Unexpected SurprisesView OnlineTwilight Under The SeaUnexpected SurprisesQueen Novo wasn't one for surprises, something her daughter Princess Skystar was quick to tell anyone who tried. Birthdays notwithstanding of course. Which left her current situation vexing in the extreme, and not just because it had ruined her weekly spa trip with Jamaal, but also because of the nature of the surprise. She had been fin deep in a seaweed wrap when her innate connection to the seas around her told her someone had breached the Vortex on Mount Aris. That was odd in of itself seeing as few even knew of the island itself let alone what lay in the waters surrounding the peak. Skystar had swum off even before she had finished explaining what was going on to her. Novo loved her daughter, she really did, but sometimes she drove her mother crazy. Skystar had come back a little while later with the one who had presumably come to the island. A lavender unicorn mare with a navy blue mane and tail with some nice highlight streaks in both. What threw Novo for a loop was what was on her back: She had wings! Now, Novo liked to think she was well informed about what was happening on the surface. She was on great terms with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, even Princess Cadance and Shining Armor to a degree. Tides, she had even named Celestia and Luna Skystar's godparents if something ever happened to her! But she had heard nothing of a fourth alicorn at all. This was something she would be discussing with the two of them when she had time. But first, they had to settle this. "Is she?" She asked, gesturing at the pony. "Don't worry mom, she's fine," Skystar replied cheerfully. "Well, she's alive anyway." Novo sighed, relieved for this at least as she waved a hoof. "So?" She prompted. Skystar grinned. "So I swim up top and there she is! Out cold and about to drown. Well, I couldn't leave her up there, so one Air Bubble later and here we are!" Novo couldn't help but smile in return. For as young as she was, her daughter already had the makings of a great leader when the time came. Hopefully not for some centuries yet but still. Before they could say more, the mare began to stir. Opening her eyes, she looked around the room in confusion before she saw Skystar and Novo. "Hello. Where am I? Who are you?" Before Novo had a chance to respond, Skystar swam right up in the mare's face and began talking quickly. "Hi, I'm Skystar! Welcome to Seaquestria! What's your name? Can we be friends? I really need a friend." "Skystar!" Novo warned and her daughter backed off, looking sheepish. Novo rolled her eyes. "I do apologize for my daughter. I am Queen Novo, ruler of Seaquestria. Who might you be?" The mare racked her brain, trying to remember. This went on for several minutes while the mother and daughter shared a concerned look. With mounting horror, the mare came to a conclusion. "I. I don't know. I don't know who I am, or where I came from. How did I get here?" She looked down at herself. "Why do I look so different?" She looked back at Novo and Skystar. There were tears in her eyes. "Please. Who am I?" Novo and Skystar shared a horrified look. What, by the briny depths, could make a pony lose their memories? Even as they pondered the question, the mare's tears grew. The sight broke Novo's heart. She couldn't have been much older than Skystar was. Her motherly instincts were screaming at her to pull the mare close and tell her everything would be fine. Skystar though beat her to it and pulled the mare into a comforting hug. She soon broke down into crying deeply into Skystar's shoulder. Novo used the chance to cast a quick spell, looking for the lost memories. Her worst fears were confirmed with what she found. In fact, it was what she didn't find that made it hurt even more. Skystar cast a pleading look at her mother. "What are we going to do?" Novo made her mind up at once as she smiled. "Find her a room in the palace. As close to yours as you can." Both their faces lit up. "You mean?" The mare asked. Novo nodded, her smile softening. "You can stay here for as long as you want. I can't promise we'll get your memories back, but you are welcome here." For the first time since she woke up, the mare smiled as she swam over and gave Novo the biggest hug she could. "Thank! Thank you!" Novo returned the hug before prodding her along. "You are very welcome. Now go on you two. I have to take care of something." Skystar grabbed the mare with her hooves as they swam off. "Come on I know just the room. Oh, we're going to have so much fun together. You can see my shell collection." "You collect shells?" The mare asked. "Sure! I even named them." Skystar replied as they passed out of earshot. Novo watched them until they were out of sight before her face fell. She wasn't lying when she said the mare could stay as long as she wanted, but there was a catch if she stayed past a certain point in time. Right now though, she had a call to make to a certain Solar Alicorn. *** A little while later, Novo reclined on the Coral Throne as the Sea-Land Orb connected her to Canterlot. More specifically, Princess Celestia's private chambers. After a moment, Celestia's face swam into view. Novo was shocked. She had never seen Celestia this hagered before. Her eyes were red from crying and her mane hung limply at her side. Celestia blinked in surprise as Novo's face swam into view. "Queen Novo. This is unexpected. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Novo could hear the pain in her voice but didn't comment on it. "This is a day for surprises. What's wrong Celestia? I've never seen you like this before." Celestia smiled ruefully. "I don't show it often, but I have a reason. Somepony close to me is missing and I fear the worst for her." Novo hid her surprise well. "Lavender alicorn, same age or so as Skystar?" Celestia's brows rose in shock. "Yes. How did-" "Because Skystar found her unconscious in the Vortex," Novo replied. "She's awake now and well. At least physically." Celestia's lessened some, but not fully. "What do you mean?" Novo sighed. "Her memories are gone. She can't remember anything from before she woke up here." Celestia frowned. "Surely the will come back with time?" Novo shook her head. "No Celestia. They are gone. They're not locked away somewhere in her mind. There is literally nothing there about her past." Celestia's ears folded. "Then?" "As far as she knows her whole life has been spent with us. I don't know what kind of magic could do that to anypony, and I don't want to know." Novo replied. Celestia nodded, for she had an idea. Already she felt the first pangs of loss begin. "What happens now then?" "She will stay with us for as long as she wants. It'll be good for Skystar to have a real friend. In one week the Heart of the Se will give her a choice: Return to your world and start again." Novo paused a moment. "Or?" Celestia asked. Novo sighed. "She can choose to stay with us and forever sever her connection to the surface world." She smiled slightly. "You know we would take care of her." Celestia nodded. It was true of course, and she would rather have her be with those that loved her and that she knew rather than ones she had no memory of. "Thank you." She whispered. Novo nodded. "Just one more thing Celestia. Does she have a name? Maybe it will trigger something in her, the Drowned God willing." Celestia nodded, letting her tears