An Epic Adventure

Chapters

1 The Beginning
2 Civilization! Wait. Ponies??
3 More Information, Please.
4. Learning and Fun
5. Coming Across Friends
6. The Ambush
7. Meeting With The Enemy
8. Rescue
9. Meeting Royalty

1 The Beginning

Author's Note

Adventure time.

I hope you guys like this story! As always, all comments are appreciated, especially criticism. I don't know what to do better the next time if you guys don't tell me, now do I? :raritywink: :twilightsmile:

1 The Beginning

I dropped wearily into my desk chair, and stared at the pen and notebook in front of me. No new story ideas. Wonderful. It had been months since my last story. Maybe being a writer wasn't a talent of mine. I leaned back in my chair and let my eyes wander to the trash can in the corner, overflowing with crumpled up pages of failed story attempts. Welp. If I wasn't a writer, what was I then? I clearly had no talent for the so called "girlish stuff" like cooking and whatever else. Nope. That was not me. I prefered being outside in nature, and among farm animals. Always a tomboy.

But I wanted something else too. Surely I had a purpose in life. But what? I shrugged and looked back at my notebook, staring intensely at the blank page as if I could somehow magically make words appear.

"I want to do something great." I stated aloud, to no one in particular.

Well. Almost no one. A very lazy Turkish Van cat sprawled on my bed stirred at my words and started purring. I snorted.

"Do you have any advice on my purpose in life?"I asked."Yours is to apparently sleep all the time."

He twitched his tanish ears at me, lazily flicked his tail, and barely blinked before letting his eyes close again.

"Gee, thanks."

I went back to staring at my notebook, silently questioning my talents, my purpose in life, my abilities. Wishing that something might happen that would give me answers to what I was even good for.

"Something. Anything. I just want to know."

Nothing could have prepared me for what happened next...

***************************

One moment, I was sitting in peace and calm, listening to the cat. The next, I was enveloped in a flash of blinding white light. I instinctively closed my eyes against it, heard a buzzing noise, like a swarm of bees, then a rushing sound, like strong wind blowing through meadow grasses. My body felt heavy for a moment, as if I was made of lead or stone, then I felt light, weightless. I relaxed, as the sensation was not at all unpleasant, and for a moment everything grew still and silent around me.

Then, a rush of wind, and suddenly my body impacted hard with a solid and unyielding surface, causing me to yelp in suprise and pain. I opened my eyes, and to my shock, found myself laying in the dust of a...what was it? A desert? I stood up unsteadily, wincing a little as I did so, surveying my surroundings and trying to make sense of it all.

"What just happened? Where am I? What is this place? How did I get here? Wait. Why am I even here??"

There was nothing in reply to my question. Nothing but a strong, hot wind blowing across the barren desert wasteland before me. So many questions. Yet no one to answer them. I needed to find out why. Why me? Why here? How? Who? I would not stop until I knew. No matter how long it took. Meantime, I needed to figure out what to do and where to go.

I stood still, atop the small hill I had landed on, and let my eyes slowly scan the area as far as I could see. Rocks. Dead tree stumps. More hills in the distance. And all around, over everything, endless amounts of dust. There were thick clouds in the sky, dark, eerie, foreboding. I shivered a little, even though the air was not at all cold.

The ground I was standing on, as well as the ground as far as the eye could see, was parched, with gaping cracks here and there that looked like the earth was crying out for water. I could almost hear it. Things appeared so desolate, so devoid of life of any kind, with the exception of myself. Which led me to wonder...had whoever responsible for my being here transported me to a place where I was the only life form? Some planet where nothing could exist? Or had existed, but was somehow annihilated? If so, for what purpose?

I looked around again, pondering. Who would bring me to such a godforsaken place as this, and what would they hope to gain or achieve by doing so? There was nothing for me to do here. No purpose in my being in this wasteland. Well. Time to try to find answers.

I started walking, my steps slow but sure on the cracked ground. All the while, I kept my eyes open for any sign of life whatsoever, and kept my mouth closed against dust and dirt flying around in the gusts of hot air. I hoped I was not the only life. If so, I wouldn't last long. No food. No water. I would die very quickly, and very painfully.

'Keep going straight....you'll find your way....'

I froze, blinking at the sudden and unexplained whisper that reached me. Great. Had I already been out in the burning wind so long I was hallucinating? Hearing nothing further, I shrugged and had just taken another step when I heard something else. More clearly.

'You will find your way, Liz. Keep walking ahead...'

"What in the royal hell?!?" I exclaimed, blinking."Who said that??? Who are you?? Where are you??? What are you?? Well? Answer me!"

Nothing but wind.

"So I'm crazy then?" I said, rolling my eyes."Well, yay. That's just fantastic. I haven't been here in this damn wasteland an hour and I've already freaking lost all my marbles. Wonderful."

'No. You are perfectly sane.'

That creepily mysterious voice again. I snorted.

"Oh really? Then tell me who, what, and where the hell you are, and why am I even here!" I gave a stomp in the dust for added wrathful effect.

A whisper of a chuckle. 'All will be revealed to you in time, Liz. All you need to know now, is you are here for a purpose. Discover that purpose, you may go home.'

I scowled fiercely. "And I suppose you're just gonna talk to me at random times but not really tell me anything?"

'I will always be watching you, Liz, of that you may be certain. Your life is valuable, I will not let any fatal harm befall you.'

"Great."I said sarcastically."So I can get hurt, just not killed. Gee, thanks. So, I can't even see who I'm talking to? Ever?"

'In due time, young human. In due time. For now, walk straight ahead. Your first adventure is coming soon.'

"Young human?!?"I sputtered indignantly."I am not young! I'm...well. I'm in my twenties."

A chuckle. 'Yes, I know. But still you're young. Now go on, enjoy your adventures. And I am never but a word away from you.'

I huffed. "Fine. Yay. Silent protector. Always there, never seen. Ugh. Just wait til I see you in the future, you aggravating voice! I'll give you a piece of my mind!"

No reply. Well, of course not. Whoever it was had retreated to being my silent and invisible bodygaurd for now. I sighed as I resumed walking. When this was all over, whoever it was better have a very good reason for my being here! I took a breath, coughed once, then held my head up high and marched forward.

Forward to what, I had no clue. All I knew was that adventures and challenges lay ahead, and I was determined I would meet each one without being afraid of it. Go find my purpose for being here? Fine. I would do that. And I would let nothing stand in my way!

2 Civilization! Wait. Ponies??

I felt like I had been walking for days. For all I knew, I had been. Maybe in this place, time changed without any visible sign that it had. Maybe I had been walking for a week already while what little light there was stayed never-changing. But who cared? I was weary, hot, irritated, hungry and thirsty. I wanted a rest, preferably someplace with comfy chairs, plenty of sustenance to be had, and also with a working shower.

I looked down at my outfit. Dust and dirt coated my clothing, and of course my skin, wherever there was skin visible. I reached down and whacked the side of my leg experimentally, and was unsuprised at the mushroom cloud of dust that puffed up from my jeans.

"I hate dust." I grumbled in a bitter tone."Gets everywhere. I need a shower. Maybe two. Gonna take a week to get all this off me. Stupid dirt. Stupid dark clouds. Stupid walking. Stupid...wait. Hold on. What's that?"

I stopped short, my complaining forgotten, and peered ahead of me. I could make out outlines and shadows of what appeared to be buildings. Buildings meant people. People meant food and water. Finally! I let out an happy shout. Well, almost a shout. My mouth was too dry and my throat too dust coated to manage more than a hoarse exclaimation.

I started walking again, picking up my pace now that I knew I was finally closing in on some civilization. I was grinning in excitement and anticipation. As I drew nearer, and things became more and more easily visible, my grin started to fade and I could feel my face twisting into an expression of shock. Right at the edge of what I could now see with certainty was a town, I stopped dead in my tracks and stared.

"What in tarnation?" Was all I could say.

There were inhabitants there. But they were not what I was expecting. I was not looking at people, but at ponies.

"I knew it. I've gone insane." I muttered to myself."I'm seeing ponies now. What the hell did I do, get thrown into the world of My Little Pony or something??"

'In a matter of speaking, yes.' My unseen bodyguard again.

"What?" I said, nearly in a hiss."You're kidding me, right?"

'I assure you, I am not.'

"Wonderful. Why?"

'As I said before, all will be told to you in due time. Just focus on your journey for now.'

"Oh, very helpful." I sighed."Fine. So I'm in the MLP universe then?"

'Yes, and no.'

I huffed. "Could you be a little less non-specific?"

'You are indeed in the MLP universe. However, it is not the universe you are thinking it is.'

"OK, could you just maybe not talk in riddles and tell me where the hell I am?!"

'You are in an alternate version of Equestria. One vastly different from the one you are familiar with.'

"And I am here in this alternate Equestria...why, exactly?"

A whisper of a chuckle. 'That, my dear Liz, is part of your adventure. To discover why you are here. And do not worry. You will discover it, in time.'

I groaned. "Fine. But now what? Where to from here?"

No sooner had I asked, than a book materialized in the air in front of me, bound in a dark blue leather. I blinked in suprise before tentatively putting out a hand to grab it.

'This is your guidebook for this universe. Follow it, and I will be here if I am needed. For now, go, find food and drink. You need it.'

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks for that oh-so-brilliant observation, Captain Obvious."

A chuckle. 'You amuse me. Now go on.'

Something told me my bodyguard was done talking. I sighed, and made my way cautiously into the town, alert for any danger. The ponies I encountered gave me sober looks, mixed with some curiosity, but none seemed hostile. Maybe I could make some friends. That might help. Friendship was important in Equestria, right? So maybe-

"Hold it right there, you!!"

The strong, rather angry male voice made me stop walking, and I slowly turned around, looking for the owner of said voice. A dark brown stallion with equally dark brown, almost black, eyes, stood still and stared intensely at me. His expression was one of complete mistrust and caution.

Ok. Maybe I was wrong on the whole, none of the ponies being hostile thought, then.

"Uh. Me?" I said, pointing a finger at my own chest, then mentally slapped myself for the stupidity of the question.

