Fading Nova

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Chapter 1

Fading nova

Chapter 1

It was a peaceful day at Ponyville. The sun was shining on Sugarcube Corner, the bakery that was resting on the cliff overlooking the pink sea. All was announcing that it will be a nice, peaceful day//

BOOOM

An explosion happened in Sugarcube Corner and a thick column of smoke came out of the window. Followed by a chibi Pinkie Pie, coughing like no tomorrow.

‘’*cough**cough* Wow. When I had said I will make a recipe that would make taste buds explode, it is not really what I had in mind.’’

‘’Pinkie darling, you are sure you are alright?’’

Have say a chibi Rarity, busy polishing her hooficure. Pinkie was not deterred at all by that predicament.

‘’Bah, nothing to worry, I will just...’’

Fast as lightning, she went into the broom closet and took from it a fan of super-giga size that was as high as the ceiling. And also way higher than the door from which it came by.

‘’Hum, strange. How did it fit in there?’’

She pushed the switch on and all the smoke of her burning oven was pushed out from the open window through the outside air. Or more like it was ejected at high speed as a geyser of smog. Right into the town.

‘’There. Problem solved. And Ponyville should probably be fine. Pro... bably.’’

Once the deed was done, the chibi pink pony sat down at a round table where her five other chibi friends were sitting. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow and Fluttershy. Speaking of her, she let it go off her tablet to look at something with a lot of worry.

‘’Hum, Pinkie. You're sure it's a good idea to leave it alone like that? That doesn't seem safe.’’

She was talking about the oven that was still burning as if it was a campfire.

‘’Oh yeah, no need to worry. It will eventually go out by itself.’’

The belly of Rainbow Dash made a growl.

‘’Ah shoot. I was really looking forward to those cupcakes. I'm sooo hungry.’’

‘’Don't fret Dashie. I got us cover.’’

From her puffy mane, Pinkie took a plate with dozens of cupcakes with all kinds of colorful frosting. To which Twilight was flabbergasted.

‘’What! But but, where are they coming from?’’

‘’Oh silly, I always have a few at hoof reach.’’

‘’But then, what was the point to bake more if we have them already?’’

‘’Well, hum... come to think of it... I am not quite sure. Oh well, who care. Sometimes my actions are a mystery even to me. Anyway, let's eat.’’

She distributed the cupcakes to all. Rainbow did not wait for the other and dived head first on her pastry. Pinkie looked at the table and felt that it was missing something. Then, it hit her.

‘’Aha! Do you know what would be the best drink with that?’’

She ran towards her mini fridge on her kitchen wall and opened it.

‘’It's a bunch of potions to double the fun. So take your shovels because it's time to dig in huhhh!! Wait, what!’’

To her disappointment, she saw that her mini fridge was empty. There was not a single bottle. Pinkie blue eyes were becoming big and watery as she was looking at those shelves devoid of anything. Except maybe quite a shame.

‘’Aww that shucks. How can we have our fun wacky day then?’’

But to the surprise of all, a cheery voice came out of nowhere.

‘’Did somepony say fun and wacky in the same sentence?’’

Everypony turned their heads towards the direction of the newcomer voice. It was coming from beyond the front door. Say door opened up itself and from the doorway came a blinding and divine white light. They expected that something unbelievable will come out of it. But instead, what came out was just a chibi unicorn mare, casually galloping inside and waving a greeting at them. A very mundane sight.

‘’Hello you all. Did you miss me?’’

That unicorn was of a pristine white. Her gorgeous mane was made of all strips of magenta and was sparkling on all her surface. That unicorn was Potion Nova. Applejack lifted her hat as a salute.

‘’Howdy Nova. Say, usually yer entrances are more spectacular.’’

‘’Yes, sorry about that, I wanted to do more. It's just that the rest of my special effects are in the wash.’’

‘’Ahhh... ah see. Is it me or today's gags are all over the place?’’

The unicorn walked towards the table and with a shimmering of her horn, bottles of all shapes and colors appeared out of thin air in front of everypony. All mares shouted for joy at those potions that are sure to be more fun than the others. They said their thanks at Nova. Said Nova was amusing herself balancing a round bottle on her forehead.

‘’Aww that's sweet of you. But there is no need to thank me. Making potions is what I live for. No matter how many I make, I just never get tired of it. Hum, how should I explain? It is as if the concept of fun and wonder had taken a liquid form that you could put into a bottle. A bottle that you could hold with your hooves and share with others. I just want my babies to be used and that everypony tastes the joy they bring. Literally in that case. ... Sorry, I did not want to bother you with a speech. I don't know what came through me. We are not here to be serious. Enjoy the drinks.’’

‘’Nova.’’

‘’No no, I had said it's not necessary to sing my praises. Oh, okay, maybe just a little.’’

Twilight was very confused.

‘’Huh! But... nopony had said anything.’’

‘’Really! But I was sure I'd heard//

‘’Nova.’’

Surprised, Potion Nova dropped her bottle. It would have broken if Twilight did not intervene and caught it with her magic.

‘’Be more careful with those. If I was not here, it could have been a mess.’’

‘’I'm sorry. But I feel... I mean... I have the strange feeling that I am forgetting something. Something... important.’’

‘’NOVAAAA.’’

‘’GYAAAAH!!!’’

The regular size Potion Nova jumped back in fright and turned around to look at the regular size pony who screamed at her. A unicorn stallion of imposing size and gruffly mustache. By the way, that stallion was her boss.

‘’Will you stop daydreaming and get back to work. The cooler device of that fridge should have been done by now.’’

‘’Huh! Oh! Yes, yes boss. It will be finished in a jiffy.’’

She had said while making a nervous salute.

‘’And straight-up your uniform. We are suppose to look like professionals, not slobs.’’

‘’Yes boss, right now boss.’’

Potion Nova readjusted her blue shirt and her blue cap hat. Both of them were wearing the logo of the company: Fresh Fridge.

‘’Good. Now can I count on you to finish the job?’’

‘’Don't worry. A few adjustments and it will be good to go.’’

With her magic, she took two screwdrivers and then used them on the machinery located behind a fridge. She worked them slowly with a deep concentration, her tongue sticking out. The fridge soon came alive and started purring. A sound that made Nova very proud.

‘’There we go. That baby is good to go.’’

‘’Good. COME ON BOYS AND GIRLS. PUT IT ON THE CART. NOW’’

Pegasi, wearing the same uniform, grabbed the fridge and went across the open hatch leading to the warehouse of the company where there were other ponies working on various tasks and shelves full of fridges ready to go. The flying fridge was deposited on a cart along with another already on it. The boss of the company went towards the cart and shouted:

‘’NOVA.’’

The unicorn, eager to please, dashed in one instant towards her boss, saluting like a soldier.