fall freely now. "Her name is Twilight Sparkle." *** Celestia waited a moment after Novo disconnected from her end before letting out a long sigh, her mind awash with all she had just learned. Of course, she was glad that Twilight was alive and well, and even more so of where she had gone to for she could think of no one better than Skystar to find her. But that also left several things that could go either way. Her anger at what the Elements of Harmony had done left her confused as to why. Starswirl's spell had worked since Twilight now had wings, but something else had gone horribly wrong. Maybe they still held grudge against her for what had happened between her and Luna a thousand years ago. She shook her head. It did her no good to think about that now. Right now she could only hope that hearing her name might jog something in Twilight's mind. But she also had to prepare for the fact that she would never see her again, that Twilight would forever see Princess Celestia as just a name. That the Twilight Sparkle she knew and loved was gone forever. "Any news Tia?" Luna's voice at the door made Celestia jump out of her feathers. Calming her heart some, she glared at her sister. "Must you do that every time Luna?" Luna clapped her hooves, unrepentant. "It's so much fun though." Her smile dropped. "Is there?" Celestia nodded. "Skystar found her unconscious on Mount Aris. She's awake now, but that is where the good news ends." Luna frowned. "What do you mean?" Celestia fought back renewed tears. "Her memories have been erased completely. As far as Twilight is concerned, her whole life has been spent in Seaquestria." Luna was shocked. "How? Why?" Celestia shook her head. "I am not sure why, but I fear the Elements of Harmony are to blame. On top of everything else, the spell worked. Twilight is now an alicorn." Luna took some comfort in that. "Then what are you afraid of?" Celestia sighed. "That when the Heart of the Sea goes to her, Twilight will choose to stay in Seaquesrtia permanently." luna smiled reassuringly. "Tia, Novo and her subjects are the friendliest beings under the sea. You know they would welcome her." Celestia chuckled. "I know Luna. It's just..." Luna's gaze softened. "That you would miss her." Her sister nodded. "Twilight was going to grow up eventually sister. You couldn't keep her under your wing forever." Celestia nodded. "I know Luna. But with my other students, goodbye never felt this final." Luna rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Of for Cosmos's sake Tia! You can go visit her whenever you want. Unless Novo threw you out for good while I was away." Celestia fumed for a moment, thinking of a good comeback for that quip. She knew she was being silly about this, but she couldn't help herself. And she still had to write letters to Twilight's family, Spike, and the other Element Bearers. *** As Celestia and Luna talked, Queen Novo had her own things to muse over, and not all of them were pleasant. She hadn't been lying when she said what Twilight would face in a few days. She also knew Skystar would benefit so much from having a real friend. But therein also lay the problem. If Twilight chose to stay as one of them, there was a high chance she would become a Royal Seapony like Novo and Skystar. That in of itself wasn't bad as far as she knew. It was the effect on the Heart of the Sea if its power was split three ways. It had been a ritual for millennia beyond count for the new queen, upon ascending the Coral Throne, to bond with the Heart. In effect, they would become as powerful as Celestia or Luna with all the waters of Equus at their command. So it had been for Novo, and her mother, and her grandmother, and so on back to the very beginning. She had every confidence in Skystar's ability to do so when the time came. For all that she drove her mother insane sometimes when the time called for it, Skystar showed all that made a great leader. But if Twilight ascended to their status, then it was anyone's guess what might happen. There had never been more than three at the same time. Her sister had made it clear that the Throne was Novo's and wanted nothing to do with it. The Heart seemed to have known, for nothing had happened when Skystar and then Silverstream had been born. Novo held no malice toward Twilight Sparkle. But her first concern was her subjects. If something went wrong when the time came... She hoped she wasn't making a mistake by letting Twilight stay now. Maybe it was her motherly instincts talking, but she was glad Twilight had come here. Skystar hadn't looked this happy in, well forever if she was being honest with herself. It gladdened her heart more than anything had in a very long time. *** "Wow, that's a lot of shells," Twilight commented as she took in the vast trove of seashells Skystar had collected over the years. The room itself was rather sparse considering its owner's status. A bed along one wall and several shelves that held Skystar's collection of shells and an occasional book were the only furniture to be seen. On the far wall, a window gave a great view of the outside world, a deep blue that was interrupted by an occasional fish or some other undersea creature. Skystar slumped as her fins drooped. "Yeah. I don't have a lot of friends. So I collect shells." Twilight was shocked. "Why? You and your mom have been nothing but nice to me since I woke up." Skystar swam over to the window. "It's because of mom that I don't." She snorted. "Oh she doesn't forbid it or anything and I go out all the time. But most are too scared of what she might do if something happened to me." She rolled her eyes. "Mom is scary when she's angry, and I mean really angry. That bit earlier was just her annoyed." Twilight digested this. Even having known her for a short time, she could already feel Queen Novo wasn't someone you wanted angry at you. She hoped she never saw that. But the sadness and loneliness she heard in Skystar's voice broke her heart and prompted her to do something about it. Swimming over, she wrapped a hoof over Skystar's shoulder, while Skystar gave her a confused look. Twilight smiled. "I'll be your friend." Skystar's eyes lit up. "You mean it?" Twilight nodded. "Of course. No one should ever be without a friend, and you're too nice not to have more." Skystar's smile lit up the room and before Twilight knew it, she was being hugged by her new friend. One that she was happy to return. So engrossed were they that neither noticed the spark that passed between them, but both of them felt something blossom in their hearts. From the doorway, Novo watched the scene with a mixture of maternal love and not a little bit of worry for she had seen the spark pass between them. She didn't know what it meant, but she had an idea. Only time would tell though if she was right or not. For the moment though it didn't matter as she left them alone and went to see how Twilight's room was coming along. *** Beneath the Coral Throne, the Heart of the Sea began to glow ever so slightly. Author's Note Few important notes. First, hippogrifs have never existed in this universe. Everyone in Seaquestria, bar a few, are natural seaponies. Romance tag for the moment is for two. But I'm thinking of making it a three way. As for Twilight? Her memories are never coming back. The story is writen with that in mind and I have no plans to change that. Her friends and family will visit of course.