He was staring at me, so obviously yes, I was the one he was addressing. The intensity of his gaze increased, as he warily and almost coldly scrutinized me from head to foot. I felt like I was being X-rayed, like he could see right into my soul, and it was creepy. I held his gaze and shivered slightly.

"You." He spoke again, sternly."What manner of creature are you? Never seen your kind before. Talk fast, or I'm gonna assume you're with the enemy." His eyes narrowed.

"I'm not with any enemy!" I exclaimed, indignantly.

"Exactly what someone who was with the enemy would say." He glared at me coldly.

"Dude, you just asked, and I answered." I said irritably."I'm a human. From Earth. And I'm here in Equestria for some yet to be discovered reason. I'm not an enemy."

He studied me, frowning. "Human, eh? Never heard of it. Your kind must no longer exist. They all get killed off or something?"

I rolled my eyes. "No, they haven't."I said drily."Though it sure as hell isn't from lack of trying on thier part."

I meant, of course, all the violence in my world, people constantly trying to annihilate each other. But of course, the ponies here wouldn't know about that. I stared back at the stallion.

"Anything else you wanna ask?" I enquired."I'm hot, and I'm hungry, and I need water too. And a long bath followed by an equally long nap."

As if to prove my words were true, my stomach growled, and at the same time, I yawned. My interrogator's expression changed.

"Oh. Yeah, of course." He said."There's an inn with an eating place right down there." He jabbed a hoof in the direction of said inn.

"Thanks."I said gratefully.

"Name's Dusk Shadow. I'm acting sheriff in this here town." He eyed me. "You got a name?"

I sighed. "Liz." Was all I said.

"I'm gonna be watching you." Dusk informed me sternly."If I find out you're an enemy, you'll go right to jail!"

"Noted and understood." I replied, making a mental note to avoid doing anything to make me look like enemy material.

He gave a nod and strode away, and I turned and headed for the inn, tired out and ready for food and sleep. Almost to the door, I froze.

"Uh oh. I don't have currency for here."

'Check your right pocket.'

I followed instructions, withdrawing a small bag of coins. I blinked.

"I, uh, what? But how...?"

'Don't question it. Think of it as, unexplainable. There is enough bits in that pouch for food and lodging here, plus more will be supplied as you need it.'

"As unexplainable as Pinkie Pie's logic?" I quipped.

'Precisely. It just is what it is. Now go eat, and get some sleep. You will need it.'

"Appreciate the concern, Cap. It's heartwarming." There was a note of sarcasm in my tone.

'Cap?' There was amusement and curiosity in the question.

"Short for Captain Obvious. Or Captain whatever. You're guiding me, like a captain would, so, Captain works for me." I snickered. "Better than calling you 'the voice'. Which sounds like the T.V. show."

'So instead you refer to me as an accessory you wear on your head?' Again, amusement.

"Eh. What works, works." I replied. Then I tensed.

Nearby a couple of ponies had stopped and were eyeing me curiously. Probably wondering why I was talking to myself.

'Undoubtedly they are wondering..'

I smiled at them slightly, and they moved on, not looking back. I then realized what my invisible companion had said.

"Wait, you can read my thoughts??"

'Of course I can. Why?'

"And you couldn't have told me that back when I first talked to you? I look like an idiot to ponies now, and it could have been avoided!"

'Fair enough. My apologies. Unless you want to speak aloud, simply think what you want to say to me. I will hear you.'

I suddenly smirked. Oh really? It was time to test that and see for sure. Concentrating, I thought to myself,"'You are an irritating presence right now.'"

'So I have been told before. And while at the moment I find you amusing, keep up the insults and I may find you just as irritating as you do me.'

"Fine. I'll try to be less me and more, I don't know, nice? Like Pinkie or Fluttershy or somepony from MLP." I said.

'Be you, Liz. Always be you. Never try to be someone else. That is thier job.'

"Wow, Cap. Words of wisdom. Nice. I like it." I was being serious.

'I try. Now stop talking and go eat, then rest.'

I walked into the inn, probably looking as tired as I felt, and collapsed at a table in the dining area. A sky blue pony with a slightly darker blue mane and tail trotted over to me.

"You must be new. I have never seen you before. And I've seen everypony for miles around! Everycreature too! But you are not a pony. What creature are you? Huh?? Are you some strange, magical, non-existant creature of old? Was your kind wiped out, all but you?? Oh you poor creature!"

And here she threw her forelegs around me in a massive, warm hug. I blinked rapidly, completely caught off guard. This was definitely not a shy and suspicious pony. She was open, accepting, and apparently felt compassion and care for all creatures. I hugged her back, carefully, not sure what else to do. She pulled back after a moment and smiled at me.

"You need food! And water! I'll get you some of the best food we have! Oh, and do you like desserts?? We have yummy ones!"

"'Oh lord.'" I thought."'Is this the alternate version of Pinkie Pie??'"

The young mare happily bounded off to see to a meal for me, and I shook my head as I leaned back in my seat, using another chair to rest my aching legs and feet on.

'She is definitely not Pinkie Pie.'

"'She could be a twin.'"

'No. She is just your average pony. A bit more excited and cheerful than most, but still. You would do well to make friends with her, Liz. She will be a good ally on your adventures here.'

I merely shrugged as the mare returned and placed a plate heaping with food in front of me. I studied it. Mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, carrots, and what looked like a large hamburger patty. Wait, what??

'That would be a hayburger there, Liz.' I heard the amusement.

"'But that would kill me! I'm no horse!'"

'Did I not tell you I would not let any fatal harm come to you? Trust me. I have already altered both your taste and your digestion to accommodate the vegetarian way you'll eat for now.'

I wasn't even going to ask. I was too hungry to care anyway. I rapidly devoured everything on my plate, washing it down with plenty of water. I was supplied with a piece of chocolate cake afterwards, which I ate with gusto.

"Wow, you were hungry!" My grinning new friend observed."By the way, I'm Bluebell!"

"Like the ice cream?" I said.

"Huh?"

"Never mind. Its nice to meet you, Bluebell. I'm Liz."

I was hugged ecstatically, then released. I yawned without intending to, earning a giggle.

"Come on, sleepy creature. Let's show you to a room."

I willingly let her lead me up to the floor where the rooms were located, and offered a grateful smile as she let me into one.

"Thanks, Bluebell."

"Absolutely!!! Go on and sleep! Sweet dreams!" And she was gone.

I shut the door and turned the lock, then went and collapsed on the bed. My aching body welcomed the soft and comfortable mattress, and I sighed in weary contentment.

"Cap?" I said aloud, yawning."I still think I need to know some stuff about this world."

'In the morning.' Was the response.'For now, sleep.'

Too tired to argue, I let my eyes close and yawned once more.

"Night..." I murmured, slowly drifting off towards a deep and peaceful slumber.

'Goodnight, Liz.' was the last thing I heard before all grew quiet, and I slept.

Author's Note

Hope you guys are enjoying this tale so far!

To be honest, I started writing this mix of stuff down in an effort to unblock my creative side. Then I thought, "Why not try making this into something others can enjoy?"

I don't have any idea where this story is going, anymore than you guys do. Its going somewhere, that's all I can tell ya. XD

So you could say that we're on an epic adventure together. 😉

As always, lemme know what you think of this, and feel free to suggest chapter ideas or stuff you would like to see happen in the story.

3 More Information, Please.

I awakened the following morning to an only slightly brighter light than yesterday shining in the room. I yawned and stretched, uttering a yelp as the muscles in my legs screamed in protest at my movements.

"Geez, that hurts!" I exclaimed aloud.

'Good morning.'

"Good to you, maybe. My legs are dying." I grimaced.

'Come now. You are just not used to walking such long distances. You'll get used to it. You have alot of walking ahead, though some places you can find carts or a train.'

"Right now, I only want to find breakfast." I retorted, easing my sore body out of bed."Ow. I just don't wanna walk."

'Just wait a second. You will have your breakfast without going anywhere.'

Before I could demand what that meant, there was a loud knock on the door. Wincing and grimacing, I walked painfully over and opened it, staggering back as Bluebell bounded inside carrying a tray.

"Good morning!" The energetic pony sang out as she put the tray on the nearby table."You looked super tired last night! I thought I would bring you your breakfast so you wouldn't have to drag yourself downstairs to eat! Hope you enjoy!"

And whoosh, out the door she went, closing it behind her. I blinked. Well, then. Whatever that pony used to be so energized in the mornings, I wanted it.

"Ow, ow, ow." I mumbled as I limped over to the table and collapsed in the chair.

'Really, Liz?' I could hear the amusement mixed with mild disapproval.'All that moaning over sore muscles?'

"Well, it hurts!" I protested.

'Mhm. And it will continue to hurt until your muscles strengthen enough to accommodate all the walking you are going to do. You should know that.'

I huffed. "Thanks for the brief lecture, Professor. Can I eat now?"

'By all means. And while you do, you may ask the questions you are wanting to ask me.'

I grabbed my fork and shoved a big bite of pancakes into my mouth, chewing and swallowing before speaking.

"Tell me something about this Equestria. Why is it different from the original universe?"

'Good question. I will explain. Eat.'

I took another bite while listening for the answer to my question.

'This alternate version of Equestria is vastly different than the normal one, because it is divided.'

I frowned. "But I thought the entire land of Equestria was ruled by friendship, and protected by the Elements of Harmony."

'In the original universe and timeline, yes. It is. However, this alternate version is not. It is divided exactly in half, with half ruled by the Princesses, based on friendship, and protected by the Elements of Harmony; and the other half ruled by tyrants, based on evil, corruption, and hate, and protected by the Elements of Disharmony.'

I stopped eating and stared at the wall oppisite me. "Hold on. Elements of Disharmony??"

'Yes.'

"As in, the evil doubles of the Mane Six??"

'Yes.'

"Now hold on, I thought they were destroyed by Chrysalis, after they tried to revolt?"

'In the other Equestria. Yes. Here, no. They did not revolt, but stayed true to Chrysalis, who incidentally is one of the ruling tyrants.'

"So is that why I'm suspected of being an enemy? I'm guessing the evil side has tried to infiltrate the good side."

'Many times, yes. You are new, not to mention some creature they have ever seen here, therefore you arouse suspicion.'