‘’Potion Nova ready for duty. What is it?’’

‘’You will be in charge of delivering those two fridges to their new owners. Both of their residences are in Ponyville.’’

‘’Oh! Ponyville, where I live!’’

‘’Yes, that's why I figured out you will be the best for that task. Since you already know the layout, it should be an easy job for you.’’

Ignoring the insinuation, Nova instead made a beaming smile at that responsibility given to her. Her boss levitated a sheet of paper in front of her.

‘’Here. Their address are written there.’’

She was about to take it but her boss flew it away from her at the last second.

‘’Don't disappoint me. One of those delivery is a very important one.’’

‘’You can count on me. Our dearest customers would have the... 'coolest' service there could be possible to have. Huh huh, get it?’’

‘’... ... ... Just get on with it, please.’’

‘’Right away sir.’’

She grabbed the paper and it is with enthusiasm that she ran like a racing car toward the outside, leaving a trail of smoke behind her.

Once she was gone, her boss made quite a sigh. While looking at the cart with its load. The cart that was still there.

Potion Nova came back inside, walking sheepishly with an embarrassing smile.

‘’Right, right. The fridges, the fridges. Difficult to make a delivery without them, hehehe... heh.’’

The sun was shining brightly on the town of Ponyville. Butterflies were peacefully flying in the air and ponies were casually doing their daily lives. On a hill, overlooking the whole town and covered in green and fresh grass, a unicorn had just barely reached the summit, dragging with her the cart she had pulled. Her deed accomplished, she unbuckled from the harness and allowed herself to enjoy the view. It was breathtaking. Potion Nova had moved to Ponyville for just one month but it was more than enough to understand how great it is to live there.

‘’So beautiful. Ponyville is really a special place. No matter where I go, I always see smiles. And everypony is so nice toward each other. I could not have chosen a better town to live in. I hope that one day I could be as its image and become a pony that could bring happiness to many.’’

She pumped her hoof toward the sky to show her confidence.

‘’And I will. I just know I will. Yes, one day I will realize my dream to be an unicorn that is sweet, magic, fast, posh, fun, cute, and... and so much more. Well, I know a good way to start. ’’

She held her hoof at her side to grab the harness.

But found it strange when the only thing she was grabbing... was thin air.

She turned around and to her horror, saw her cart rolling down the hill along with her precious cargo. To which she naturally went running after it.

‘’Ah wait, no please, come back, come back!’’

Inside one of the many homes of Ponyville, one pegasus mare was washing her dishes in her sink full of soapy water while humming a tune. Her work was interrupted by the sound of knocking at her door. She first dried her hooves and went towards her door to open it. At first, she was surprised to see that nopony was there. But then, in quite an entrance, the fridge, on a hoof truck, came into view, rolling from the side. And what's more, to compliment the whole show, a unicorn with a shining magenta mane jumped out before her in an exaggerated dramatic pose.

‘’Fresh Fridge at your service ma'am. Are you Morning Daisy?’’

‘’Huh? Yes. Yes, it's me.’’

‘’Splendid. I am here to deliver the fridge you have been waiting for.’’

With quite a skillful gesture, she made a bow while at the same time, taking her cap off with one hoof while with the other, opened up the fridge door, letting out its cool air display as pretty fog with the help of the interior light of the fridge.

‘’... ... Oh my! That quite the service.’’

‘’What can I say ma'am? Always eager to please. Please allow me to install it.’’

She entered the house, pulling the fridge with her magic. Her job did not take that long. After barely twenty minutes, she went out, levitated her tools back into her saddlebag while her client waved her goodbye.

‘’Thanks again. You really were helpful.’’

‘’All the pleasure was for me. And remember. If you have any problems with it, call us. Because with me, all your problems will be water under the fridge.’’

‘’... ... That was ba, hum I mean suuure. Have a nice day.’’

‘’Have a nice day.’’

The mare went back into her house while Potion Nova trotted back to her carriage, quite delighted to have made her customer happy and put back the hoof truck inside the carriage.

‘’Ah nothing more can lift-up your day than making a pony smile. Alright. Now let us see who is next on the list.’’

She levitated the paper sheet with the addresses in front of her.

‘’So, written there, it is said that my next delivery should go to... to... ... what!’’

Suddenly, she grabbed the sheet with her hooves. She re-read and re-read and re-read again and she could not believe her eyes. Her hooves were shaking and she was putting the paper so close to her face that she could nearly tear it with her eyes.

‘’It... it can't be! I am daydreaming? The, the, the... THE CASTLE OF FRIENDSHIP!’’

She screamed at the top of her lungs, scaring all passersby and not caring at all of all the odd looks they were giving her.

‘’No, no way, it can't be real, oh but of course it is real, it's written right there but I mean it can't be real! ''The'' Castle of Friendship. What once used to be their place of residence! My lifelong heroes.’’

She took something from her saddleback. A scrapbook of pink color with glitter on it which she opened. Revealing pages full of scotch taped photos and cut of newspaper articles and various other things. And the common theme was they were all about six particular ponies.

‘’Well technically, it was more the home of Twilight Sparkle, the princess of friendship, but all the bearers of the Elements used it as a base to spread friendship over Equestria and beyond. And now it is used as home for Starlight Glimmer, the headmare of the school of friendship and oh my gosh oh my gosh, I'm going to go there!’’

She just continued to jubilate on the street, blissfully unaware of the attention she was dragging. She even forcefully grabbed a random stallion passing by and shoved her scrapbook on both of their muzzles.

‘’I am talking about them. Them! Twilight Sparkle. Applejack. Pinkie Pie. Rarity. Rainbow Dash. And Fluttershy. Those are the six ponies that I admire the most. I had followed their every step and I knew everything about them. It has always been my dream to meet them since they bring joy and harmony wherever they go. Aren't they just the best?’’

‘’Ma'am, you are scared me.’’

‘’You think that maybe one day, I may become even just a tiny bit like them?’’

‘’If I say yes, you will let me go?’’

‘’Huh? Oh... oooooh.’’

Potion Nova came back to her senses and realized what she had done. She did what he asked and let him go and giggle with embarrassment.

‘’Ahah, sor, sorry, I tend to lose track when I talk about my heroes WAIT! What am I doing here? I have no time to lose. This is a golden chance, I must go to that castle pronto.’’

She went to her cart, attached her harness and galloped towards the direction of the Castle of Friendship. And beside her being a unicorn, she ran with the speed of an earth pony.

The Castle of Friendship was a remarkable sight to behold. Its towering size and crystalline appearance makes it that you could easily see it from every corner of Ponyville. Naturally, Potion Nova, living here, had seen that castle countless times from afar. However...

‘’Oooooh it is even more impressive once seen up-close. It's like it is coming straight from a fairy tale! I can't believe I have at last an excuse to enter it.’’