Family and FriendsView OnlineTwilight Under The SeaFamily and FriendsThe next day, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both sat in the shared Common Room that connected both of their towers. It was late afternoon, a time when Luna would normally be asleep and Celestia in Day Court. But today was the exception to the norm. It had driven Kibitz up the wall when Celestia had cancled everything she had planned for the day, but one look said she was not changing her mind. Today was for attending to something far more important. Celestia had sent the news of Twilight's reappearance the night before to her Ponyville friends and the Crystal Empire before personally going to tell Night Light and Twilight Velvet. Now all sat across from her and Luna in various states of shock as she finished explaining all she knew so far. Rarity had fainted, Fluttershy was quietly sobbing, Spike was trying to revive Rarity while fighting back his own tears, Pinkie Pie looked lost about something, and Applejack was her usual stoic self, though those who knew her could tell she was no happier about it than the others. Night Light meanwhile was busy holding his wife who was sobbing into his shoulder. None could blame her though. Rainbow Dash meanwhile looked ready to explode. At who or what no one could tell. She growled in annoyance before taking off for the door. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go get Twilight back then! I'll knock down the front door myself! We can't just leave her down there." Luna shot her a scathing glare. "I would suggest you not do that Rainbow Dash. For several reasons in fact." "Like what?" Rainbow growled. "You cannot breath underwater for one," Celestia replied. "None of us can. None get past the Vortex without someone from Seaquestria letting them in." Luna nodded. "Mount Aris is littered with the bones of those who have tried. Queen Novo isn't one to be trifled with when it comes to defending her subjects." "Even we do not try," Celestia continued. "We are friends yes, but we do not push things with her. She could easily go fin to hoof with us if need be. All the waters of Equus are at her command." "And if need be, the Kraken of the deepest waters will rise at her call," Luna said. "It has happened before: The Kraken's Wake." She shuddered at some long ago memory. "It is a power her daughter will one day inherit." Something in their tones must have finally gotten through to Rainbow because she slowly settled again on the floor, though her scowl remained. "So now what are we supposed to?" Applejack asked. Celestia and Lunar shared a look. "There is nothing we can do now. It is all up to Twilight. Even if she does return, she will not know us.," Celestia explained. "And there is no spell that can restore her memory. Those that do exist will only work if there is something in the pony's mind to restore," Luna added. "Then now what?" Spike asked. Celestia sighed sadly. "Maybe. Maybe it is better Twilight stays with Novo and Skystar. They will take care of her and she'll be with those she knows. Friends, and maybe more," she said. That kept everyone quiet for a time. Celestia was already dreading the conversation she would have with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor when they arrived later that afternoon. Finally Pinkie Pie spoke up. "I just have one question. What's a seapony?" Author's Note Okay, originally this was meant to be the last part of chapter one, hence the shorter length. But I felt it took away from that chapter's ending. So now here it is.
The Kraken's Trench and A Choice MadeView OnlineTwilight Under The SeaThe Kraken's Trench and A Choice MadeNovo gave Skystar a shocked look. "You want to take her where?" Her daughter was unapologetic. "I wanna show Twilight the Kraken's Trench. She's been begging me to show her around the island." Novo rubbed her forehead with a hoof. "Does she know how dangerous it is for anyone to go near it? Even I haven't in a long time." Skystar smiled. "You know that they won't hurt me." Novo sighed. "It's not you that I'm worried about. No other being has ever gotten close to them and not roused them to wrath." Skystar bit her lip. She knew all too well what happened to those who got too close. The seabed around the Trench was littered with countless wrecks of ships and zeppelins. More proof, if it was needed, as to why Seaquestria had never been conquered, and many had tried. The last had been just before she had been born. Novo though saw the honest desire in Skystar's eyes. She knew she wouldn't place Twilight in danger on purpose, and she trusted the Deep Ones to not harm her. Twilight on the other fin? But then she remembered the spark that had passed between them a few days earlier, and it got her thinking something she had never considered before now. If the spark meant what she thought it had, then there was a good chance that the Deep Ones wouldn't attack at all. In fact, the opposite could happen. Queen Novo wasn't sure how she felt about that possibility, but if it was coming, then she had best begin laying the groundwork for what was to come now. And if it turned out to be nothing, then so be it. "Alright Skystar, you can take Twilight to the Trench," she finally said, before holding up a fin as Skystar's eyes lit up. "But if they do anything threatening, then get out of there as fast as you can." Skystar squeed before swimming over and giving Novo a big hug. "Thanks, mom. You're the best!" Novo chuckled as she returned the hug. "Yes dear. Now hurry up. Twilight doesn't seem like the patient type of pony." Skystar nodded before swimming off to find Twilight, leaving her mother alone with her thoughts of what might happen when the two of them reached the Trench. And what it could mean for all their futures. *** "So how far is it?" Twilight asked as she and Skystar swam away from the base of Mount Aris and out into the deeper waters. From here they could just barely see the lights of Seaquestria. "Not that far now," Skystar replied. "No one comes out here unless they have a good reason. Or they happen to be my mom." Twilight was confused. "Why's that? It's beautiful out here." Skystar nodded. "Yeah, but they fear what's out here. Even mom hasn't been out here in years, and she doesn't scare easy Twilight." There was that name again. Twilight. Queen Novo had said that it was her name and that by telling her they might be able to jog her memories. So far nothing, not even a glimpse of her old life. Twilight was more than happy with her name. It wasn't much, but anything that connected her to her old life was something she wanted to hold onto. She had lost so much. She didn't want to lose what might've been her last tie to her past. Her cutie mark, as the symbol on her flanks, was called, was another possible tie to the pony she once was. But what good was it if she couldn't remember what it represented? And by now, her hopes of ever remembering her past were beginning to dim. But even more so, Twilight wasn't sure if she even wanted to remember now. Her life here was too nice. Aside from an odd look or two everyone was friendly. She'd even made a new friend with Skystar's cousin Silverstream. Twilight was jolted from her thoughts when she felt Skystar poke her shoulder. Looking over, she found her pointing down. "Look," she whispered. Twilight did and was shocked at what she saw. All along the sea floor for as far as she could see lay the broken, rotting, and rusting remains of countless ships and zeppelins. Some of the smallest could fit inside the Throne Room, while the largest could hold all of Seaquestria and still have room for more. As they swam over the graveyard, Twilight noticed that some of the wrecks looked recent while many more looked ancient. Just pieces of rotting wood and rusting metal. Others were just broken spars and rigging in ship shapes. But it was the largest that made her blood run cold. It had been cleaved clean in two, the two broken halves now resting next to each other. They dwarfed everything around them by a large margin. Eight or nine Seaquesrtias could fit in them and still have room for more. "What is all this?" Twilight whispered, afraid of rousing whatever had done all this. "The Graveyard of Ships, or the Graveyard of Fools," Skystar replied. "This is all that remains of everyone who tried to conquer us." Twilight gulped. The sudden change in Skystar's tone was shocking. She was always so bubbly and friendly, but now there was no love or tolerance in her