I thought for a minute. "Ok, so, I know the Elements of Harmony are Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Kindness, Generosity and Magic. So their evil counterparts will be the exact oppisite."

'Yes. Open your guidebook. Page 100.'

I blinked as the book suddenly floated over and dropped in front of me, then I shook it off and opened it to the page. I frowned at the image.

"What am I looking at? They look similar to the Elements of Harmony worn by the Mane Six, but at the same time, not."

'Those are the Elements of Disharmony. Memorise them. Thier names and exactly how they look. It will be easy for you to piece together which evil Mane Six counterpart each belongs to.'

I studied the page, reading aloud. "Dishonesty. Rage. Madness. Horror. Sadness. Black Magic." I winced. "Ouch. Those sound terrifying."

'You may cross paths with one or more of these in your journey. It is vital you learn to identify the evil ones from the real ones.'

"Understood. But I'm not scared, you know."

'I did not say you were. Caution is not fear. Being wise is not being fearful. You must be alert.'

"Thought that's why you're close by. So you could have my back."

'It is. And I do indeed. But you must not rely solely on my protection. You must learn to pay attention yourself.'

"Alright, fair enough. But tell me. Why is it that Celestia and Luna and the others are nt trying to take the half of Equestria that is under evil rule?"

'The Princesses have been trying for a long time, but the evil side always manages to stay one hoofstep ahead of them. They and thier loyal followers always lose the fight. So for now, they are simply holding down and defending the side that is theirs.'

My mind was working fast. "Spies." I said."Either the dark side put one of thier own on the other side, or somepony on the good side turned rogue and is working with them from the inside."

'That is what the Princesses have come to think as well.'

"Hm. What if someone could make the bad guys think they were one of them?" I asked."Gain their trust, and start working for them by 'spying' on the good guys?"

'Liz. That is dangerous and ill-advised. Not to mention I strongly protest. These tyrants are not to be toyed with.'

"Well, neither am I." I announced.

'I know. But you would be better suited on the side of Friendship and Harmony.'

"Whatever you say, Chief." I said. "But next question: can the dark side be defeated? Or is it some kind of impossible task?"

'It is a difficult task, but not impossible. It will be harder the longer failure to overcome them continues.'

"Harder? Why?"

'With each failed attempt to defeat them, the dark side quickly regenerates whatever magic they lost in the attempt by drawing good magic from the other side and corrupting it, then absorbing it. The more good magic they draw out, the weaker the good side becomes.'

"Damn." I said slowly."But wait. If they are using good magic, how is it that it doesn't overcome the dark magic and turn it into good?"

'They never draw enough of it at one time to have that problem.'

"Oh. Well, yeah, that makes sense. They would have to draw enough of it to outmatch the power of their own magic, and they wouldn't do that." I rubbed my head. "But if the good side of Equestria is kept safe and well because of magic, then doesn't the magic the ponies lose replenish itself?"

'You are assuming that ponies automatically regain thier lost magical abilities. That the magic contained within the boundries of the light side of Equestria is enough to sustain, replenish, and repair all life there.'

"Well, yeah. Doesn't it?"

'In the other version of Equestria, yes. But here, no. The magic sustaining and protecting the good side is not only confined to the good side. It reached into the dark side as well, fighting to protect whatever vulnerable and uncorrupted life it finds there. The problem being, in doing so, it has, in a sense, divided up its power into seperate parts. Altogether, these parts can and will have enough to sustain the good side. However, remaining seperated, each part alone does not contain the strength to do so, and in fact any given part could become Equestria's downfall. Do you understand?'

"I think so. It's basically working like a double agent from a spy movie: working for both sides. Only it has no malicious intent whatsoever. Its acting as a catalyst, too...trying to bring uncorrupted life and magic back into the completely uncorrupted realm of light, in a way that could bring both sides together."

'Yes, in a manner of speaking.'

I frowned. "But at the same time, its efforts could be the downfall of the entire universe, if the corrupted magic should detect it. It could then overcome and corrupt each part, and channel its way through over into the good side, like crossing a bridge kinda, and cause massive destruction."

'Yes.

"Couldn't someone, somehow, pull all that magic back together to prevent that from happening?"

'They could, with enough effort. But the good magic will do what it will do, as it is meant to. And any interference from others would very likely only cause more harm than good.'

"Got it. So. What I am doing now?" I asked.

'What do you think?'

"I think its time I sign up to help the good guys! I'm not a great fighter, but I am not afraid to fight."

'Mhmmm.'

"Don't believe me?"

'I not only can read your thoughts, Liz, I can also know the feelings you experience. Fear. Excitement. Joy. Sorrow.'

"Uh. I'm not sure how to react to that." I said slowly."That's kind of, uh, creepy. Ish. Sort of."

A chuckle. 'You will get used to it.'

I shrugged. "So where am I going next then?"

'I suggest you eat your breakfast. Then take today to get acquainted with the history and traditions of this universe. But do not forget to have some fun as well. Bluebell will be able to help with that.'

I snickered. "I have no doubt of that."

I finished my breakfast rapidly, then took my tray and carried it downstairs. Bluebell accepted it, squealing in glee when she saw I had eaten everything.

"It was really delicious." I told her, smiling.

Bluebell beamed. "I'm really, really glad you liked it!" She said happily.

I hesitated, then grinned. "Bluebell. Would you maybe show me around your town? I'd like to see everything, and plus relax and have fun. Also, is there a library?"

"Yep and yep!" She replied cheerfully. "I'll show you around! Come on!"

I let out a startled yelp, then giggled as I was dragged out the door by the excited pony.

This would be fun.

4. Learning and Fun

Bluebell was all too happy to drag me from place to place, introducing me to various ponies and pointing out different special spots. She somehow had the ability to make the small town seem massive. She took me to a little hole-in-the-wall place that sold different sweet treats, excitedly suggesting all sorts for me to try. After deliberating, I settled on a giant cinnamon roll and took a seat, Bluebell plopping in a chair across from me with a giant sized ice cream sundae.

"So, Bluebell."I said, trying not to laugh at the ice cream she already had all over her snout."Do you know much about uh...Chrysalis? And her rulership?"

Bluebell gasped and stared at me, then looked around as if checking for listeners. She then sighed in relief.

"Don't talk about that here unless its mentioned to you."she said."Ponies are really upset with that whole takeoverequestriaandmakeallponiesdoexactlywhatItellthemtoorelsebecauseI'mChrysalisandyoushouldfearme... thing." She sucked in a deep gulp of air. "How's your cinnamon roll? Good, huh? They make the best sweets here! Yummmy!"

I barely managed to decipher the long line of strung together words. I stared at her as she took a big bite of ice cream, shaking my head.

"Ok, noted. So, what do you know?"

Bluebell looked thoughtful. "I know Chrysalis is one very mean meanie and should not be messed with. But I also know she should be stopped. And she will be! Cause you're here!" She finished off her dessert in a single gulp."You ready? Library is the next stop!"

"Wait, what do you mean by I'm here?" I asked, confused. But she just whisked me out the door and dragged me off to the library.

'Cap, this is nuts. What does she mean? Help me out here.'

'Not yet. You will soon see. I suggest you brace yourself.'

Bluebell dragged me into the small library and bounced from shelf to shelf, talking to herself.

"Hm. Nope, not that one...no...no...mmm, no....nope...noooope....AHA!" she bounced back over with a small book, dropping it in front of me. "Read this. Its the short version of how all this started, plus something extra you'll wanna know! You like books? You'll love this one. I'm gonna read a cookbook." She hopped into a chair and produced a book, intently flipping pages.

I rolled my eyes and sat down, starting the book she'd given me. It was pretty much the same info as Cap had given me, but with a twist I was not expecting. I peered at one of the final pages, reading quietly aloud.

"It has been foretold, by the greatest and best, by Starswirl the Bearded and others, that at a certain point in this dark and dreadful time, a hero will rise to the aid of the Side of Light. A creature never before seen nor ever heard of in Equestria, will appear by mysterious and unexplainable means and design, and will take thier place as leader. Within this creature a heart of courage, strength, and determination will reside and they will lead the Side of Light in a fierce battle to reclaim all of Equestria. This creature will rapidly gain the trust and confidence of all those they require on thier side, especially the true rulers of this land, the Royal Monarchs themselves."

I laid the book down, frowning. 'Ok, so...all I have to do is find this leader, and bring them to the Light Side.' I thought.

'Read it again. Carefully.'

I did so, and frowned. 'What, I didn't miss anything.'

'Hm. Very well. In that case, yes...find this leader. You will have search deeply, and pay attention, and you will know the leader when the time is right.'

I looked over at Bluebell, and she bounded to me excitedly.

"Did you read it? Did ya?"

"Yes, I read it."

"So cool, right?? The whole leader prophecy thing! And you'll be the one to find him! Or her. Whatever. Oooh. So exciting!"

"Me? Wait, why do you think I'm the one? Or, better yet, how do you know I'm the one to do it?" I was genuinely confused.

"Well duh, silly! Because you're you, and you're here, and I'm Bluebell, and I'm here too! Ooh! So exciting!"

I just blinked and struggled to dicipher the utter random nonsense she'd just thrown at me.

'Do you see now why you are here in this world?' Cap again, seemingly not phazed by Bluebell's nonsensical rambling.

It drew me out of my confusion long enough to remember what we were talking about. I nodded once.

'Yeah, to find the leader, bring them to the Light Side, and stick around to help them beat the bad guys.'

'Without that leader, Equestria falls. It is vitally important that you succeed in your mission.'

'Its not that I don't want to help, Cap, but...do you have any idea the pressure that puts me under?? What if I screw this up? The fate of Equestria rests on me, pretty much, is that not what this means??'

'Yes. But you won't do this alone. You have friendships already in place, and others waiting for you enter into.'

'What friendships? I have Bluebell.'

'Yes. And Dusk Shadow. You failed to realize, he can be an ally and friend for you. And also, there are ponies you will meet that are pretty powerful.'

'What? Who??'

'Equestria's own protectors.'

I blinked again as realization sank in and I gulped.

'The Elements?'