Realizing what she had just said, she shook her head.

‘’No, bad Potion Nova, bad. Remember what the boss said, you are a professional. The job come first.’’

She went towards the door and knocked on it.

‘’Hello. Fresh Fridge at your service. I am here to deliver your fridge. ... ... ... Huh? Helloooo. Is somepony there?’’

But only silence answered back.

‘’Oh no, don't tell me nopony is here! Come to think of it, this castle is so huge, how can they know if sompony is knocking? Should I just leave a note on the door?’’

She tried to open the door in a desperate act. But to her surprise, it actually opened.

‘’Huh! Well damn. It's not close! Everypony can enter at any time! Whoa. They are really that trusty! Well, I suppose that they have to leave the door open for everypony. Since being the Castle of Friendship, duh. Still, maybe I should enter to warn somepony about the fridge. Annnd maybe take the opportunity to see what it looks like inside. All for the sake of doing my job of course. Alright Nova, takes the plunge and go.’’

So she decided to enter. Once inside, the doors slammed shut behind her. The abrupt noise startled her. But it dissipates at the moment she sees the splendor of the entrance hall.

‘’Whoaaaa. So... that's what it looks like. I had always tried to imagine it since I was a filly but I definitely could not do it justice. Those columns made of sparkling crystal. Those murals and tapestries. Oh! And all those cute green stained glass. It's just so... pretty. It really does feel like it is coming from a fairy tale.’’

Not knowing where to go, she just took a random hallway. As she trotted aimlessly, she was awestruck by all she was seeing, having forgotten the reason why she came here in the first place. That hallway was ended by an intersection leading to more hallways. That intersection was a small round room and in it was four crystal columns. Potion Nova stopped right at the cross section of those four columns and looked at them. Their surface was so reflective they may as well be mirrors. She even waved at one of her reflections.

‘’Hello me. My, you look really nice today. Quite the bumble of laughter are you. Humm although, maybe just a tinsie bit more of smile would be best.’’

With both hooves, she stretched her smile just a little bit. The change was barely noticeable. But it seems to be satisfactory for her.

‘’Ah, now I am fully my charming self, ready to meet new ponies.’’

She got back up and continued on her way.

But is it truly how you feel?

‘’Huh!?’’

She was not sure but she thought she had heard a voice coming from behind her. A voice that was eerily similar thought of her own.

She turned towards her reflection. It was the same as usual. She shook her head.

‘’Wow. My overflowing imagination is finally playing tricks on me. Come on Nova, it's not the time for daydream, you got a job to do, a job. Ah! Now I sound like my boss.’’

Potion Nova continues to wander the castle for a few minutes without seeing a single soul. She was starting to wonder if it was such a good idea after all. But it was then she heard voices. One of the green doors was slightly open and light was coming from it. She came closer and indeed there was somepony inside, casually drinking tea on a chair. At first she wanted to enter but then hesitated and instead opted for simply knocking on the door which surprised the pony inside.

‘’Huh?! Hum, hello? Is somepony there?’’

Potion Nova took her cap and pressed it to her chest before pushing the door and politely introducing herself.

‘’Excuse me. Did I startle you? I realize it may not be quite proper to barge in unnoticed but... nopony was at the door and it was unlocked. I am from Fresh Fridge and I am the pony in charge of delivering your new fridge. It was supposed to be today.’’

One look was more than enough for Potion Nova to recognize the mare she was talking to. She was an unicorn of fuchsia color and her mane was of a dark purple with stripes of electric blue. She was wearing an elegant dark-cherry coat that was screaming professionalism. It was the headmare of the school of Friendship, Starlight Glimmer. Potion Nova was also a fan of hers. She even had a section of her scrapbook dedicated specially towards her.

Starlight put down her levitated teacup, still fuming, on its tea plate on a table and got up from her armchair to meet Nova.

‘’Oh shoot, that's right! I'm sorry, it completely slipped my mind. I am so sorry.’’

‘’Oh no Miss Glimmer, it's perfectly alright. It was not a bother, I assure you. Besides, a Fresh Fridge employee never complains. Well, it’s technically more my personal motto than of the company... *couff**couff* what I mean is it was no trouble for me. And it gives me the chance to explore your beautiful castle.’’

‘’Still, I feel it was very impolite of me. I should have made sure you will have been well received.’’

‘’And I'm afraid I am partly to blame. I decided to visit my friend Starlight out of the blue, without warning. That probably what made her forget.’’

The one who had spoken was neither Nova nor Starlight. Nova was surprised because she had not noticed the presence of that third pony that seemed to have been here all along. There was another armchair in that foyer. And the back of that chair was facing Nova. That other pony must have been hidden behind it, she was thinking. And to confirm her theory, another fuming teacup, in the grasp of a raspberry aura, floated from beyond it and just like the previous one, landed on a tea plate.

‘’Please allow me to introduce myself. Though I suppose it is not necessary.’’

The pony speaking, came out of the chair, revealing herself and gosh... the shock at the sight of her made Potion Nova pupils shrunk and her breath was caught in her throat.

Before her, was a mare of ginormous size, possessing both a horn and a pair of wings, making her an alicorn. Her fur was of a beautiful lavender and her purple mane was floating by itself, magic coursing through it. And although she was not wearing any crown or regalia on her, it was indubitably none other than the princess of Friendship herself.

It was Twilight Sparkle! The one she looks up the most! The ones she had always dreamed of meeting one day! The one she had always fantasized about being friends and she was there, right in front of her, at a few steps and how much she did not see that coming, how much she was not prepared and how she wanted to cry of joy and run away at the same time!

‘’Pr... pr pr princess, Twi... light, Sparkle!!! Ah, ah, hum, oh, he he he he hello princess, ni ni ni nice to meet you, I am Po po po po po Potion Nova, it an honor to greet, I mean to meet... you and I already say that. (What is wrong with you dummy! She will think you are a weirdo.)’’

But against all expectations, the princess did not seem disturbed. Instead, she was smiling and acted as if Nova had given a normal greeting.

‘’I see. It is a pleasure to meet you, Potion Nova. That's a pretty name.’’

‘’(Oh gosh, she's coming closer! What should I do? I can't act like a dump fangirl fawning over a celebrity. Everypony hates that and it's insensitive. Calm down Nova, you have to calm down, stop stressing stop stressing, your heartbeat is too loud, what if she hears it? Oh no, she's coming closer, she will definitely hear it she will hear it, stop beating so loud stop beating so loud stop beating so loud stop beating so loud... ... ah good, it stop.)’’

‘’So tell me, I heard you like exploring my ancient home. I'm glad that you had found it... hum... say, why are you not moving an inch and your face is losing colors? Also, why the glitter in your eyes... is... fading... down!’’

Like she had said, Potion Nova was as fixed as a statue.