voice. She suddenly remembered that for all her flightiness and happy attitude, Skystar was a princess, a ruler, and one day she would be Queen Skystar. Here was one that would do anything to protect her people, no matter how much it hurt her inside. Twilight was glad to be on her good side. She never wanted to see that. Skystar suddenly stopped, forcing Twilight too as well as she pointed a fin further ahead. "We're here," she whispered. Twilight looked to see what she meant. Ahead of them was a huge trench. Coming to the edge, Twilight couldn't see the other side. Below them was a darkness that was more than a lack of light. It was alive, eating up all light and sound in a way that wasn't natural. Twilight jumped as something moved in the darkness, a shape her mind refused to make sense of. All she could make out was something vast. No other size could do it justice, but even that fell short of its size. "Where are we?" Twilight asked after a moment as a cold sweat broke out. Just being here was taxing her nerves. Skystar felt it too, and she had grown up hearing about the Deep Ones. She could only guess it was worse for Twilight. "The Kraken's Trench," she whispered. Twilight nodded as whatever was down there seemed to turn in their direction. She couldn't be sure, but it felt like it new they were there and was deciding what to do with. And then what looked like an eye opened in the darkness. Twilight tried backing away from the sight. In that gaze, she could see an ancient, unfathomable, intelligence, one that had laid waste to countless mortals. In it she felt tiny and insignificant, and she knew without a doubt that it saw her. Her retreat though was stopped by an outstretched fin. Looking over, Twilight found Skystar shaking her head. "Don't. You run, and they will attack. I can't guarantee that I could stop them," she whispered. Twilight gulped back her fear as best she could. "What are is it doing? How many are down there?" Skystar shrugged. "Looking at you, deciding whether you can stay or not. The only reason they haven't attacked is that I'm here. They won't attack a member of the Royal Family." "Lucky you," Twilight grumbled. Skystar giggled. "It's saved my tail a few times. As for how many? I'd say one, maybe two. Juveniles would be my guess." Twilight's jaw dropped. "Juveniles?! These are just the young ones?" Skystar giggled. "Oh yeah. They get way bigger than this. You saw what one of the Ancients did back there," she said, pointing back at the ruined leviathan. If it was possible, Twilight's jaw dropped even further. She couldn't even imagine meeting one of those if that wreck was any indication. Even as the thought crossed her mind, something began to rise from the trench. A shape her mind had trouble comprehending on every level. Living darkness in the shape of a giant squid. Young or not it still dwarfed the two of them by a large margin. As it cleared the trench, the beast unfolded its many, many, tentacles. So many that Twilight couldn't count them all. "Don't. Move," Skystar whispered. Not that Twilight had any intention of fleeing. Her limbs were frozen in fear at the sight before them. The Kraken finally seemed to notice them as its eyes drifted downward. At that moment where their eyes met, Twilight felt something new blossom in her heart. What it was she had no idea, but it felt incredible. As that thought crossed her mind, one of the smaller tentacles reached out to her. But it wasn't an attack, nor was it a threat. Skystar could only watch in shock as it gently touched Twilight's forehead. Aside from a slight jump at the contact, Twilight felt only felt a warmth spread throughout her body. At that moment too, Skystar felt something blossom in her heart. Whatever it was, she never wanted it to go away. After a moment, the tentacle was withdrawn and the Kraken slowly returned to the trench. Once it had vanished back into the darkness, Twilight finally found her voice. "What just happened?" Skystar shook her head. "I have no idea. One's never done that before." "Really?" Twilight asked. "Nope. But I think you got their seal of approval," Skystar replied with a grin, one Twilight was happy to return. She felt much better now that the danger seemed to have passed. "So can we go home now?" Twilight asked. Skystar felt her breath hitch. She had felt the weight Twilight had put behind one word, but she hid her excitement as she nodded. "Yeah. Let's go home." Home Twilight thought. She found that word had new meaning to her now. Tomorrow was the day she would make her choice at the Heart of the Sea. She now knew what her choice would be. Author's Note This is it. One decision next chapter will change everything for the fate of Equus. And there is no going back.
A New RebirthView OnlineTwilight Under The SeaA New RebirthThe next day found the Throne Room of the Coral Palace packed with seaponies come to see Twilight's Choosing. Many may have found her and her circumstances odd, but none had ever thought wrong of her. In fact most liked her and were glad she had been able to get Princess Skystar out and about with friends. The general mumor died down as Queen Novo led Twilight and Skystar into the throne room. Twilight was surprised to see so many had come out for this, but it also warmed her heart. Novo was also glad as she raised a hoof to get everyone's attention. "Citizens, the day has come. We have all come to know Twiight Sparkle these past few days. Now the time has come for her to choose." She turned to Twilight. "Have you made your choice Twilight?" Twilight nodded. "I have." Novo nodded as she ignited her attenea and opened a slot beneath the Coral Throne. Out floated sn ornate piece of coral more beautiful than anything Twilight had ever seen. Except for one, but that was for later. She hoped. "This is the Heart of the Sea, crafted by the Drowned God in the Beginning and from where all life originated. It has helped and guided us for time immemorial," Novo explained as she let go of the Heart, which continued to float on its own. "Now it has come time. The choice is yours Twilight. Return to the surface and the life you once knew." She sighed. "Or you can stay with us for all time and cut the last ties to your past." Twilight nodded. Swimming over she placed a hoof against the Heart and made her choice. "I'm staying. My past is dead and I can't bring it back." She smiled as she looked at Skystar. "I belong to Seaquestria now." As the final word was said, the Heart began to glow and so did Twilight. A warmth filled her as her body began to change. Her back legs merged into one long fluke as her tail wrapped around it and became longer. Her wings became transparent fins. But the biggest change was to her mind. She could feel all the magic flowing through her and around her. All at her command. She bit down on the darker thoughts that arose at that moment. At that moment too Twilight felt a new bond forged between her and Skystar, one that went deeper than just friends. Something more, and it was exciting. Skystar felt it too, even if she didn't know what it meant. Unseen and unfelt, the last ties to Twilight's past were severed, but only her now forgotten friends felt something at that moment. Finally the changes ended and Twilight let go of the Heart which floated back to where it had come from. Twilight looked down at herself and grinned. Now came the big test. Dispelling the Air Bubble around her head, Twilight took her first lung ful of air. She let out a happy squee when she didn't drown and was soon breathing normally. Soon Twilight began to swim all around the room, enjoying the feeling of power her new fins gave her. Novo and Skystar couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. Twilight soon swam over and gave Novo a big hug, one she was happy to return. "Thank you. Thank you for all this," Twilight said. Novo smiled down at Twilight. "No. Thank you Twilight, though that's not quite right now is it?" Twilight was confused as she looked up. "What do you mean?" Novo's smile grew. "You aren't a regular seapony Twilight. You are something more." Twilight felt something click at that moment. "You mean?" Novo nodded. "Welcome home, Princess Twilight." Author's Note Well this should've been obviously coming if you'been paying attention. All Twilight is missing at the moment is her own Pearl Necklace. As for the Drowned God? It's not the same as Game of Thrones. There is only one god in this universe. Every race has a name for her. We know her as Cosmos.