'Close enough. Thier representives. You will meet them soon.'

'Cap, I hope you know what you were doing bringing me here.'

'Don't worry, Liz. I know what I'm doing. I have confidence in you.'

'Thanks. Lets hope I don't let you down.'

"Liz? Yoohoooo! Equestriaaa to Liiiizzzz!"

I snapped out of it. "Huh? Oh. Uh, sorry, Bluebell. I was uh-"

"Talking to the voice that talks in your head and tells you super important stuff about your mission here?" She grinned.

I stood open mouthed. "How did you..."

"Silly." Bluebell giggled."I told you earlier. I'm Bluebell."

She booped my nose with a hoof and bounced out of the library, leaving me in speechless shock.

'Cap...you sure that isn't Pinkie in disguise?!'

The only response was a laugh, and I followed the bubbly pony, still trying to comprehend her.

5. Coming Across Friends

After a day out with Bluebell, I was exhausted. I ate the hearty meal she gave me that evening and then retired to my room, where I sprawled on the bed and gazed up at the ceiling.

"Finding this hero is going to be one hell of a task, Cap." I mused aloud. "I mean, original or alternate version, Equestria is huge. Where am I supposed to find one, single creature in this place? And when I do, what do I say?"

'You will know who they are when the time is right.'

"Yeah, ok, but how?"

'Liz. Do you trust me?'

"I kinda don't have any other option except to trust you, Cap."

'Fair enough. Listen to me, Liz. I told you that you will know the hero when the time is right, and you will. Just follow your instincts, your guidebook, and what little input I give you now and then, and you will be fine.'

"If you say so." I rubbed the bridge of my nose with one finger. "I should rest, I guess. I need to head out tomorrow."

'Yes, you should. Get some sleep.'

I yawned and shut my eyes, soon drifting into a peaceful slumber.

The morning came and I awoke to discover a weight had settled on my chest and was making breathing hard. Without opening my sleepy eyes, I started shouting in panic.

"I'm dying! Help! Cap!"

'Open your eyes.'

I forced my eyes open and blinked a few times, before a familiar face came into view, grinning widely at me. It was Bluebell, and from the feel of it, she was practically sitting on me.

"Aah!!" I shrieked, somewhat stunned.

"Aah!" She shrieked back, then giggled. "Why are we screaming?"

"Bluebell. You're sitting on me."

"Oopsies! Sorry!"

She moved off of me and I slowly sat up, breathing deeply...now that I actually could.

"I've been waiting forever!" Bluebell sang out. "I had some super duper exciting news and I couldn't wait til you came down for breakfast, so I thought I would come tell you, only you were asleep still, so I thought I'd sit next to you and wait, so I did and you finally woke up and then you went 'AAH' and then I went 'AAH' back cause it was fun, and then I told you why I was in here!"

"And why is that?" I asked.

"Why is what?"

"Why are you in here?"

"I just told you, silly! For something exciting!"

"And what is it?"

"It's exciting!"

"What is exciting??"

"My news!!"

"Bluebell..." I was starting to get a headache now. "What exciting news did you come in here to tell me?"

"Oh! I'm coming with you on your super fantastic, really fun and awesome adventure! Isn't that exciting??"

Exciting was not the word I would have chosen. I liked Bluebell, but she was so much like Pinkie Pie it was almost eerie. Not wanting to hurt her feelings, I nodded a little.

"Yeah, it's really...exciting."

"Yay! Roadtrip!" Bluebell squealed. "I have a knapsack and my saddlebags packed up with yummy stuff for the trip too! Come on, slowpoke, let's go, go, go! Wheeeee!"

She whooshed out the door and I sighed.

'Cap. Help?' I thought desperately.

'Sorry, Liz. No help here.' Cap was actually laughing now. 'Bluebell will be a valuable asset on your journey.'

'More like a pain in the ass-et.'

'That was terrible, Liz.'

'Its too early for me to tell good jokes.'

'Cheer up. You'll feel better if you do.'

I groaned, then slowly slid into my sneakers and headed downstairs to meet Bluebell. She gave me a giant blueberry muffin and bestowed a rather large knapsack on me before whisking me out the door. We walked along the main street and out of the small town, me munching my muffin while Bluebell talked a mile a minute.

"This will be so fun! Can you imagine! Finding a hero! Saving Equestria! Beating that mean meany Chrysalis and all her mean friends!"

I shook my head as we got further and further from town, listening to my companion's ramblings while staying alert to our surroundings. I tuned her out for a bit to converse with Cap.

'So what's the logical next step here? Where to?'

'I would head in the direction of Canterlot. Which is the way you're going now. But use caution. You are still in territory that is not exactly safe.'

'I figured. What's the next town?'

'Check your guidebook.'

I did as instructed and checked the guide. According to the map inside it, the next town was Ponyville, but it was located a good two day walk ahead of us. That was going to be fun. I returned my book to the knapsack.

'Alright, two days. I've never walked that far in my life, but I guess it won't kill me.'

'Now that is the right attitude to have, Liz!'

'It's either that or I gripe at you all the way, Cap. I'm sure I could manage to do that.'

'Very funny, young human. Good joke.'

'Who said I was joking?'

I snickered quietly as I heard indignant sputtering.

'Chill, Cap. I'm not gonna gripe at you.'

"Thank Celestia for that!'

'I have another plan.'

'...what?'

"Hey Bluebell!" I called to my companion.

"Hey Liz!" She returned.

"How about a song?" I asked.

'Liz...?'

"Ooh! Song! Yes! Which one? Which one??"

Grinning, I drew a deep breath and started singing.

"Ohhhhhh, one hundred bottles of milk on the wall, one hundred bottles of milk..."

'Oh no. No. Liz, no. Not that one. WHY?'

Giggling, I ignored Cap and sang on, Bluebell joining me on the next verse. It took a while, but we finally made it to zero bottles of milk on the wall. Only then did I hear Cap again.

'Are you done?'

'I'm done. For now.'

'Good. Because you have company.'

I looked up in time to see a shadow breeze over us. I watched as it circled and zoomed over again, closer this time. Bluebell had trotted on ahead a bit to look at something, and I glanced her way before the shadow all but knocked me over. I caught a flash of blue before I found myself suddenly snared by a rope and flat on the ground.

"What are you and who are you with?"

The shadow, no longer a shadow, landed neatly and stood over me. A pegasus, which I had already guessed. Her cyan coat was sleek and smooth, and her wings flared slightly in what I assumed was an intimidating manner. A rainbow colored mane and tail shone brightly in the ray of sunlight that hit her. Magenta eyes glared suspiciously at me.

"I'm not in the habit of answering ponies who attack me." I retorted.

"Now see here."

A brownish orange face framed with goldish hair styled in a braid, was pushed close to mine, as green eyes stared me down.

"We ain't takin' no chances. You're a mighty strange looking creature an' for all we know, you're with the enemy! You could be spyin' for those low down varmints!"

"Wha-?! Me?! A spy?? Oh for crying out loud." I rolled my eyes in exasperation. "I'm not a spy. I'm a good guy, just like you. I'm on your side!"

"A likely story!" The other pony stomped a hoof in the dust. "Applejack! I say we haul her off and lock her up as an enemy!"

"Well now, Ah don't know, Rainbow Dash. Supposin' she's tellin' the truth. We'd be lockin' up an ally." Applejack peered at me.

"Oh, come on, Applejack! Does she look like an ally to you?! She looks more like a spy!" Rainbow Dash huffed.

Applejack looked uncertainly at me.

"You're kidding, right?" I said. "Guys, look. I'm not the enemy. I'm here to help!"

"Save it, spy!" Rainbow Dash yelled. "We're locking you up! Tie her up, AJ!"

"WAAAAAAAAIT!!!"

Both ponies and myself looked up in confusion as Bluebell charged up.

"She's not an enemy! She's Liz! She's a friend! And she's here to bring us the leader from the prophecy!"

Clearly they had heard of the prophecy, because they both gasped.

"Tarnation!" Applejack spluttered. "Why didn't ya say so?!"

"She just did." I muttered, as I was released from the lasso.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa...hold on." Rainbow Dash frowned. "Who are you??"

"I'm Bluebell!" My cheery companion announced.

"How do we know you're not a spy too, and trying to save both of you from being locked up?" Rainbow Dash demanded.

Bluebell let out an astonishingly loud gasp, and stared at me.

"Liz! Am I a spy too??? Are we undercover?? Oooh! This is so fun! What's my codename?? What's my codename???"

"Bluebell." I responded, drily.

Another loud gasp. "Oooh. Bluebell. I loooove it!!! And it's exactly like my real name! How cool is that??"

"Pinkie Pie?" Applejack asked, confused.

"Nope." I responded. "They're enough alike that its uncanny, but no, this is not Pinkie Pie. Just Bluebell."

"Ok, ok, could we just get back to the important stuff?" Rainbow Dash interrupted. "Who are you loyal to? The princesses, or Chrysalis and her side?"

"I'd rather eat bad cotton candy than be on that mean meanie's side!" Bluebell huffed.

"I'll second that...I think." I said. "I'm not loyal to Chrysalis. And I never will be."

"Then denounce her right now." Rainbow Dash glared at me. "Look me in the eye and denounce her with the worst insults you can think of."

I raised an eyebrow. "Rainbow. As much as I'd like to play your little game, there isn't much time for it. Look, I am not a follower of Chrysalis. I hate Chrysalis. Always have, always will. Trust me."

Rainbow Dash glared harder and I held her gaze, unwavering. Finally she nodded.

"Ok, I'm convinced. Come on, we'll take you two with us. We were actually on our way to mess with some of Chrysalis's group. They were spotted not far from here. You in?"

"Count me in." I responded.

"I'm in!" Bluebell announced, grinning.

"Then let's go kick some changeling flank!"

Rainbow Dash took to the sky, while Bluebell, myself, and Applejack followed on the ground below.

'This will be fun!' I told Cap.

'Indeed. Just be careful.'

'No worries, Cap. I got this.'

***

The four of us were all but inseparable the next couple days, after a very successful suprise attack on some of Chrysalis's loyal followers...including a few changelings. We also crushed our enemy after they lauched a retaliation attack on us, much to their dismay.