Then just like that, she dropped stiff dead into the hooves of a panicking alicorn.

‘’Heh heh heh what's happening, she's not moving! Wake up, wake up! Starlight, quick, help me, HELP MEEEE!’’

Author's Note

And that how Potion Nove died. But no, I am joking. It is far from being over. Far from it. There is still a lot see about the adventures of Potion Nova. Or rather, her misadventures. That poor pony will get into a lot of trouble, despite wanting to do good. Prepare to see a lot of hi-jinks.

I had decided to try my hand on writing a story that is mainly comedic to take a break of my usual heavy stuff style of writing. Now, why I have chosen Potion Nova of all pony as main character? Because she is practically the least popular character ever. So of course I have choose her. Heh it's all me. Always rooting for the underdog. Still, I have interesting ideas for her and I think I could bring a new dimension to that potion maker.

Stay tune for what come next. Lot of gags and bad puns. (The last part is unfortunate).

Also, here is a list of unique writting symbols that I will using for the rest of that story:
- ''//'' means that a dialogue had been interrupted and cut off by the dialogue of another one.
- ''|***|'' mean that a flashback is beggining.
- ''**|**'' mean that a flashback is ending.

Chapter 2

Today, the unicorn with magenta hair was resting on a couch. She was often taking naps. It was an activity she had enjoyed since from how long she can remember. It's not that she was lazy, she likes to float into her sweet dreams. She was napping very often at home. Just like today. The difference was that she was not at home and that was not her couch.

Potion Nova slowly opened her eyes and was now awake. Then, she facehoof herself.

‘’Oh please, tell me it was a dream and that embarrassing moment never happened.’’

‘’Well, I could do that. But the simple fact that I can say it proves that it did happen, making a self-defeating argument. So yes. I am afraid that it did indeed happen. Sorry.’’

Say the face of Twilight Sparkle looking at her from above. Still Potion Nova was calm. She didn't know if it was because her brain did not fully awaken, or the sheer absurdity of the situation... or maybe that she had sunk so low that did no longer matters to even care, but she was feeling pretty calm. Still, it did not stop her hiding her face in shame.

‘’Ooooh why, why I'm always messing things up? I meet my idol, the legendary Twilight Sparkle, in a once-of-a-lifetime chance and I find the way to screw it up. I am sorry if I had freaked you out.’’

‘’Oh no please, don't feel like that. You know, I meet fans constantly. I am used to their reactions, I assure you.’’

Nova jumped back in sitting position, feeling hopeful.

‘’Really!’’

‘’Yes. ... ... Okay, I must still admit that one pony fainting at my presence is a first.’’

And the unicorn fell back on the couch while moaning the death cry of her last remaining dignity.

‘’Oooh I want to die.’’

‘’No no no! You better not. Not after all I had to do.’’

‘’Sorry. Wait? What does that mean?’’

‘’Hummm...’’

|***|

‘’Hurry Starlight, open her jacket away, I must cast my spell directly on her heart.’’

Twilight horn was charging with crackling lightning.

‘’CLEAR.’’

*zap*

**|**

‘’Oh, just an expression like that. Nothing important.’’

‘’I see. Was I out for long?’’

‘’I say nearly one hour.’’

‘’ONE HOUR! And you'd been at my side for that long! I'm sorry. I am so, so sorry.’’

‘’No please, don't feel bad about that. It's not like it was your fault. I'm the one who insisted on staying at your side.’’

‘’You are so kind to a stranger you had met for only a few minutes! You really are the friendly of all ponies.’’

‘’Oh no, I am not that special. Beside what my title say. And anyway, the first step to making a new friend is to always show to a new//

‘’new pony that he have importance and to treat him with decency.’’

‘’Yes! You know my friendship lessons!’’

‘’Of course. I know all of them. I used them every day to become a better pony.’’

‘’Now I think there can be no better way to show your admiration.’’

The door opened and Starlight came with a handleless cup full of a fuming beverage.

‘’Ah, I see that our sleeping beauty had awakened. You gave us quite a fright. But I understand. Sometimes, even me I feel like fainting when I see her. When she came in, it is often an omen for disaster.’’

‘’Ha ha, very funny. And also, speak for yourself. You are double more a disaster magnet than me.’’

‘’Heh heh, I had learned to behave!’’

‘’Tell that to the north tower.’’

‘’Twilight! Not in front of her! Also I promised you I will eventually re-equilibrate its space-time axis.’’

Both mares went to laughing heartfully. If they were capable to such playful banter then it was a sign of how close they were. That was what Nova was thinking at least. But then a question came to her mind.

‘’What are you doing here Princess. I mean, aren't you suppose to be at Canterlot Castle.’’

‘’I am on my annual holiday week.’’

‘’Holiday!’’

‘’Of course. Even princess needs holiday. Each year I am talking a week off duty. And each time, I always like to spend it at Ponyville. That town is so close to my heart and even if I was born at Canterlot, I always consider Ponyville my true home.’’

‘’I see. Well, I guess it's no wonder. But then, who will rule the kingdom in your stead?’’

‘’Do not worry. My royal advisor Spike is doing it for me. He has been by my side at every step, he knows how to deal with the management of the kingdom by himself. There is no drake more reliable.’’

Starlight came before Nova and present to her, levitated handleless cup.

‘’Here, it's for you. Drink this tisane Miss Nova, this will make you feel better.’’

She obeyed and took the cup with both her front hooves. It was warm at the touch and she took a delicate sip.

‘’Oh! You're right, I already feel better. It is quite tasty. Al... so...’’

She clicked her tongue several times. A reflex she have when she wants to analyze the taste of something.

‘’Ah, no wonder. You had put revitalizing tonic in it. And if I am not wrong, also, hummm... Pep-Up brew maybe?’’

‘’That's... that's right! You can tell just by the taste?’’

‘’Of course. Potions are my passion. It is even my special talent. Look, look.’’

She showed to all to them her cutie mark. A potion flask with light inside it.

‘’I had even taken a major in potion making at school. I was top of my class. I would like to make it a official profession but, hum... there are some difficulties.’’

‘’Ah yes, I am aware that potion making is a branch of magic that not a lot study and that is often neglected. I am guilty of that too I am afraid and I only the basic.’’

‘’Really! That is still a lot!’’

‘’You're too kind. Still I find that impressive that you want to pioneer on a magical science that is still not that explored. Even though there is not a lot of demand in the market for potion makers.’’

‘’Yes... ... not a lot of demand. So instead, here I am working as a Fresh Fridge employee. Oh I am not complaining. It is a great job and all my co-workers are nice. And I am still making potions as a hobby. Wait? MY JOB!’’

Potion Nova jumped straight from her couch in a panic.

‘’Oh no, the fridge! I should have installed it from long ago!’’