Around the IslandView OnlineTwilight Under The SeaAround the IslandUnderwater life, Twilight decided, was way more fun than whatever the surface world could have. Who needed hooves anyway when fins worked so much better. And if what Skystar and Silverstream were telling her was true, this was just the tip of the perverbial iceberg of what she could do now in this form. The three of them were at the momen taking a lap around the base of Mount Aris, as the island above the waves was apparently called. Unlike before, they were avoiding the Trench. Twilight could still see it though. It encircled the entire island it seemed. Out beyond that were the waters of the deep blue sea. "Does anyone ever go out beyond the Trench?" She asked after awhile. Slverstream shrugged. "Not many do. Forget the Krakens, there's things out there that'll see us as lunch." She shivered at the thought. "We could outrun most of them though," Skystar added. "I mean, we can swim over 600 m.p.h. if we need to. But most don't bother." Twilight's jaw dropped. "Six hundred?" Silverstream giggled. "Oh yeah. We all can. Most of us don't need to, but we can. You just have to watch where you're going." "What happens if you don't?" Twilight asked. Skystar rolled her eyes. "You run into things. It takes awhile to learn how to do it right. And it hurts when you run into a rock." She and Silverstream both winced at some shared memory." Twilight briefly wondered what had happened to them. Her eyes though were drawn to a familiar wreck in the distance. Before she had left it alone, but her curiosity was raised this time. "What is that wreck?" She asked, pointing at the ruined leviathan. Both Skystar and Silverstream shared a look before answering. "It happened before we were born so this is how Queen Novo tells it,"Silverstream replied. Twilight was worried now. "Tells what?" Skystar sighed. "So that belonged to some guy named the Storm King. Mom was pregnant with me when his fleet came. In peace he said." "His second in command, Tempest Shadow, came to talk. She said that she ha heard that maybe there was a way to fix her broken horn," Silverstream added. Twilight touched her own. She knew enough of surface ponies that only unicorns and alicorns had them. "What happened to hers?" "It was broken in half by an Ursa Minor. Mom was more than willing to try. She didn't know if she could, but she wouldn't leave anypony like that," Skystar replied. Now Twilight was curious. "Did it work?" Skystar ahrugged. "We'll never know. It was all a distraction. Tempes was the one to draw mom out, and kill her to take our Pearl." Silverstream sniffed. "My dad was killed while they were talking. They only found him later. It was the signal to attack." Twilight gulped. She didn't like where this was going. "But? Seaquestria's still here, so something didn't work." Skystar nodded. "Tempest found out the hard way why no one messes with mom. Her horn was broken, but her magic wasn't." She poked her necklace. "Unfortunately for her, she didn't know all mom's necklace can do. It makes any magic thrown at it turn back on its source ten fold." Silverstream giggled. "Safe to say, Tempest's day got a lot worse. You can ask her about it if you want too." "She's alive?" Twilight asked, shocked. Skystar nodded. "Rotting away the rest of her life in the dungeons. Grubber goes down every day to feed her and keep her company, for all she appreciates it anyway." She giggled at the look on Twilight's face. "Grubber's the eel you see around a lot. He's actually really funny if you ever get a chance to talk to him." Twilight made a mental note to try that later. "So what happened then?" "The Deep Ones rose from the Trench. Mom didn't have to call them, they came on their own. The Storm King's fleet was destroyed, though he survived," Skystar replied as she pointed at the rusting hulk. "That one was his personal one. Yeah, he wasn't happy at all about that." They all giggled. "I bet," Twilight replied. Silverstream touched her own necklace. "So Queen Novo decides she'll handle the big guy herself." She smirked. "Just to make it more fun for them both, she even changed herself into what he was. And she still kicked the stuffing out of him. His staff wasn't much help." Twilight felt she knew which staff she meant. Seaquestria only had one. "If that happened to him, what about his army?" "Fed to the sharks or killed when the fleet was destroyed," Skystar replied. "Grubber was spared because he didn't do anything and switched sides in the end." Now Twilight couldn't hide a shiver. One that had nothing to do with the water temperature. She hoped she never had to see anything like that. For a moment she wondered if she had once, but was lost with her memories and past. It didn't really matter though. Not anymore.
Pearl of TransformationView OnlineTwilight Under The SeaPearl of TransformationTwilight looked over the necklace Queen Novo had given her with a confused look before looking back at the queen. "So what exactly is this anyway?" Novo smiled. "Your own Pearl Necklace. Everyone in Seaquestria has one. Within it is a piece of the Pearl of Transformation." Twilight looked up at where the Pearl itself rested. She knew what the Pearl could do, and why it was both powerful and incredibly dangerous to have. The power to transform into literally anything you could think of was something that was both awe-inspiring and worrisome. It had the goal of every invader to get their hands on the Pearl. If they had, they could rule all of Equus, above and below the waves. None ever had of course, but it had come close to it several times. Most recently with the Storm King. "Is it safe to take pieces off?" Twilight asked as she fastened the necklace around her neck. It fit her comfortably as if made for her. Immediately she felt the Pearl's power flow into her. It wasn't the full strength of the Pearl, but it was still awesome. Novo nodded. "The Pearl regenerates when a new piece is removed. We've done so for millennia and the Pearl always returns to its full self." While Twilight had a hard time believing that at first, she couldn't argue with the fact that the Pearl looked brand new with no chips on it all. Novo sighed. "There is another thing Twilight. Princess Celestia is coming later today. She says she has something for you." Twilight was confused. "What is it?" Novo shook her head. "She didn't say. All she said was that it is yours by all rights and that it should be with you." Twilight was conflicted. On one hoof she was curious as to what on Equus this Princess Celestia would want with her and what she was bringing her. But another part was worried about what it could mean. She had no intention of returning to the surface world above the waves. If Celestia thought this would change her mind, then she was a fool. "Is she bringing anypony else?" She asked, doing her best to hide her annoyance at the thoughts running through her mind. Novo nodded. "Your friends are coming as well. They weren't going to be left out from what Celestia told me. And I couldn't say no." Twilight frowned. She didn't understand why they had to come. They may have known her, but she didn't know, and she doubted they would stay long enough for that to change. Novo sighed. "And she is bringing your parents and family as well. I promised your mother that I would not keep you from her." Now Twilight bit her lip. Out of everything that had been her past, her parents and family had been the one thing she couldn't bring herself to want to forget. Her parents especially. Even if her memories of them were gone, a part of her still loved them. That would never change. But what would that mean for her future? Twilight hoped it all worked out when they arrived later that day. Author's Note Up next is a blast from Twilight's past. Whether she wants it or not. As for her reluctance to meet the rest of the Mane 6. That has nothing to do with being unopen to friendship. She has friends in Seaquestria. It's that they know so much about her when she knows nothing about herself or them.