On the third day, I led an attack on a small changeling hive discovered in the woods outside Ponyville, and together we captured all but one, and we sent that one back to his queen as a message that we were not as easy to defeat as she thought.

"That was so awesome!!!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed excitedly as we returned to the camp she and Applejack had set up not far outside of town.

"Heck yeah." I answered, grinning at the pegasus I'd become good friends with the last couple days.

"Did you see that? Did you see it? Wheeee! That changeling was all 'I'm gonna eat you!', and then I was like 'AAH!', and then Liz was all 'Oh no you don't!', and I was all 'YAY LIZ!', and she knocked him down and I was all 'Not so tough now!' And BAM! Blasted him right into a tree with my cupcake slingshot!"

Bluebell was going through the motions as she talked.

"We know, Bluebell." I said, grinning. "That was an epic cupcake attack. Nice job! He'll probably be wearing some of that frosting for a week."

Bluebell burst into giggles. "Yeah!"

We sat down around the fire and ate a fairly hearty meal of grilled hayburgers followed by some of Bluebell's cupcakes...and I couldn't figure out how she had any left. We also broke out a bunch of candy bags and ate a good deal of that too, celebrating our victory earlier that afternoon.

"So." I finished off a chocolate bar and looked over at the others. "It's been awesome here, and I've enjoyed it. But I think Bluebell and I will head out in the morning."

"Awww. Do we have to?" Bluebell asked.

"Well, you can stay if you want. But I need to get going. I have a search for a hero to conduct."

"Ooh. No, no. I'm coming with you!" Bluebell exclaimed, sitting up next to me and throwing a foreleg around me. "We're BSFFs, together forever!"

"We're what?" I asked, frowning.

"BSFFs!"

"What is that?"

"Best Spy Friends Forever, silly!"

Rainbow Dash snorted and Applejack grinned. I just rolled my eyes.

"I will stay right with you!" Bluebell announced. "And defend you! With CUPCAKES!"

I laughed. "Thanks. So, we'll head out in the morning then."

"Liz." Rainbow Dash leaned towards me. "Be careful. The way you're going to go, is very dangerous. There are spies of Chrysalis's close by in those woods. They won't use thier magic on this side without any reason to. It draws attention to them. But if they can get you to thier side, then you're in trouble."

"Got it. Thanks, Rainbow." I smiled slightly.

"Eh, don't mention it." She answered. "I'm telling you mainly for selfish reasons anyway."

Her smirk indicated she was teasing, and I played along.

"Oh really? What's that?"

"I want to see if you can beat me in a race."

"Ha! I can't fly."

Rainbow Dash laughed. "I'm kidding." She sobered. "I just don't want to see you get hurt. Or worse."

"I know. I'll be careful."

'Liz, its late.'

Cap. I hadn't heard alot from him the last couple days.

'Yep.' I answered inwardly.

"I'm going to head to sleep." I told the others. "Its late."

"Ya'll should rest. You got a long trip ahead. Ah'll wake ya early." Applejack offered.

"Thanks." I said.

Bluebell and I retired to the extra tent set up for us and I collapsed on the sleeping bag I'd been using. Bluebell flopped next to me and yawned loudly before she plopped her head on me and started snoring. I snickered and closed my eyes, soon joining her in sleep.

True to her word, Applejack woke us early and we gathered our bags and took a seat to eat a quick breakfast of hot oatmeal topped with fruit. Once we finished eating, we said our farewells to our friends.

"Watch your backs, ya'll." Applejack warned. "An' travel safe."

"Will do." I said.

"Remember what I told you." Rainbow Dash reminded me. "And be careful."

"Got it. Thanks, Rainbow. We'll see you guys soon hopefully." I stated.

"Byeeeee!" Bluebell squealed as we walked away from camp. "Yay! Back on the road!"

'Next step, Cap?'

'I would suggest Twilight next, but it is up to you ultimately.'

"Straight ahead, Bluebell." I told my companion.

"Right behind you!!"

We walked deeper into the woods, and I could only hope we wouldn't have any problems, Rainbow Dash's warning still echoing in my mind.

6. The Ambush

"So where to next? Do you know where? Or are we just being random? Ooh! I love random!! What random spot should we go to next??"

I sighed, beginning to wonder if having Bluebell along had been such a good idea. Although, she had managed to keep Applejack and Rainbow Dash from tying me up and dragging me off as some strange being who was with the enemy. So there was that. And besides, her randomness was actually helpful in keeping me from stressing over this journey. Well, stressing as much, anyway.

"I suppose our next stop should be to find a place for supplies." I replied. "We're a little low. And we'll need more."

"I could supply us!" Bluebell bounced excitedly.

"Thanks, but we need more than just cupcakes and candy." I said, grinning. "No, we need some good food. But from a place that's out of the way, where we won't be as noticeable. Too bad a store can't just be randomly and unexplainably placed in the middle of these woods. That might help."

'Oh, you mean like the one you'll see right around the next tree?' Cap sounded highly amused and even a bit smug.

Before I could respond, Bluebell exclaimed, "Woohoo! Liz! A store!"

'Cap, what did you do??'

'Oh, I just uprooted a little store and then placed it where you could find it.'

The pony standing outside the little building looked dazed as we approached.

"What in Celestia's name is going on around here?" He demanded. "One minute I'm sellin' my stock, the next I'm here! Grabbed up and transported! Poof! Like magic! If I find who did it, I'll give them a piece of my mind!"

'Oh, how I can't wait.' Cap was laughing now. 'The old pony is furious. Ah well. I can put his little store back, just as soon as you and Bluebell are done.'

I huffed and looked at the store owner.

"My apologies. I think a friend of mine is responsible. But anyway, we need to purchase supplies, so would you mind if we buy them from you?"

"Oh, well, of course not." He answered, suddenly pleasant. "Help yourselves!"

I selected several types of vegetables and fruits that could easily fit in the knapsack I carried, and in Bluebell's saddlebag. After some deliberation, I added some dried fruits and nuts for snacking on.

"Here you go." I said, handing over the amount of bits I knew it added up to.

"Thank you!" He dropped it in the register and smiled.

Bluebell bounded over with several bags of candy...likely in replacement of the ones we had eaten the day before.

"Bluebell, do we really need all that? Where are you even gonna carry it?"

Bluebell grinned at me. "Where I always carry it, silly!"

So saying, she stashed it in her mane and paid the shop owner. I rolled my eyes. In her mane. Of course. How did I not see thatcoming?

We thanked the owner and left the store. Once we were outside, it vanished.

Bluebell's eyes were wide with astonishment but I just shook my head as I heard Cap laughing about his little magic trick.

We continued along the path we'd been following, keeping an eye out for danger. The woods we were in, after all, were not particularly safe from the Evil Side. I recalled Rainbow Dash's words of warning before we'd left the camp.

'They won't use thier magic on this side without any reason to. It draws attention to them. But if they can get you to thier side, then you're in trouble.'

"We should try to find Princess Twilight first." I decided aloud. "She might have heard of a strange creature mysteriously arriving. She might be able to give us an idea of where to go."

"Yeppers!" Bluebell bounced along beside me. "Y'know, we need an adventure song!"

"No, Bluebell, no singing! Not now. It may alert the bad guys and we do not want that."

"Oh, ok." Bluebell looked momentarily sad before she brightened. "I Spy, then!"

She was off on a list of stuff she spied before I could answer. I sighed.

'Look at it this way. It is not as likely to give you away as singing is.' Cap offered, amused.

'Maybe not. But it's a game that will be largely one-sided. I'm too busy watching our surroundings.' I looked around.

'You are uneasy, Liz.'

'Damn right. We're near the side that we are all against. What if we're being spied on right now?'

'That could be quite possible. Try to focus on meeting up with Twilight, and finding that leader.'

I was about to respond, when there was a rustling noise in the trees and a familiar violet pony appeared in front of me.

"Whoa!" I yelped, jumping back and staring at her.

"There you are!" She exclaimed. "I have been looking for you! You need to come with me immediately!"

"Twilight? Is that you?" I asked. "I was looking for you. I need to-"

"Yes, yes, tell me later! We need to go, now!" She insisted. "You're in danger. And you need to move before the enemy spots you. I know a safe place."

I looked at Bluebell, then back. "Uh, ok...but where? And who's after us? I didn't think news could travel to the bad side so fast."

"It can. Lets go! Hurry!"

We followed her, Bluebell trotting along humming a merry tune. I still felt uneasy.

"I'm not sure how you found us." I said.

"I have a network of loyal followers." She answered, leading us off onto a narrower pathway. "They kept me informed from the moment I knew you were here."

"Well, been keeping old Chrysalis mad." I said, smirking, thinking of the skirmish the day before with some of her changelings.

"Yes. We know."

The statement didn't sound all that nice, and I looked up, staring intently at her. It was then I noticed that as we walked, her color dimmed. I tensed, suddenly more uneasy.

"Where are we going, anyway?" I asked.

"To where you'll be safe, of course. Nopony will find you there, trust me."

Ok, I did not like her tone now, and told Cap that.

'Agreed. Something is up. Twilight would never...'

Cap grew silent. I almost asked why, until I noticed we were off into the most dangerous section of woods. The half where the evil side would use their magic without worrying about being discovered. I had a horrible feeling.

"Why are we in this part of the woods?"

The pony ahead of me stopped and stood motionless a moment, as her color became dull to the point of being nearly grey. She turned to me, and eyes as dull as her coat bore into me.

"Because it is time you were stopped."

Several buzzing shadows overhead suddenly dropped, and I saw to my horror that they were changelings, looking mean and ready to attack.

"Oh shit." I muttered.

Bluebell drew close to me, even as Cap put in his two cents.

'You're outmatched. They have magic, you don't.'

'Ok. Alright. Fine. One thing to do then.'

I braced myself, making sure I was situated between our enemies and Bluebell.

"Bluebell."

"Yeppers! I gotcha covered!"

I looked behind me to see she was brandishing cupcakes. Now was not the time to argue about her random nonsense.

"When I say go, run." I ordered, keeping my voice low.

"Gotcha!"

I looked back at Twilight, or Evil Twilight rather, and scowled.