But Starlight put her hoof on Nova shoulder.

‘’It's alright, calm down. When you were out, I installed it for you. It was a simple task.’’

‘’It's done! Oh thanks you a lot. Thought I feel ashamed for it. Say, you won't say anything at my boss, will you? He can be pretty scary sometimes.’’

‘’My lips are sealed.’’

Starlight even playfully winked at her. Everypony in the room shared a good laugh. Potion Nova was sure feeling less stressed.

‘’Hahaha, sheesh, I must say, for a bunch of legendary figures, you girls are pretty easy to hang around.’’

‘’Well Nova, contrary to what our reputation say, we are just normal ponies in the end. Having a crown on my head does not make me that special. But tell me more about you, because you look like somepony very intriguing. So like that, you are a big fan of us?’’

‘’Oh yes, yes. You have no idea how much.’’

Her saddleback was near her. She took her precious scrapbook from it and she opened it up for everypony in the room to see.

‘’You and your friends have always been my inspiration. Since as long as I remember, my deepest wish was to do good and to bring somehow more happiness into the world. Oh gosh. It sounds childish say like that.’’

‘’You should never feel ashamed for wanting to be a good pony. I personally think that make you an admirable one. So don't feel... ... you always bring that scrapbook with you? Even during work?’’

‘’Hum! ... ... ... ... no.’’

Without looking at it, she put back the book back into her bag. And all the while, her face was frozen in an expression of awkwardness.

Seeing as all the room was plunged in silence that as awkward, Potion Nova saw that as a cue to change the subject.

‘’Sooo, Miss Starlight, what was the problem with your previous fridge? I could maybe give some advice to make sure it doesn't happen again.’’

‘’Oh! Hum well you see, the thing is...’’

|***|

Starlight went into the kitchen and she was bringing, in her levitated grasp, an open box full of cupcakes. A gift from Pinkie Pie. She was about to put them in her fridge and when she opened the door...

‘’!!!! Waaaaah! What is that! When it happens!?’’

Inside, there was a nasty mold that looked like [because of the PG of that story, the details had been judged far too gross to be described for you dear readers and so, are being censored.] and it was enough to make you nauseous.

‘’Ooh. Maybe I should clean it more often. And not left so many my leftovers to rot. And not put them as the same place as my chemical products. And now I think I understand why Sunburst and Trixie never want to eat at home.’’

But just like that, the mold started to move and grabbed the cupcakes box. It brought it with it and devoured it voraciously. Afraid, Starlight slammed shut the door. It bang furiously on it from the inside and Starlight desperately tried to hold the door back, her back pressed on it.

‘’Ah horror! It's alive! IT'S ALIVE! AND IT HAS A CRAPPY ATTITUDE!’’

**|**

‘’Hum, you know what, it has no importance. Just to make is short, let's just say a... complication came and I had toooo incinerate the whole thing.’’

‘’Wow, you really are into recycling.’’

‘’Recy... !? Oh yeah, yeah, sure. That's totally the reason why.’’

Potion Nova raised her head to look at the clock and noticed it was getting late.

‘’Oh my, I did not notice it was getting this late. Sorry, it was very nice but I must go.’’

Twilight replied, worries:

‘’You will not have problems at work?’’

‘’Nay don't worry. Once my deliveries are finished, I am suppose to go back straight at home. I was just afraid that you may have to fill a complaint. Well... farewell everyponies. I'm... glad I meet you all. That was... one of the greatest moments of my life. Alright, I'm going now.’’

‘’Potion Nova, could you just wait a minute?’’

‘’Huh?’’

‘’As I had said, I will say in Ponyville for a week. If you are free, we could hang on sometime. Soon, it would be the lantern festival. Would you like to come with us.’’

‘’What! Are you sure? This is your holiday week! I am sure you would prefer using it to relax or hang on with your friends.’’

‘’That right. And I would like to have you as a friend.’’

Potion Nova... simply blinked. Then, she looked around in every direction and then, she pointed her hoof incredulously at herself. This made the princess giggle.

‘’Yes you silly. I am talking about you.’’

‘’Huh! Huuuuh!!! You, you, you want me! As a friend!’’

‘’If you don't mind. I would like to.’’

‘’But... but we only met for such a short time.’’

‘’Oh! Then that must mean you must be a very fun pony to hang around. So, what do you GYAH!!!’’

Potion Nova threw herself at Twilight, hugging her tightly.

‘’Thanks you thanksyouthanksyou. You have no idea how much it means to me. Oh, and yes. Yes I would very like to be your friend. Oh gosh, where are my manners!’’

She went to Starlight and hugged too.

‘’Yes, I would like to be your friend too.’’

‘’What! But I didn't... oh and whatever. Yes, I would be glad too.’’

‘’Oh thanks you. Thanks you all and... I think I may have been too forward. Hehe... heh. IIII think I should better go before I embarrass myself any further.’’

She levitated her uniform, who had been well folded, put it in her bag and went towards the door but not before turning around and telling them a last goodbye.

‘’I say it again, I am glad I had to meet you all and I can't wait to see you again so goodbyhum I mean see yahum I mean... farewell, yes, just farewell. Farewell.’’

And she went away. But even as the door closed behind her, the other two mares could still hear the explosion of joy of the excitable unicorn from beyond it.

Starlight turned her head to speak to Twilight.

‘’Yeah. That girl is sure very go-go-go.’’

‘’She quite the character indeed. I got the feeling that this week will not be a boring one.’’

The day was still pretty sunny. Potion Nova was walking towards her home, dragging with her the now empty chariot. Well, she was not exactly walking. It was more than instead, she was frolicking with joy like a little filly. Her mood was one of the greatest she had ever been.

Her home was now in view. That building was situated in the outskirts of town, outside of the dense part. So, there were a lot of open space and greenery around that building. Say building was a two-floors renting apartment. Potion Nova was lodging on the first floor while a family of earth ponies, the owners, was lodging on the floor above. They are the one renting the floor below and Nova was lucky it opened the day she wanted to move.

On a small balcony on the second floor, slouching against the wedge was a little filly of yellow fur with a crimson mane. When she saw her, Potion Nova energetically waved her hoof at her.

‘’Hey Spring Song. Hello little one. How are you today?’’

Spring Song looked back at her with not a lot of interest.

‘’Hello weird lady. You seem to be in a good mood today.’’

‘’Aha, so you notice. That is right. Something wonderful happens to me. I won't bother you with the details. Let's just say one of my dreams had been realized.’’

‘’Ah. Well, happy for you then. Me, I bored. I am so much bored. I feel that nothing interesting is happening.’’

‘’If you want to see something interesting, why not going to my home one day? I can show you my... experiments, ohohoho.’’

‘’You, an adult, want a kid to hang with you! Wow. You must be very lonely.’’