Confessions Of LoveView OnlineTwilight Under The SeaConfessions Of LoveSkystar and Silverstream knew something was wrong with Twilight the moment they found her in her room, her gaze out the window but not really seeing anything that it showed. Nothing about her screamed wrong, but something told them that something was bothering her and was on her mind. It was a feeling that had been growing between the three of them for some time now. It was a feeling neither Skystar and Silverstream knew anything about. But it felt right feel this way none the less. For some reason, it seemed to be centered on Twilight. None could deny that the three of them were friends. In fact, if most of Seaquestria was asked about it, they would say they had never seen three friends so close together. Queen Novo felt something more was going on between them. She had seen the quick glances they had shared, or had had done to the other when they thought they weren't looking. If she was a betting mare, she might say it was a love triangle. One that none of the three seemed to know existed. But in her long life, she had learned not to junp to conclusions, so she didn't say anything. Of course, if it did turn out to be something that deep, then she was happy for them. Same-sex couples were not unknown in the kingdom, though they were rare. Plus there was no law that said anything about it. So who was she to step in and quash it? For the girls themselves, Twilight had long since accepted she had a crush on Skystar. There was no other way to say it. She just couldn't get her mind off her. And Silverstream? Though it was not as old as her first, Twilight couldn't deny she found her beautiful. Maybe even more so than she did Skystar. Or maybe it was a tie. It was tough to choose from. As for Skystar? Ever since she had come to Seaquestria, she couldn't get Twilight off her mind. At first, they were just friends, and she was happy with that. But over the last few weeks, it had grown into something more. So what if Twilight couldn't remember her past. Skystar thought she was perfect as she was. Only now did she know what it was. Love. Love in a way she had never felt before. Oh sure, she loved her mom and everyone in the kingdom, but this went beyond that. Silverstream was much the same. She had found Twilight cute even before she had chosen to stay as one of them. And now? She would say she didn't know anyone as beautiful. Of course, none of them had told anypony, let alone each other. How could they ever be anything but friends was how Twilight thought of it. She was somepony who had nothing to her name, but her name. Skystar and Silverstream were royalty. Why would they ever want to be that with her? As far as Skystar and Silverstream were concerned though, it didn't matter what their status was. Skystar's dad hadn't been royalty either, but her mom had loved him all the same. Silverstream was much the same. Neither though knew how to even try and break it to Twilight. What if she said no? What if she said yes? Then what? But that could wait as they swam over to her. "What's wrong Twilight?" Silverstream asked, not seeing anything to make her like this. Twilight gave them both a forlorn look. "Just thinking. I don't know if I want to meet everyone that's coming." "Why not?" Skystar asked. "They already know you." Twilight rounded on her. "That's the problem. I don't know them! They say they know me. I don't know a thing about them. What if they say something about me? What am I supposed to say?" She swung a hoof around the room. "I put that past behind me. I'm trying to move past it. This is going to dig it back up. No matter what I say, I don't want it." "What about your parents?" Silverstream asked. Twilight allowed herself to float on the current. "I don't know. I want to meet them. I really do. A part of me still loves them, even if I don't know who they are." She sniffed. "But that's that problem. I don't know them. How can we be a family if I can't even know their faces? Some daughter I am." Skystar and Silverstream both shared a look. They could both feel Twilight's sorrow at the very thought. It wasn't fair to her. It wasn't fair at all. Not waiting another moment, they wrapped Twilight into a group hug. Twilight was more than happy to return it. Before anyone could say anything though, a jolt went through all three of them. It didn't hurt, but it was a shock none the less. "Okay, what the heck was that?" Twilight asked. As they watched though, their visions became filled with what looked like three strings, each matching thier own colors. As they watched, all three intertwined themselves together. In a momet, they had become so tied together that there was no way to seperate them without ripping all three. When the vision faded, all three of them shared a look. Something had been born in that moment, and Twilight found herself with a new found confidence. She smiled. "I think it's time I confessed something. To both of you." Silverstream and Skystar shared a confused look. Both felt something new in their hearts, but they didn't know how to say it. Twilight took Skystar's hoof in her own. "Skystar. You were my first friend. You didn't even care that I don't remember anything about who I am." Her eyes drilled into her friends, who couldn't help but blush. "Ever since then, I've thought about you. Not as a friend, but more. I think it's called love." Twilight shook her head. "No. This is love. I do love you Skystar. I don't care if you don't feel the same. I can't change what I feel." Skystar's blush turned up another few degrees. Before she could respond though, Twilight turned to Silverstream. "Silverstream. I know we haven't known each other all that long, but I can't help it. You're beautiful. The most beautiful thing I've ever known," She smiled and took her fin in her hooves. "I love you. As much as I love Skystar. I don't know how you feel in return, but I won't deny it any longer." Now it was Silverstream's tunr to blush brightly. Twilight's smile grew as she sqeezed both of their finds. She had confessed. Now she could only hope. Both of them were speechless at Twilight's confession. The blush they both bore helped Twilight's mood for how it would turn out, but she kept it to herself for the moment. Skystar was the first to make a move as she pulled Twilight close. "You big silly. Of course I love you Twilight. I've had this feeling for a while now. I just, didn't know if you felt the same." Twilight squeed as she returned the hug. That seemed to do it for Silverstream as she too joined in on the hug. "I was hoping it wasn't just me. I do love you too Twilight." That got an even bigger squee out of Twilight as she hugged them both tightly, one they were more than happy to return. Author's Note Romance has never been a strong suit of mine. So blame that for this being as it is. But I wanted to do this from the beginning of the story. Skystar and Pinkie Pie is the only one I see for her. Unoriginality at its height. And as for Silverstream? Let's be honest. This is long before she would have ever met the rest of the Young Six. So what is stopping me from screwing with it? Plus I couldn't get a threesome with her, Twilight, and Skystar out of my head.