"You want me? You'll have to catch me. GO, BLUEBELL!"

The last part I yelled out, as I spun and ran, dodging blasts of magic from Evil Twilight as well as her changeling troop. I saw Bluebell vanish into the trees with three changelings in pursuit, and could only hope she'd escape and find help.

A well aimed bolt of magic hit me and knocked me sideways into a large bush, which poked me in several spots, though it didn't smart nearly as much as that magic blast did.

"Ow." I muttered.

Noticing my pursuers closing in, I picked myself up and ran into the trees, hoping to lose them. I heard faint shouts, then nothing, so I ran a bit further before skidding to a stop and leaning over, hands on my knees, huffing and puffing.

'I'm out of shape.' I thought.

'Very.' Cap sounded amused.

I rolled my eyes as I struggled to get my breath. Straightening, I took a step forward, only to trip over a root and sprawl into the dust, hard.

'Tree root.' Cap was snickering. 'You lost your enemies only to be taken down by a tree root.'

Growling a little, I raised my head, hands braced on either side of me to push myself up off the ground.

'Oh...oh no. Liz...' Cap's tone was one of horror.

That's when I saw it.

A pair of dull colored hooves appeared right in front of me. I followed them upwards with my eyes until I was looking up into the enraged face of Evil Twilight, who had an ominous crackle of magic around her horn.

"Well, crap." I swore under my breath, before a shocking bolt of magic struck me, rendering me unable to move much at all.

"Let's go." Evil Twilight lifted me in her magic and started walking.

Her troop followed, and I looked behind us as we moved along the pathway.

'Bluebell, I hope you got away.'

7. Meeting With The Enemy

There was no immediate escape available from my captors. It would have to wait until I could actually think of one. I silently cursed at myself for having let them get the better of me.

'At least your companion escaped.'

'Let's hope.'

Deciding to test how strong my current escort was, I struggled a bit against the magic hold that Evil Twilight had on me.

"Stop that. You can't escape." She scoffed. "My magic is stronger than you."

I scowled, but stopped my struggles. She headed to a set of large black doors, and two changeling gaurds immediately opened them. Evil Twilight walked right on in.

"I have brought the strange troublemaker, my Queen." She announced.

I snorted. "Seriously? That's the name you guys gave me? Yeesh. You aren't much on creativity, are you?"

"Our enemies have given us alot of trouble at every turn." The new voice made me tense. "But you, strange creature...you have given us the most trouble recently."

The black figure with holes all over her legs and a long, jaggedly shaped horn moved forward, green eyes full of hatred.

"Well, glad to be such a pain in your flank, then, Chrysalis." I said, boldly. "I was hoping I was making you mad. Honestly, I find doing so to be really...AAH!"

The yelp was involuntary, as suddenly a sickly green aura of magic surrounded me, squeezing hard as if to choke me.

"Silence, creature!" Chrysalis was livid. "I did not have you here to chat. I want answers. And you will give them to me."

"Maybe." I rasped out, her hold making breathing somewhat difficult."It depends on the answers you want."

Her smile was evil, and a chill went up my spine as she drew me closer.

"I want to know about your friends. And thier plans for attacking us."

Knowing it was probably a response I was going to regret, I shrugged and shook my head.

"Oh, well, in that case. Nah. I'm not giving you your answers."

Chrysalis gave me a rather terrifying look as her grip on me tightened.

"Oh good. I was hoping you would choose the hard way." She said, sounding thrilled.

'Crap.' I thought. 'That doesn't sound good.'

"You won't scare me into talking."

"Oh, I don't intend to."

"Really? Then how-?"

I was cut off mid question by her suddenly lifting me higher and throwing me across the room. I slammed into the wall and then hit the floor with a thud.

"Ow..." I grunted. "That wasn't nice, Chrysalis."

Her only answer was to pick me up and throw me into the wall again. I groaned as I hit the floor a second time, and rolled over, slightly dazed. Her royal meanness came and leaned over me, her snout inches from my face.

"I can do more to you than this." She said, voice low and threatening. "So very much more. And I will. Unless you tell me what I want to know."

She raised her leg and jammed her hoof down against my stomach with enough force to make me double up and grunt in pain.

'Jeez. This changeling is just insane.' I thought.

'She is more than that. She is evil. And you, young human...I am sorry you have fallen prey to her and her cruelty.' Cap sounded regretful and even sad.

'Eh, don't sweat it, Cap. Worst she can do is try to beat the answers out of me. But I'm tougher than that. I won't betray the others. Now or ever.'

Another jab from Chrysalis to the stomach snapped my attention back to her. She was glaring at me intensely.

"So. Will you do as I wish? Will you give me the information I want? Or do I continue to beat it out of you?"

I shrugged. "I hate to break it to ya, but I'm one stubborn creature, Chrysalis. You can threaten, yell, coax, beg, plead. Hell, you can even attempt to beat it out of me. But the fact is, none of that will work. Not unless I want to tell you. And I don't."

"Then maybe after I weaken you significantly, I will drain you of the love you possess, slowly and painfully."

"Go for it. Won't work."

I hoped my defiance wouldn't get me killed. Chysalis looked ready to end me, but she got some control over herself and lifted me up in the air, evilly chuckling.

"We shall see."

The next several minutes were not the most pleasant ones of my life, as I was basically used as a punching bag of sorts for Chrysalis to throw, kick, slam into the walls, and otherwise abuse.

'Ow!' I thought in synch with an outward yell of pain as I hit the wall for what had to be the twentieth time. 'What the hell is it with her and walls?! That freaking hurts!'

'I believe that is her point. To break you. Make you tell her what she wants to know. Hang in there, Liz. Don't let her win.'

'I'm not letting her win. I'll die first!'

Chrysalis chose to throw me at her marble throne next, and the jolt of pain that went through me was nearly unbearable as I landed hard on the edge of its arm with my side. I yelled so loudly in agony I was sure the entire castle heard me. Inwardly, I screamed and raged.

'I will take this tyrant down so hard when I get the chance! Maybe I'll even throw HER around for a while, including straight into that damn wall...oww!'

"...OWW!!!"

My inward shriek of agony pushed through to become an outward one as I hit Chrysalis's throne again before landing on the floor. I had time for one moan before I was once again airborne and flying into the wall at the other end of the large throneroom. I was in too much pain with that impact I couldn't even scream. I just layed there, until Chrysalis picked me up to continue what I deemed as her torture of me.

I had been so battered around by now I was honestly feeling like I was going to pass out. As my body connected with the edge of a large stone table, I nearly blacked out, and it was only with great difficulty I managed to keep myself conscious.

Chrysalis must have decided she was done beating me half senseless, because I finally was lifted high above her head, and slammed forcefully onto the floor in front of her, where I stayed, breathless, bruised, and pretty much unable to move. I was gonna feel this ordeal for a while. I wanted to cry from the pain, but I wasn't about to give that evil lunatic the satisfaction. I couldn't stop a whimper, however, as she jammed her hoof into my stomach and glared down at me.

"Are you ready to answer my questions?" Chrysalis enquired, obviously thinking her rather brutal treatment of me had broken me.

"No." It was all I could do to get the breath to talk. "I will never answer you."

If looks could kill, I would have been finished then and there. Chrysalis glared at me for the longest time before lifting me and throwing me viciously at the two changeling gaurds, who up til now had been watching with evil grins.

"Perhaps a night in one of our less wonderful dungeons will change your mind. Gaurds! Get this creature out of my sight!"

I was grabbed and unceremoniously dragged from the room, down the hall, and then through a dark doorway. I was grunting at nearly every step, my entire body screaming in painful protest at being moved. After being taken down a long flight of stairs, I was dragged to a wooden door with a small barred window in it. It was opened, and I was thrown non too gently inside.

Too weak to hold myself up, I simply fell on the floor as the door slammed shut behind me, and I heard the guards withdraw.

"Ugh..ow." I groaned.

'Liz, are you alright?'

'No offense, Cap, but that's kinda a stupid question.'

'I know you hurt. Can you tell me how much?'

'Its all running together, I don't know what hurts more. Best guess, I've got alot of bruises. Hopefully no broken bones.'

'If we can think of how to get you out of here, Twilight or the other Princesses can heal you. Or at least do a pain relief spell.'

I shifted and yelped. 'I hurt so bad right now...'

'I know. You did well, Liz. Others would have cracked under that treatment.'

'I'm too stubborn. Plus, I'd never betray the others, I told you.' I shifted again and groaned. 'Ugh. I'm tired and I hurt like hell. I'm gonna try to sleep. Ow.'

'Rest will be good for you.'

I closed my eyes, trying to shut out the pain my body was in, and soon fell into a restless sleep.

8. Rescue

The clang of a door awakened me, and I shifted a little. As soon as I did so, however, bolts of pain shot through my entire body, reminding me where I was and what had happened.

'Cap...I don't wanna open my eyes...who's there?'

'The changeling gaurds. You need to open your eyes, Liz. Come on.'

I tried, and managed to get one open. The other refused. It felt heavy and twice its normal size, so I assumed it was swollen shut. I tried to move again, only to give a yelp as I felt a searing stab of pain in my side and chest.

'Cap, I can't move...or breathe very well. It hurts.'

'Hang in there, Liz.'

I was grabbed up roughly, which forced a shriek out of me in spite of my efforts to show no sign of weakness or pain. I remained fairly limp as the two gaurds dragged me upstairs and down the hall into the throneroom. Chrysalis, of course, was waiting, Evil Twilight close by.

"Aah!" I yelped, as I was roughly thrown down in front of the tyrannical queen.

Ignoring my involuntary cry, Chrysalis nodded at the gaurds, who backed off. She then focused on me, walking down to stand over me.

"I trust you had a pleasant night?" She enquired, her tone extremely unpleasant.

"Not really, no."

"Excellent. Then maybe you're ready to answer my questions, starting with an easy one. What plans do your friends have for attacking us? And when?"

"I'm not telling you anything."

She glared at me. "You are in some pain today, are you not?"

"You know damn well I am." I snapped, wincing with the effort.

'Easy, Liz. Stop baiting her.' Cap instructed urgently.