‘’(Sheesh! Kids are brutal these days.) Another day then. Bye Springy.’’

‘’Bye weird lady.’’

Potion Nova put the empty chariot at its place and enter her house.

Once inside, she took off her cap and uniform with her magic and tossed them away at the coat hanger and, with her hoof, pushed the light switch. Light came back, illuminating her house. And at the heart of it was a big and long work table, taking nearly all the place, to which was resting chemical equipment, beakers, flasks, all connected to each other by plastic tube. All that laboratory equipment was already filled with all kinds of liquids with all the colors of the rainbow and more. With a swing of her head and a shimmer of her horn, her potion equipment came to life. Burners heated on, liquid boiled, filling the house with the sound of bubbles.

‘’Hello my little babies. Guess what I did today.’’

She trotted towards what she likes to call her 'little dream factory'. As she walked around it, her smiling face was reflected on each flask in a goofy way.

‘’It's an unbelievable story. I had met my idol since forever. Twilight Sparkle. That's right. The one and only Twilight Sparkle. Oh and I don't mean Twilight the imaginary friend, no, I mean the real one in the flesh. See. I told you it is unbelievable.’’

As she observed purple liquid circulating in a spiral tube to go into a bottle full of magenta one, a device resembling a pressure cooker was shaking. Without even giving a glimpse, she turned the mini handle with her magic, letting escape some steam.

‘’This, is, the happiest day of my life. I admire her so much that I fantasized for years that we were friends. Oh but I probably should not mention to her that in my dreams, she is my apprentice. It's not that I have a high opinion of me, I swear. What would she think of me? I am ashamed just saying out loud. Even if nopony can hear me. Oh except you all.’’

She took a round flask containing a red liquid. On a corner of the table, there was a pentagram with complex arcane drawn on the wood surface. At the heart of that pentagram, she deposit a tripod to which she put the flask on.

‘’Alrighty, the complicate part now.’’

She closed her eyes and concentrate. Her horn shimmered and soon the pentagram too. The magic on it radiated with light. That light moved and slide along towards the flask. The magic that was that light was concentrating on the liquid and compressing itself into it. When the spell was finished and all was done, the red liquid was now sparkling.

‘’Great. So far so good. Where I was? Ah yes. Now come to think of it, it would be best if I don't tell that I often like to imagine her and her friends into wacky and fun story that I invent. My imagination can run wild sometimes. But if talk to them about those daydreams, they might think that I am nuts. Or worse, a baby. Brrrrrr. No, better than I keep quiet.’’

She took the flask of sparkling red liquid, took another one full of green and put a third of its content in the red one with a mechanical precision.

‘’Hum, okay. Now, on another matter. Seeing what time it is on the clock, it should be ready//

*ding*

‘’Right now.’’

On a table adjacent, there was a mini oven. She opened it and inside, there was a loaf of bread that had just finished baking. That right, Potion Nova bakes her own bread. She is so good at it that she knows how long it needs to be heated in low temperature so that it is ready when she gets back after a long day of work. She sniffed its fresh and warm scent.

‘’Hummm. If only my potions were so easy to make. But I feel pretty confident about that one. Now it is time for the finishing touch.’’

She took the flask of mixing liquid with her as she went toward her fridge. On a side note, this fridge is from Fresh Fridge. She got it at a bargaining price because she was working there. The perks of being an employee of that company. She opened the door and let the cold air caressing her face. She grabbed with her magic a refrigerated test tube. With a pipette, she took some yellow liquid inside and put back the test tube in the fridge. Potion Nova walked then toward an open space of her house, the flask levitated before her with the pipette above it.

‘’This is it. My ninth attempt on my potion that should make your body bouncy. Oooh how fun it would be. But let's be serious. One drop, one single should be all I need for a success.’’

And with careful precision, she gave just an inch more of pressure on the grasp of her levitating aura. Exactly, precisely one drop fell.

At the outside, there was a tree in front the window of Nova house. A little blue bird was singing peacefully on its branch. That is until the noise of the explosion came, soon to be followed by the inside side of the window being all covered by a gooey sticky purple substance. It scared him away, ruining that idyllic scenery.

Saying it was a big mess wouldn't give it justice to it. Thick purple smoke was licking the roof. It was like it was a cloudy sky. And nearly every inch was now covered in that sticky gooey goo. Including Potion Nova whose face now was covered in a mask of slime. She was still holding in her aura the flask... ... well there was no more flask. All that was left was only a few sticky glass fragments.

‘’Annnnd it fails. Now that sure was a bust. Of colossal proportion.’’

Potion Nova opened up her eyes, her cyan iris contrasting with the purple gooey.

‘’That was not really what I had in mind. The only thing it did was making success 'bounce' off from me. How did I get such a spectacular failure? That might even be a record. All my calculations seemed correct though. Where did I go wrong? *sigh* Way to go. Sometimes I really can be such a ...’’

She slapped both sides of her face to pep herself back-up.

‘’No no no Nova. None of that. Thinking negatively is not your type. Besides, every failure is a step forward to success. I will crack it up eventually or my name is not//

‘’NOVAAAA.’’

Coming from the roof, she could hear the sound of what was probably a broom being knocked on the floor, surely by the ponies from above.

‘’What was that ruckus Nova? We nearly had a heart attack. What did you invent again?’’

‘’GYAAH! So, so, sorry neighbors. I did not mean to. It was an accident, I swear. I will be more careful.’’

‘’You always say that. And I hope you did not make a mess this time or you will be in so much trouble.’’

Scared, she quickly grabbed a mop and bucket of water and frantically stared cleaning.

‘’No no no. No mess at all. It's all pristine, all impeccable. There is no reason to be upset or come downstairs. Oh please, forget I had just said that.’’

Author's Note

As I had said, I wanted to bring more dimension to her. So that's why I had the idea to make the whole Pony Life show the product of the imagination of Nova. Of course, you have to take into account, what kind of ponies would imagine those fluffy and wacky adventures in the first place?

This single idea give a bunch of more ideas. Like contrary to her daydream, the true Nova is more naive, clumsy, but still well-meaning. Also, her admiration of Mane 6 is something that came naturally because, why would she imagine adventures where they are the main heroines instead of her? Sometime, a story can really write itself. There is more to come. I hope you will like my version of Potion Nova. Personally, I am already attached to it.

Chapter 3

Potion Nova happily walked the streets of Ponyville. She had no work today so she decided it would be a good idea to explore more trougly the town she had recently moved to. So, she had no real destination in mind. She was just wandering aimlessly.

As she was breathing that fresh air, she was distracted by the sound of angry voices.

Turning her gaze towards a fence made of bricks, she went towards its direction. She knew that behind it was the playground of a nursing home. It was a recent addition to Ponyville because of the growing population. She flattened her ear to the wall and indeed, the angry voices were coming from behind it and what's more, they were children's voices.