Meet the FamilyView OnlineTwilight Under The SeaMeet the FamilyTwilight tried not to gulp as she and Silverstream swamp up to the latter's dwelling place. Aside from a nameplate out front, it didn't stand out from those around it. Silverstream saw Twilight's look and giggled. "Come on Twilight. Mom isn't that bad. She's a lot like Aunt Novo." Twilight tried to remain calm, but it was a losing battle. "I'm about to tell her that I love you and that I want us to work out. That isn't exactly normal." Silverstream rolled her eyes. "You're not the first to say that to her. None of the other times worked out, but I have a good feeling about this. About us." Twilight gave her a look. "What happened to the other times?" Silverstream just shrugged. "They just never went anywhere. I mean, they were all a clean breakup and I'm still friends with most of them." Her fins drooped. "But after a while, we always agreed it was never going to work. For one reason or another every time." "Did your mom ever have anything to say about any of them?" Twilight asked. Silverstream shook her head. "Just that she wished some of them had worked out in the end. She never had a bad thing to say about any of them." "What about siblings?" Twilight asked. Silverstream chuckled a bit. "I'm an only child. Mom always said she wanted to have more kids. But after dad was killed, she never remarried." Twilight felt her heart drop a bit. She knew she had an older brother up above the waves. No memory or not, it still counted for something. She couldn't imagine what it was like being an only child. "Is that why you and Skystar are so close?" She asked. Silverstream nodded. "She's like the big sister I never had. And I have a lot of friends, so I'm never lonely at least." Twilight couldn't argue with that. Everyone in Seaquestria seemed to know and love Silverstream as much as they loved Skystar. Which brought her back to why she was here in the first place. This was a big step for them. Queen Novo was next. But all three of them had agreed that it would be easier to start off small and then bring their relationship up to the queen. Twilight hoped it all worked out in the end as the two of them swam into the house. For all it's owner's status, it was rather cozy and simple. Not what Twilight had expected at all. But there seemed to be no one home. "Mom? Are you home?" Silverstream called out after a moment of no one showing. "In here Silvy," came a voice from a bit farther in. It didn't sound much older than Queen Novo if Twilight had to guess. Even younger maybe. Twilight also giggled at the blush on Silverstream's face. "Mom! I thought I told you, don't call me that. I'm too old for it," she grumbled. Ocean Flow chuckled as she came around the corner and pulled her daughter into a hug. "You're never to old to be embarrassed by your mother honey." Silverstream just grumbled as she returned the hug. Twilight couldn't help but giggle at the sight. Ocean heard her and turned toward her, her smile growing. "I thought it was true. You two are friends," she said as she swam over and looked her over before nodding. "Well, don't let me stand in the way of young love," she added with a smirk. Twilight's brain screeched to a halt as she and Silverstream shared a surprised look. Ocean just chuckled at the sight as she wrapped a fin around Twilight. "Don't look so surprised. When you're my age, you can spot these things," she said as her smile softened. "That said, I approve." Twilight blinked. "Wait. You do?" Ocean nodded as she looked at her daughter. "I can't see you being someone who would break anyone's heart Twilight. And even if it didn't work out, you two would still be friends." She sighed. "Silverstream is a wonderful pony. I know I shouldn't worry about her like this, but I can't help it. I want her to be happy, start a family, all of it." She gave Twilight a stern look. "Don't make the same mistakes the others who tried did Twilight. Let her be her own pony." Twilight nodded. "I would never do that to someone. Especially a loved one. It isn't right." Ocean Flow nodded as she pulled Silverstream over and hoofed her over to Twilight. "Well then. Go on you two love birds. Don't let an old mare stand in your way." Twilight and Silverstream smiled before hugging her, one Ocean was happy to return, before swimming off together, their tails touching. She smiled as she watched them go. It was silly to worry about them she knew. But it was her job as a mom to worry about Silverstream. Especially now knowing that parts of Twilight's past were coming later in the day. Part of her wondered what it would do to the young mare. For Twilight's sake, Ocean Flow hoped all went well and that Twilight would be fine. Call it her motherly instincts, even whem she wasn't family. At least not yet. Author's Note Ah, the fun of awkward family meeting. Luckily I always planned Ocean Flow to not rip Twilight a new one when she found out she and Silverstream were a thing now. Same goes for Queen Novo for that matter. No ugly fights because one parent doesn't approve. That is a cheap and easy way out.
A New WorldView OnlineTwilight Under The SeaA New WorldWhile Princess Celestia knew she had other things she needed to be attending, she could not help herself as she looked at what seemed to be an ordinary mirror. It was not of course. But only a few knew of the World Mirror at all, and Celestia would like to keep it that way for as long as she could. She well remembered what had happened the last time it had been discovered by one not ready. Sunset Shimmer had said she had seen herself as a princess, Celestia's equal. But the princess herself had serious doubts her former student had seen anything at all. Never once in all the years she'd had the mirror had anything like what Sunset reported happened to her. As much as it tore her up inside, Celestia believed Sunset only said so to justify her demands to be made an alicorn. Celestia had refused of course. Sunset was not ready and her attitude had no business being made a princess and ruler. They had fought, and in the end, Sunset had fled through the mirror. That had been some years ago now. Every time she thought of it, Celestia wished she had done things differently then. Maybe if she had, Sunset would not have run away. "Are you sure of this sister?" Luna asked as she entered the room with Celestia. She too knew of the mirror, though her own experiences with it had not lead to anything. Celestia nodded. "I had always intended to show this to Twilight. In hopes of her maybe discovering more about it and how it works. Or maybe bringing Sunset home." Luna doubted the last could ever happen. From what she did know of that situation, she did not think miss. Shimmer would have changed at all during her time away. She had not, and she had been gone for far longer than her sister's wayward student. "Does Novo know we are bringing it with us?" Celestia nodded. "I told her this morning we are bringing it. She knows what it does and my story with Sunset. She has no problem with showing it to Twilight." Luna walked up beside the elder alicorn and looked at the mirror. "Then what are you afraid of? Even if Twilight remembers nothing, I cannot see her not passing up the chance to study it." Celestia smiled at that. "I know Luna. I am not afraid of that. I fear what will happen when she and Sunset meet. The mirror opens tonight. And I too doubt Sunset has changed for the better, no matter how much I wish for the better." Luna rolled her eyes. "I very much doubt miss. Shimmer is a match for Novo, let alone Twilight and Skystar. Or all three together. If that is not what worries you, then what is?" Celestia's head bowed. "I fear what will happen if Sunset flees back through the mirror and Twilight goes after her. Very little is known of the other world on the other side. Even I know little of it." "You think she would not be able to make friends?" Luna asked. Celestia shook her head. "Twilight has a natural ability to make friends, no matter what. Her time in Ponyville proved that. It is what Sunset might do to provoke her going after her that I worry about." Luna didn't understand what her sister meant by that. "What do you mean?" Celestia looked at the Element of Magic sitting on a nearby table. "Sunset has always had an appetite for power and ways of getting it no matter what. I fear she will go after the Element of Magic." Luna shook her head. "It would not respond to her. We both know that." Celestia nodded. "Indeed. But it could have other effects on her. That is what I worry about. And if by some chance she does manage to steal it and get back to the other world, what will its presence do to that world?" Luna couldn't argue with that. It was true to be sure. Neither of them knew what effect magic would have on that world if it was brought into it. Magic did not exist there from what they knew. For both world's sakes then, Luna thought, she hoped the worst did not happen, and the most that would happen would be the mirror opened for three days before closing again. There was little time to think about it more though as their airship departed Canterlot in a few hours. Twilight Velvet and Night Light were already on their way to the castle, and Cadance and Shining were due any moment from the Crystal Empire. All that remained was to wait for Twilight's Ponyville friends and Spike to arrive. Their train was due any time now. Author's Note So, this will have a major impact on the story going forward. Equestria Girls 1 will happen as we know it from the film. At least from Twilight's arrival at Canterlot High forward. There will be changes for sure. Because Twilight has no memory of her Ponyville friends, her efforts to befriend the Humane 5 will be more sincere and not just because of Sunset's meddling. Twilight doesn't know how to judge them compared to their pony counterparts, and they don't know her at all. It's the perfect chance to start friendships anew with no strings attached. Or at least that's what I'm going for.