'She's really pissed me off, Cap. And I intend to let her know that.'

"I can very easily increase that pain to levels you can't even begin to imagine. And I will, unless you give me what I want." Chrysalis told me.

'Let her know how? By making her so angry she hurts you?' Cap demanded.

Ignoring him, I glared intensely at Chrysalis, and my voice was cold and harsh as I spoke.

"Buzz off, bug."

Judging from the way she stiffened, calling her "bug" was a really bad idea. I didn't care at this point. She understood my insult perfectly, that was all I cared about.

'Liz. She will destroy you.'

'I don't give a damn. She has pissed me off beyond belief.'

"You will regret that." Chrysalis snarled.

"I doubt it." I answered defiantly.

I was met with a hoof jamming into my already aching side, knocking my breath out of me and slamming me against the cold floor. I coughed and gasped a little.

"There she is!!!"

The familar voice made me look up.

"Bluebell?" I muttered, shocked.

"Who are you?!" Chrysalis demanded.

"That creature!" Bluebell cried out, pointing at me. "She forced me to go with her! I had a good inn, and she made me leave it. WAAAAA!"

She sat down and proceeded to wail loudly. I had never heard such overdramatic crying before.

'What the hell is she doing?' I asked Cap, confused.

'Your guess is as good as mine.'

"Did she now?" Chrysalis asked, looking at me, then back at Bluebell. "Are you not with the Light Side?"

"WAAAAA! What??? Why would I be? I'm loyal to youuuu and she made me go with herrrrrr! Waaaaaaaa!!"

Well, this was completely confusing.

Chrysalis looked at me again.

"I actually believe that." She said, sourly.

"I came here," Bluebell said with a loud sniff, "to offer to drag this creature to King Sombra! I wanna deliver cupcakes anyway."

I blinked, feeling dazed from a mix of confusion and pain.

"Hm." Chrysalis looked at me. "Oh, why not? I do not want to waste more time questioning her. Sombra has more, persuasive, ways of getting answers. Fine. Take her. I'll send two of my best gaurds to protect you."

Bluebell bounced excitedly. "Ooh goody. Now I can give him his cupcakes!"

She bounded over to me and practically threw me across her back, causing me to yelp.

"And off we go!" She yelled, cheerfully bouncing out of the room, while I bounced in place over her back.

"Good riddance!" Chrysalis yelled in response.

Outside the castle, Bluebell craned her head around to whisper to me.

"Don't worry! I brought help! And enough cupcakes to last for life!"

I groaned, then yelped as she trotted on into the woods, the two gaurds behind us. All at once a rainbow colored blur whizzed by, taking out both gaurds.

"Haha, gotcha!"

"Rainbow Dash!" I got out as she landed.

"Yep, that's me." She eyed me. "You don't look so good. Luckily Twilight's waiting on us not far from here. Come on, let's move!"

She led the way, flying low, and Bluebell trotted along behind. Every step made me bounce or jerk, and sent fresh waves of pain through me. How I stayed concious was beyond me.

'Hang in there, Liz. Stay with me.' Cap said. 'We should be there soon.'

Another twenty minutes later, we entered a clearing, where there was a small hut, and Rainbow Dash led us inside.

"Twilight! We got her. But she's hurt."

The youngest princess leaned over me as I was layed on the floor.

"Sweet Celestia, what happened?" She exclaimed.

"Chrysalis." I ground out through clenched teeth. "She wanted information, and I refused."

"So she tried to torture it out of you." Twilight stated, as her horn glowed. "Alright, I know a spell that'll heal the worst of your injuries and at least let you walk out of here. But you'll carry some of those bruises for a while. Hold still. Oh, and this might hurt just a little."

Her magic circled me, providing what felt like a giant warm hug. Lines from it poked and prodded different areas, apparently testing for severe injuries.

"Two cracked ribs. No wonder you hurt." Twilight commented.

I started to answer, but a deep and burning pain started in my side, spreading upwards and reaching my chest. I felt pressure, too, and let out a gasp. After a moment, the burning sensation was literally everywhere on me, and lasted what seemed like forever before finally stopping.

"That should do it." Twilight said, letting the magic hold on me drop. "See if you can move."

I slowly sat up, noting that there was no pain in my side. I breathed deeply, then stood up and tried moving into various positions.

"I don't hurt anymore." I announced. "Thanks, Princess Twilight."

"Yay!!!" Bluebell squealed happily.

I looked at her. "Bluebell, what in tarnation was all that back there, with Chrysalis?"

Bluebell's eyes widened.

"I need a soda, right now!" She exclaimed.

I blinked as she dug one out, opened it, and downed the contents.

"Much better!" She said happily. "Those words tasted so bad! Yuck!"

I shook my head and laughed.

"You got me out, so I'm not saying anything." I said.

"Well, I got away and ran straight to Rainbow and AJ, and Rainbow followed me right away, and I came up with how to get you out!" Bluebell explained excitedly.

"Thanks, Bluebell. I owe you one." I smiled gratefully at her.

"Nah, it was fun! Except the part where I had to say I was loyal to that mean meanie and it tasted so bad when I said it, and then you reminded me I said it and I had to wash my mouth out with soda!" She inhaled deeply. "Cupcake?"

Rainbow Dash facehoofed while Twilight looked confused, and I burst out laughing.
Shaking her head, Twilight finally looked at me.

"I suggest you come back to Canterlot with me. It's safer there, and you can conduct your search for the hero without fear of being attacked." She told me.

"Wait, how did you know about that?" I asked.

"Rainbow Dash and Bluebell filled me in." She answered. "If you're ready, I can teleport us all there now."

I looked at Bluebell and then back. "Ok then. Guess Canterlot it is."

She stepped closer to me, and I put a hand on her back, unsure how teleporting worked. Bluebell bounced to my side and hugged me.

"I'm going back to the camp, and AJ and I will come to Canterlot tomorrow." Rainbow Dash said, before flying out a window.

Twilight's horn glowed, surrounding us with a magical shield, and with a loud pop, the hut vanished from view and was replaced with a massive castle.

"Whoa." I said.

"I will tell the Princesses of your arrival. And ask any gaurd to show you inside. Tell them I ordered it." And pop! She was gone.

"Ok then." I stated.

Finding a gaurd, I requested his help and he led us inside the castle, pointing us in the direction of the throne room.

Exchanging looks, Bluebell and I walked along the hall and came to a halt outside the massive doors.

"Not as scary as Chrysalis's castle." Bluebell announced cheerfully. "I wasted a perfectly good cupcake on a shadow!"

I rolled my eyes as I put a hand on either of the door handles.

'Cap, these princesses aren't gonna think I'm crazy, are they?'

'They are aware of the prophecy. And Twilight will have informed them of the rest.'

"Here we go." I muttered, before pushing open the heavy doors and leading the way in, Bluebell following close behind.

Author's Note

Hope you guys are enjoying the story! Let me know in the comments! As always, opinions and suggestions and critisims are welcomed!

9. Meeting Royalty

Author's Note

Here ya go! Next chapter! And a super duper extreme deluxe extra special THANK YOU! to the extremely awesome, absolutely fantastic friends who helped me with alot of the content in this chapter! (And a super duper thank you to them for assistance with any chapters after this chapter!)

9. Meeting Royalty

Having thrown the doors wide open, I walked boldly inside, Bluebell so close she was all but running into me with each step. The Royal Sisters, along with Twilight, were of course, waiting. I stopped a few feet from them.

"Alright, we're here." I stated in a no nonsense tone. "Ready to chat."

Celestia looked slightly amused, while Luna arched an eyebrow at my somewhat bold behaviour. Twilight looked absolutely horrified, and moved to stand somewhat between me and the other two.

"My-my apologies, Princesses." She stammered out before looking at me in disbelief.

"What?" I asked, confused, while I heard an amused snicker from Cap.

"Are you crazy?!" Twilight demanded, looking ready to have some kind of stroke. "You're supposed to bow to them! Not just march in here like some...some..."

She sputtered, and couldn't finish. I blinked once as her words sank in.

"Well, you never told me that!" I said, frowning.

"It never crossed my mind that I would have to!" She retorted.

I rolled my eyes and bowed slightly to the two sisters...though it was more of an exaggerated nod than a bow.

"Fine. There. How's that?"

Twilight facehoofed so hard I was sure she was going to have a black eye later. A chuckle made me look at the other princesses. Celestia grinned at me.

"Do not concern yourself too much with that formality." She said, clearly amused. "Unlike my faithful former student here, I do not expect you to bow. You are not of this world, and you do not know our ways."

"True enough." I said in agreement, not missing an indignant sputtering noise from Twilight. "In my world, I'm not in the habit of bowing, since the chances of me meeting royalty are, well, very slim to pretty much non existant. Anyway, its nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is all ours, I assure you. I am Celestia, a diarch of Equestria. I rule the day and move the sun. This is my sister, Luna. She rules the night, moves the moon, and visits ponies' dreams." Celestia smiled. "And of course you already know Twilight, Princess of Friendship, and Element of Magic."

"I'm Liz." I replied. "Your typical, average human dropped into Equestria. And that's Bluebell, she's traveling with me."

I pointed at my friend, who was intensely scrutinizing a stained glass window, apparently oblivious to the rest of us.

"Twilight has informed me you wish to find the one told about in the prophecy." Clestia gazed at me intently.

"I do." I nodded. "I have been told that they will save Equestria, and I want to find them quickly, cause no offense, but you guys need major help."

"Indeed we do." Celestia replied solemnly. "And we are grateful you have taken on this task. We wish to give you any assistance we can. You can begin as immediately as you wish. We have heard tales about such a creature being here in Canterlot. But they are only rumours. Ask around, someone will tell you."

I nodded as Luna cleared her throat to speak.

"We have also decided that we would like to give you access to the Canterlot Archives, which will possibly aid you should you find yourself stuck in your quest. They are quite extensive."

"Indeed, and Twilight can offer you her assistance there as well." Celestia added. "She knows every inch of the archives. She will be able to help you find anything you need."

"Of course she will. I'm aware how much into books she is. Anyway, thank you for that. The archive access, I mean. It should be very helpful."