From the other side, two foals were arguing between each other while the others encircled them, just watching.

‘’My ball had reached the goal. That's mean the two points belong to me.’’

‘’The ball just touched the line. Not cross it. That means it did not scored.’’

‘’You just had make up that rule.’’

‘’There was no need to spell it out, that how it had always had been.’’

‘’No is it not.’’

‘’Yes it is.’’

‘’No is it not.’’

‘’Yes it is.’’

That fight was escalating, so much that now they were arguing about the score, accusing each other to not have counted it properly.

‘’Come on now. This is not a way to treat friends. It's way more fun to get along.’’

Surprised, all the foals looked at the direction of that newcomer voice. Potion Nova had jumped and was leaning on the top of the brick fence and was smiling at them.

An adult they did not know was looking at them from above.

Say adult jumped from the rampart to meet them.

‘’I know it might seem like the little things that put you in disagreement might seem huge but if you put in retrospect, you might discover that it didn't matter that much. Not worth making your friendship fall apart. So come out, make up, it will be worth it. Trust me.’’

‘’... ... Hum, but our friendship is not falling apart.’’

‘’Huuuh!’’

Nova was surprised. The other colt intervened.

‘’He's right, we are just doing our usual spat about our favorite game. We are always doing that.’’

Another foal, from the encircling entourage decided to speak up too.

‘’Yeah we can confirm, it's a daily occurrence. It has come that seeing them arguing is more fun than the game itself. ... ... Who are you by the way?’’

‘’Me!’’

Nova took a dramatic pose, giving an air of flair and mysticism.

‘’I am Potion Nova. I am a student of the lost art of bringing the forces of the universe into liquid form. I am an entertainer whose sole purpose is to bring the spark of wonder into the eyes of children like you.’’

‘’... ... ... What?’’

‘’I make potions. They very fun.’’

''Aaaah'' They all exclaimed. As for Nova, an idea came to her. She looked at both sideways to make sure no indiscret eyes were looking at them and she opened her saddleback. Inside, there was a section of stuffed compartments protecting the different flasks of potions that were in them. She took one and waved it in a playful manner before the kids.

‘’Say. Do you want to see something cool? Something you had never seen before?’’

The foals looked at each other perplexed, not sure what to make of her. Then one of the foals answers:

‘’Hum... we suppose, yes.’’

‘’Splendid. You will see, this will be the most amazing thing your eyes will ever gazed upon. You will have so much fun that you will understand there is no point in dwelling on resentment.’’

‘’But I say it again, our friendship is not falling apart.’’

‘’Here it come.’’

Potion Nova put the flask on her lips and drank the whole thing. At first, nothing seems to happen. But Nova was snickering under her breath.

‘’Wait for iiit.’’

Something unbelievable happened. Potion Nova's neck was seemingly... to stretch. No. That was exactly what was happening. Her neck was gaining more heights, lifting her head in the sky. The foals, at first, thought she had become a giraffe but it was weirder than that. It was like her white neck had become a noodle. It was even undulating like one. By twisting her now snake-like appendage, she lowered her head to the level of the foals.

‘’So what do you think? Pretty neat, heh? Heh?’’

The foal's eyes were as wide as saucers. They could believe what they were seeing. It was just that unbelievable.

Then they all screamed in terror.

All the little kids were running in all directions in fright of that long-necked unicorn that was dumbfounded at why they were acting that way.

‘’Huh! But why are you screaming? It's supposed to be fun! Nopony find it fun?’’

‘’A monster! It's a monster!’’

‘’What! No I'm not a monster, it is just the magic of my potion. Don't panic please. I, I will change back to normal in a jiffy, I swear.’’

But the foals were seemely deaf to her voice and were continuing to run like headless chickens. Nova levitated another flask from her saddleback. This one contained yellow liquid. The antidote. She tried to put it into her mouth but she was always missing her shot because she was not used to her now unnatural elevated head.

‘’There, it is over, oh shoot, I missed! There, huh, what! Come here! No here huh! Here. Here! Oh shot come on! Oh damn spatial awareness.’’

As for the kids, they went towards the gate and smashed it open to run away outside. Potion Nova had at last managed to drink the antidote and her body changed back to normal. Not aware that they were all gone.

‘’There. Good as old. See, there's no reason to be scared... ... huh! But where are they?!’’

Even on the street, the foals ran like no tomorrow, making the passersby very perplexed.

‘’A monster! A scary monster! Run for your lives.’’

Potion Nova also went into the street. She stretched her hoof in a desperate plea towards the foals running away from her.

‘’No, please come back. Potion Nova is not scary.’’

She had said. She galloped after them but they were already far too ahead.

‘’Hurry, I need my 'quick on your feet' potion.’’

She took another flask and drank it.

‘’There. Now I must... wait... a minute. I had just drank the ‘long neck’ potion a few moments ago! What I have done!’’

Potion Nova could feel that something was happening to her four hooves. they were shaking and distorting in an unnatural way.

‘’Oh no. No no no no nooo. This not good.’’

‘’Not good, unfortunately.’’

Had say Twilight as she shut the book before her. Today, the alicorn was at the local bookstore of Ponyville. She is always on the lookout for more books to add into her collection so she wanted to see what were the most recent volumes. Once again, she was wearing no regalia. She considers her week at Ponyville the week when she can be casual.

The young mare at the counter spoke to the princess.

‘’Oh! So this book was not to your liking?’’

That mare in question was an earth pony with a mane of a crimson color arranged as a braid dangling from the side of her head. Despite tending a bookstore, she had a sunflower as a cutie mark. Twilight put the book back to its place on the shelf and trotted towards her.

‘’Oh hello Floral. What are you doing here? Is it not your brother who usually takes care of this place.’’

‘’Yes but my big brother is in a... inconvenience so I am taking his place at the moment. But don't worry. He never stops chattering all the time about his love of literature, with me forced to learn all that. So, I feel I am more than qualify to advice on what is true quality reading.’’

‘’Oho, here one who feels confident.’’

‘’How can I help you princess? You did not like that one. Why?’’

‘’It's not as if I did not like it, no. I don't know, I feel the story was... too light.’’

‘’Light?’’

‘’Or that it lack deep and does not really make you think that much.’’

‘’You mean it's superficial?’’

‘’No no, I don't mean that. Just that it's simple and feels good. Well, I am not saying it is a bad thing, far from it. Sometimes you need to decompress your brain by reading something lightheart. Take from me, life can be very stressful.’’

From beyond the display glass, a young filly galloped on the road while screaming like no tomorrow until she was out of sight from the two mares in the bookstore.