ReunionsView OnlineTwilight Under The SeaReunionsAs Twilight, Skystar, and Queen Novo broke the surface of the waters around Mount Aris and changed into a more land friendly form, Twilight still thought this was a bad idea. What did anyone really expect her to do? To go running and embrace a bunch of ponies she didn't know? That claimed to ber her friends? She didn't think ponies were that dumb. But she could be wrong of course. And if they thought she was going to go back with them, then they had another thing or two coming. As the three of them spread their wings, Novo and Skystar in what they had called their Hippogriff form, Twilight tried to keep her mind on the meeting ahead, and not how wrong it felt to be a pony again. Though she had only been a seapony now for only a few days, it felt like she had always been one, and that her seapony form was her natural one, not a pony. Maybe it had something to do with the Heart of the Sea. Twilight made a mental note to ask Queen Novo that later. Assuming, of course, this went well. "Where are we going?" Skystar finally asked as they flew over the thick jungle that covered the island, all rising to a steep peak in the center. Novo pointed out a clearing in the distance. "There. It's the usual meeting place for outsiders who don't wish to come down to Seaquestria. They should be there by now." "Why wouldn't they want to come down?" Twilight asked. Novo shrugged. "I do not know, but Princess Celestia asked that we meet here on the island, and I really could not say no." Twilight didn't like that, as she saw that indeed an airship of some kind had landed in the clearing ahead of them. It looked nothing like the kind in the waters around the island, so that was a start. Novo saw the look in Twilight's eyes. "Are you ready for this?" Twilight shook her head. "No. But I want to get this over with sooner rather than later. I made my choice. If they don't like it, that's not my problem. And if my parents are here," she paused before sighing. "I don't know." Novo and Skystar shared a look as the trio began to descend. In front of them, a decent-sized group of ponies and on tiny dragon awaited them. All of their eyes lit up as they saw Twilight, but none of it meant much to her. The two largest of the group, one a brilliant white and the other a dark blue, stepped forward with formal smiles as the trio landed. "Queen Novo, Princess Skystar," the eldest said, before turning and looking at Twilight with a hopeful look in her eyes. "Twilight Sparkle. It is good to see you again." Novo smiled as she stepped forward and hugged the pony. "Princess Celestia. It has been far too long since we met face to face. We really need to do it more often. I wish it was for better reasons though." Celestia nodded before she once more looked at Twilight, a pleading look in her eyes. "Do you know who I am Twilight?" Twilight shook her head and was quick to respond. "No. Should I?" And just like that, the light died in Celestia's eyes, her whole body visibly deflating in despair. She lowered her head and tried to remain calm, but Twilight could hear the sorrow in her voice. "You once called me your mentor, even your friend." She looked at everyone around her. "You once called us all friends. Even family." Something at the back of Twilight's mind made her stop. It was like an itch she couldn't scratch, but why? She could feel that Princess Celestia was being truthful with her. She bowed her head. "I have no memory of my life before I woke up in Seaquestria. Queen Novo tells me that they have been erased and can't be brought back." Princess Luna came to stand by her sister's side, her expression grim. "She is correct. No magic can give you your memories back. The ones we know of only work if they have been hidden away somewhere." Twilight nodded, her own deep-seated fears confirmed. Something about being in their presence told her that she could trust them. It felt right. Two older unicorns soon joined them, a light grey mare, and a light blue stallion. "Do you feel anything for us Twilight?" The stallion asked gently. Twilight felt something. She didn't know their faces, but this was a feeling that didn't need to, a feeling that was ingrained into her, as it was for all when seeing certain individuals, if only for the first time. "Mom? Dad?" The pair nodded, their smiles growing. It was enough for Twilight, as her eyes became misty and she began to sniff. The pair pulled her into a hug, and the damn broke. Twilight cried into the mare's shoulders, not caring who saw her. Her mother patted her on the back, content to let her cry. Twilight felt warm, loved, protected. As only her parents could ever make her feel. Novo and Skystar watched the heartfelt scene play out from a distance, Skystar trying not to squee in delight at what she was seeing. "I don't get it," Rainbow said, earning a groan from the others. "A child will always know their parents. No matter what may be missing, or how much time has passed," Novo explained. Cadance nodded. "It's a bond and magic that cannot be broken. Not even whatever took Twilly's memories can change that." "So what about us?" Spike asked as he shared a look with Shining Armor. "Why doesn't she know Shining?" Luna shook her head. "One step at a time Spike. I saw it in her eyes. There is no recognition there. We are total strangers to her. If we want to be friends with her once more, we must start again from the very beginning." Celestia nodded. "It will be a long process, and it may not even happen. The Twilight Sparkle we knew and loved is gone. We cannot bring her back. Let us begin again with the Twilight that is here now." Angel rummaged around Fluttershy's saddlebags, and soon pulled out the Element of Magic. "Could this help?" The Pegasus asked. Celestia and Luna shared a look. "We do not know," Luna said. "It is Twilights by right. Maybe it will do something, and maybe it will not." Celestia nodded as she took the crown in her magic, as Twilight finally got her emotions under control and pulled apart from her parents. She looked much better now, as she dried her eyes with a hoof. She eyed the crown idly, as Celestia stepped up to her. Celestia smiled as she set the crown on Twilight's head, the Element settling down comfortably. "You may not know us Twilight, but I hope you will let us try and change that. This is yours by all rights, and it should stay with you." Twilight looked up at her new accessory. It felt right that she was wearing it, whatever that meant. It felt like it was hers, as Princess Celestia said. She tried to smile at the ponies around her. "You're right. I don't know you all. But something tells me that maybe, just maybe, I should change that." It wasn't much, but for the girls, Spike, Cadance, Celestia, Luna, and Shining Armor, it was a start. *** In the Deep Hold of the airship, HMS Harmony, the World Mirror hummed to life.