Celestia and Luna looked at each other and then both stepped towards me, serious expressions on both thier faces.

"Liz." Celestia stared intensely at me. "We cannot thank you enough for this. For your help. We only wish we had something more beneficial and definitive to offer you."

They both looked apologetic and I quickly jumped in to reassure them.

"No, no. Think nothing of it, Princesses." I spoke firmly and determinedly. "You're busy with fighting your enemies, don't worry about this. I'll handle finding the hero. No worries. I got this."

"WE GOT THIS!" Bluebell yelled from where she was studying another window, prompting a smile from the sisters and a slight snort from me. "I GOT YOUR BACK, LIZ!!!"

"Fair enough." I said. "We got this. So like I said, no worries."

"Correction, if I may. We got this, all of us, together." Twilight pointed out. "And I will gladly help any way I can. However, I can't accompany you to the archives right away, as I have important meetings I can't get out of. What if we send a couple of royal guards to show them to the archives, Celestia? Then I will join them there later."

"Excellent suggestion." Celestia nodded. "But first, I believe our guests will need a good meal. I'm quite certain they are hungry. The trip to the archives can wait until they have eaten."

"That works." I agreed.

"Ooh! Gaurds?? And did you say food?!" Bluebell appeared beside me. "Yay! I'm starving! Which is funny, cause I had a dozen cupcakes, three sundaes, a milkshake annnnnd a chocolate cake for breakfast!"

"Wait, what?" I stared at her in shock.

Celestia simply laughed at Bluebell's announcement before speaking.

"Follow us to the dining room, then. We will have food prepared. Twilight, will you send two guards to meet us there on your way to your next meeting? Then these two can begin thier search after dinner."

"Of course." Twilight nodded. She looked at me. "I will join you at the archives later, after my final meeting."

"See you then." I responded.

"Byeee!" Bluebell cheerfully supplied.

Twilight left the throne room, a quill and notepad appearing in her magic before she vanished from sight.

"Shall we?" Celestia led the way from the room.

"Food! Food! Yay!" Bluebell chanted, bouncing happily alongside her. "Ooh, Princess, do you like cupcakes??"

"I believe that would be similar to asking if the sun rises each day." Luna offered, smirking, to which I snickered. "You have no idea how much my sister enjoys them."

Celestia, as I thought she would, glared at Luna briefly before continuing down the long hallway, Bluebell still bouncing alongside her. I shook my head and tuned out the rest to converse with my more silent companion.

'Well, that went well.'

'Indeed. Now put your mission out of your mind until you have eaten. Then you can focus better. Just remember, this is a vitally important quest. Equestria needs that hero.'

'Ok, so, Cap...you literally just told me not to think about it til later. Now you're saying think about it. Which is it?'

'Think about it in greater detail after you eat, lets put it that way.'

'Got it.'

I turned my attention back to the others, as we turned down another corridor.

"So the archives. How big are they, exactly, and do they cover literally everything in Equestria?" I asked.

"Oh, they are quite extensive, as I told you earlier." Luna stated.

"Indeed. With several large wings." Celestia agreed. "It is my own personal and vast collection that I have put together myself over countless millenia. But that is not counting the restricted section."

"Restricted section. Ok, gonna guess I'm not allowed in there, then." I mused aloud. "Eh, no matter. The rest of the archives should do nicely. Although, I don't suppose I could-?"

"Absolutely not." Celestia's tone was polite but firm. "Many of the contents of that section are far too dangerous for those that know how to use it, and they are certainly too dangerous for one with zero knowledge of it. No, the areas you have access to should be sufficient."

"Oh, so its basically Area 51 and no one but super top officials are allowed. Got it." I said.

"Excuse me?" Celestia enquired, looking completely confused.

"Oh, uh, nothing. A reference to my world. Nevermind."

"Hm. Anyway, here we are. Dining room."

We had gone around a few more corners during our chat, and had finally arrived at our destination. The long table in the middle of the room was set with a white tablecloth and fairly expensive looking dinnerware. A pony in a chef's hat and a couple of waiter ponies stood nearby, ready to serve however needed.

Celestia waved a hoof. "I will have my usual." She said, before looking to me. "You may order whatever you wish, Liz. I believe we even serve fish-based dishes for the more carnivorous species, such as griffins. No doubt that will suit you better than our more herbivorous mainstays."

She took her seat, Luna following suit after a word to the chef pony. I nodded.

"Oh, thanks. Hey, can you make a lemon seasoned baked salmon? I really love that. Oh, and some potatoes and carrots too, please."

"Can I make it??" The chef seemed insulted."Bah. Of course. In my sleep. Is there anything else? Dessert, perhaps?"

"Hm. How about a strawberry mousse topped with fresh strawberry slices, drizzled with chocolate sauce?"

"You have exquisite tastes." He stated, approvingly. "Consider it done. And for the young mare?"

His eyes went to Bluebell, and I had a sudden instinct to urge him to run. I had no clue what would come out of her mouth. She was likely to order everything under the sun she could think of.

"Well..." Bluebell inhaled deeply and dramatically.

'Oh brother, here it comes.' I thought, bracing myself.

I was fairly sure afterwards that not a one of us could have been prepared for her response.

“I'll take a double triple bossy deluxe, on a raft, four by four animal style, extra shingles with a shimmy and a squeeze, light axle grease, make it cry, burn it, and let it swim.” Bluebell inhaled deeply again to recover the breath she'd just lost on that order.

I felt very sorry for the chef, who stood staring at Bluebell with his mouth hanging open, trying desperately to process what he had just heard. I had no idea what she had just said, and I didn't feel like encountering a headache by trying to figure it out.

Before the speechless chef could formulate a response, Bluebell held up a hoof.

"Wait! Never mind!" She said excitedly. "I'll have that another time! Bring me all the cakes you got left in that kitchen, chef! And don't worry about a fork cause I don't need it!"

The flustered chef glanced at the princesses, then scrambled off to the kitchen, likely wondering what manner of insane pony had descended on the castle. Celestia stared hard at Bluebell, her expression seeming to me to say "I'm watching you.", then she looked to me.

"So, Liz, have a seat and tell me about what being in a world that is not your own is like." She said, motioning to the chair to her left.

I took a seat, staring with mixed amusement and curiosity at Bluebell for a moment before I returned my attention to Celestia.

"Not gonna lie." I said slowly." It was, uh, well, it was really weird finding myself here. And at first, I was really angry about it, and all I wanted was to get out. But now, I dunno. I'm actually kinda enjoying the adventure. Minus a few hiccups here and there."

"It brings me great relief to hear that." Celestia stated. "After hearing from Twilight of your recent adventures, I was afraid you would demand I find a way to send you home immediately. I am glad you did not."

"I might have to start with." I replied, my tone slightly sour. "But then I had that run in with Chrysalis. She really just made me incredibly angry. I have a score to settle with her. " I smiled at her. "Plus, I really want to help you. I want to see Equestria unite into one whole land of peace and friendship, not remain divided as it is now."

Celestia gazed at me intently, seemingly studying me, as she caught up her water glass and took a long sip. Setting it down, she smiled back.

"You have a good and noble heart, Liz." She said. "With that conviction and attitude, I have no doubt you will find yourself surrounded by countless friends and allies."

"Yeah exactly!" Bluebell chimed in, bouncing in her seat like an excited filly. "Wait. Isn't she surrounded by friends and allies already? How many more are we going to pick up? Five? Ten? A thousand? Eight thousand, nine hundred and fifty-two?!!" She gasped suddenly. "Ten thousand?!"

I snickered at her as Celestia and Luna both smiled.

"I do not believe that it would be that many, though if you had a following such as that we would certainly have no issues with winning." Luna remarked.

"Why wouldn't we have that?" I demanded, frowning. "The way I see it, the more on our team the faster we win. Unless there is something I don't know about. Is this thing worse than I thought?"

The entrance of the chef and a couple of waiters interrupted any reply from the sisters, and the food was given to each of them. Luna and Celestia both had salads, and a large piece of yellow cake sat on Celestia's tray. The chef placed a tray containing my food in front of me, while a tray loaded with cakes was placed in front of Bluebell.

"YAY! FOOOOD!" She cheered, before diving into the massive stack of sweet treats.

I rolled my eyes and ducked a flying piece of cake frosting while taking a bite of my own food.

"Oh that's good!" I said, then frowned as a piece of frosting landed on my plate. "Hey, Bluebell, watch it, you're making a mess over there! And over here."

She appeared from behind her sugary tower and blinked at me sheepishly.

"Oh...sorry."

She resumed eating, but not as forcefully, and I returned to my own meal. The door of the dining room opened and two guards entered, posting themselves on either side of the door and staring straight ahead, unmoving and unblinking. I stared at them, intently studying them.

One had a dark blue coat, with a slightly darker blue and violet mane and tail. The cutie mark he bore was an upright sword set against a night sky background. The other guard had a white coat, like Celestia, and a bright yellow and deep gold colored mane and tail, and a golden sun cutie mark visible.

"Our guards, I'm guessing?" I asked Celestia.

She nodded. "Yes. They will be accompanying you and showing you the archives. My sister and I must go, its nearly time for us to move the moon and sun. Enjoy the rest of your meal and we will see you both again soon."

I rose when they did, and gave both of them a slightly more improved bow.

"Thank you, Princesses." I said politely.

"Mmffmmfst!" Bluebell attempted around a mouthful of cake.

"I'm guessing that means bye." I said drily.

They grinned at Bluebell, nodded at me, and took thier leave. As soon as they did, the darker guard stepped forward and spoke.

"We will escort you to the archives whenever you're ready, miss." He said. "I am Lunar Blade. This is Solar Shine."

"I think we're about ready." I looked at Bluebell. "You done, Bluebell?"

"Mhm! All done!" She leaped to my side. "Ooh. Guards! And look, Liz. Aren't they just so...so..."

I could have sworn her pupils took the shape of hearts. I huffed slightly.

"Ok, guess we're ready." I said.

"Follow me." Lunar instructed, leading the way.

We did, Bluebell removing the last remnants of frosting from her muzzle and gazing starry eyed at Lunar while I simply shook my head and sighed in exasperation as we left the dining room.