family, killed an innocent child for the sake of power," she continued each word filled with a steely resolve that made Chirin step back from the Solar Monarch. "I will not aid him nor will I recognize his title," she finished her wings flaring as a light seemed to shine from within her. "NOW BEGONE!" Celestia's commanded her voice booming through the room making both Ink Well and the cloaked figure cringe.
Chirin recovered only enough to bow and leave the room before Celestia seemed to regain her composure. "Ink Well," she spoke softly and kindly to the cowering stallion. When he stopped shaking enough to look at her he saw an apologetic and caring smile on her regal muzzle. "I'm sorry for that," she said and Ink Well shook his head.
"It's alright your Majesty," Ink Well said unable to stop the tremor in his voice. "I just never seen you so angry before," he added forcing a smile onto his face.
Celestia could only frown and nod solemnly as she returned to her original position on the couch. "If that is all Ink Well then you are dismissed," she said and waited for Ink Well to leave before letting out a sad sigh.
"You don't usually use the Canterlot Voice," Allia said appearing once again from seemingly nowhere.
"Only when I lose control of my temper," Celestia said her tone still sad. "Now back to our plans for tonight," she said pushing aside the topic of her temper and her sadness.
=======================*************===================
Edric walked into Sugarcube Corner waving to the owners Mr. and Mrs. Cake who returned the gesture with a raised forehoof. He walked up to the counter waving to the few customers that greeted him. As soon as he reached the counter a pink mare appeared from the kitchen with a tray of freshly baked donuts on her back. With a quick and practiced movement, Pinkie Pie slipped the tray into the counter's display area. Edric couldn't help but smile wider when Pinkie looked at him with her own smile filling her face.
"Hey, I'm glad your here because I got something really important to tell ya," she said standing on her hind legs to plant her forehooves on the countertop as she got closer to his face to try and whisper to him conspiratorily. "There are some new faces in town and I've got this itch on my back and a twitch in my back knee which means they're going to be staying," she whispered looking around suspiciously. "I need you to help me set up the surprise 'Welcome to Ponyville' party I've got planned," she finished.
"It'll cost you," he said not mentioning that he already knew about the new arrivals. Pinkie smiled as she produced from her mane a box containing six donuts.
"Six Lemon Creme stuffed Donuts?" Pinkie asked giving him a smirk as she held the prize before him.
"I will obey Mistress Pinkie," Edric said in a fake hypnotized voice as he watched the box move from side to side tempting him.
"Good," Pinkie said hoofing over the box of treats to him with a giggle.
While Pinkie hurried to finish her shift Edric waited and ate the donuts enjoying the contrast of sweet sugary glaze with sour lemon creme wrapped in fried golden bread. Once she was finished and collected the supplies in her saddlebags they were off for the Library. "I made sure to tell Rose Luck and Lyra about the party so I'm sure the whole town knows by now," Pinkie said as they approached the large Oak tree in the center of town. It was the only tree left in the town while the rest were cut down for timber when the first ponies settled the area. It was later hallowed out by the towns first librarian, Dusty Page. She had turned it into both her home and repository for all the books the town would need. He remembered hearing the story from Granny Smith numerous occasions the old mare was a living history of the town.
Edric and Pinkie reached the oak tree and opened the door. They were greeted with the sharp scent of old books and dust. The Library was much larger on the inside than it looked on the outside thanks to some enchantments placed on the tree. It had been without a Librarian for years now so the place wasn't kept in the best condition. The first thing Pinkie and Edric did was clean off the dust and get the food and drinks set out. He didn't even bat an eye as platters of cupcakes and bowls of candy were removed from the saddlebags in perfect condition. Admittedly it was weird to see her pull out a perfectly fine punch bowl and bottles of drinks from her mane but he just went along with it simply because it was Pinkie.
Not long after all the treats and drinks were set out when Pinkie Pie bounced around and twitched more than usual for Pinkie he had gotten used to Pinkie's twitches as he lived in Ponyville and had at least memorized a few of the combinations. So he wasn't surprised when she hopped over to the door and opened it allowing for the ponies outside to come in. She smiled as she welcomed the guests the milling ponies striking up excited discussions as some music began to play. Edric lingered on the edge of the crowd watching the milling quadrupeds as they mingled. That's where Pinkie found him carrying a pair of cupcakes on her back.
"Here ya go Eddie," she said taking a cupcake off her back and holding it out to him on her hoof.
"Thanks, Pinkie," he said taking the treat happily. The two of them ate together quietly watching the gathered ponies. He felt Pinkie lean against him resting her head on his round belly, he didn't think anything of it as Pinkie had done it many times.
"You should probably slow down on the sweets," Pinkie said breaking the silence between them as she poked his stomach with a hoof giggling when he swatted it away with a grumble.
"She's not wrong Tubs," a scratchy and recognizable voice spoke as Rainbow landed next to them.
"It would be easier if Pinkie didn't bribe him with sweets," another voice spoke with a clear drawl that they recognized as Applejack making her way out of the crowd. She sat on her haunches on Edric's other side putting him between her and Pinkie.
The four of them chatted with each other for a while talking about things around town and the upcoming celebration until somepony who had been watching for the pony who the party was meant for announced they were on the way. Lights were turned off as ponies hid where ever they could in a mad dash of activity but for him, he just stayed where he was.
"-here we are," said a muffled voice from outside that he recognized as Twilight. Another voice responded but was far too quiet to hear through the door. "No, really we're very tired and we have to get up early for the celebration so..." the voice trailed off as the door began to swing open and in stepped a purple unicorn with a purple dragon on her back. Once the door opened enough and she had stepped inside all the lights came on as the hidden ponies leaped out of hiding and shouted in unison.
"SURPRISE!"