‘’Yes, that pony seems to agree with me. Anyway, as I was saying, it is nice but life is more complex than a feel good narrative. Under its surface there are... complex things that gnaw at us. Subtle pain and sorrow that affect you more than you think. Existential dread that affects you more than you think. Those are just a few examples and very often, they are well hidden under layers. It is important to always be alerted and to know how to treat them seriously.’’

Once again, the two mares were distracted by the sound of screaming. They turned their heads towards the display window. Now, it was not just one pony but many that were running in all directions as if they were fearing for their life.

‘’Oh my. A Ponyville mass panic. How long has it been since I last saw one? Now where was I? Ah yes. Back on the topic, that is the reason why I think it is important to explore those themes. So that we can better understand them and be better prepared for when they will be dropped on us. And I think that stories are the best medium for that because we can use the power of our imagination to create scenarios that can help us to explore those themes more easily. And now, I feel I changed that conversation into a literature debate. Sorry. I have the bad habit to chat endlessly when book are involve.’’

‘’That's alright, I am used to it. In fact, I think I have the perfect one for you.’’

She kneeled down to rummage in her counter and came back with a book in her hooves.

‘’You should love that one. It's new. It is about an epic adventure that is both exalting and visceral, full of tension and philosophical moments of reflection.’’

Twilight levitated that book before her face.

‘’Hum, let me see. Spellbinding and sublime tales of Hurt. Written by... hey, wait a minute! It is your brother that wrote this! Floral, are you trying to use that discussion as a shameless attempt to self-promote!’’

‘’Guilty as charged. Don't look at me like that, pony literature is a cutthroat market.’’

Once again, their conversations were interrupted by the screams of panicking ponies. This mass panic outside had intensified. They looked as afraid as if the apocalypse had come.

‘’Hummm, you know what, this does sound serious. Maybe it will be best if I take a look. Sorry Flo, my shopping should have to wait. Ciao.’’

Twilight disappeared in a flash of teleportation, leaving the bookseller alone.

‘’Goodbye Princess. See you soon. Alright. Since I am alone, I guess it's a better time as ever for me to end The Cameo.’’

Floral took a book and read the few last pages that were left to finish. The title of the book was ''The Cameo'' by the way.

Back outside, it was true pandemonium. The ground was shaking by the stampede of afraid ponies with dust following their tracks. Twilight reappeared right in the middle of that stampede.

‘’Never fear ponies. I, Twilight, your princess of Friendship is here to protect you all.’’

But everypony was too focused on running away from what was scaring them to even take notice of her presence. They just went past her.

‘’Alright, orrr you could just all go being me. That's good too. ... What is going on?’’

With her horn, she levitated the whole body of a random stallion and brought him before her.

‘’Could you please tell me what is the cause of this madness?’’

‘’A monster. There is a monster in Ponyville. It is a nightmarish vision.’’

‘’A monster you say!’’

She let go of the stallion who went away without a word. Twilight fearlessly moved forward, her wings widely spread in defiance.

‘’No matter who they are, I won't let them scare my ponies. I will deal with it and give them a piece of... of... ... what in Celestia name I am looking at?!’’

The one who had said it was a nightmarish vision was not far from the truth. Before the princess was a pony with long legs. Very, unnatural, long legs. Making that pony higher than a house. Their length and the way these four legs were bending was making them look more like spider legs than pony ones. And to make this picture more unsettling, the mare on top of those legs had normal proportions compared to her lower limbs.

That mare, by the way, was Potion Nova.

And she was trying her best to properly walk with those new legs, legs not fit at all for walking, while begging the ponies galloping under her to not run away from her.

‘’No please, don't be scared, I will not hurt you. The effect will soon wear off, I swear.’’

As for Twilight. She was bewildered. She was just standing there because her brain had stopped working. Her first thought was that her glasses were dirty and were making her see things. So she tried to grab the pair on her muzzle and then remembered that she never had any glasses in the first place and had to accept that what she was seeing was real.

After shaking her head for a bit, she decided to take action and teleported. She reappeared above that poor potion maker that was on the verge of crying.

‘’Why am I always messing up? I was sure that nightmare would never happen again but//

‘’Potion Nova?’’

‘’Huh! Princess Twilight! It's you!’’

‘’Okay, how in Celestia name did you end up like this? Is it a prank from Discord?’’

‘’I was in the middle of galloping after children that were running away from me//

‘’Hum, should I really want to know the rest?’’

‘’No, it's not like that. Anyway, I decided to drink a potion that would make me faster but I messed up and I forgot than I just recently drank my long neck potion, messing the effect and I end up like this and I don't know what to do.’’

‘’Alright alright, first Nova, do not panic. Calm down. I don't really get it but I think I should be able to fix this.’’

‘’Really!’’

‘’Yes, I think I should be able to cast a spell or two that should dissipate the magic altering your body and turn you back normal.’’

‘’Oh thanks you, thanks you. You're a lifesaver.’’

‘’Now do you feel more reassured?

‘’Yes. Yes I think I am.’’

‘’Good to hear. Now I will teleport the two of us in a quiet spot so I can better work on those spells. How do you even manage to stay upward? Those legs should anatomical not make it possible.’’

‘’Oh about that. They are not. I had suffered a martyr until now.’’

Twilight had done what she had said. She teleported both herself and Potion Nova into a deserted back alley. Then, she first probed on a magical level the body of the unicorn and once she found out the problem, casted a spell dissipating the disastrous effect of the potion. Her long legs were shrinking until they came back to their normal lengths. Once the work was done, Twilight disappeared for a moment, leaving Potion Nova the time to breath out and relax a bit until the Princess came back.

‘’Everything is fixed now. I had talked to the citizens of Ponyville. To make short, I told them that there is nothing to fear and that all is back to normal.’’

‘’Was it enough to calm them.’’

‘’Oh yes, their ''the apocalypse has come'' panic went away in an instant and they went back to their daily routine. You'll be surprised how Ponyvillians are used to seeing strange sights.’’

‘’Thanks Celestia. I was so afraid I had traumatized them for life.’’

‘’You should not worry about that. They don't look like it but they are made of tough skin.’’

‘’I don't know how can I repay you.’’

‘’Well, as a good start, why don't you properly tell me how this had happened.’’

It was then Potion Nova told her the whole story. How she met these foals, how she just wanted to make their day more fun and how she just ended up scaring them.

Once she finished her story, Twilight softly spread one of her wings behind Nova and...

Used it to sternly smack the back of the unicorn head.

‘’Ouch.’’

‘’What, were, you, thinking? Seriously Nova, how could you not imagine that just barging in a kindergarten court would not make them suspicious of you. Ponies might think you are a stranger danger.’’

‘’I'm... sorry.’’

‘’Also, for real! A long neck potion! Sorry to tell you that but you cannot blame them for finding that horrifying. I know I would had do.’’

‘’I just wanted them to laugh. To show something fun. I sounded way better in my head.’’

‘’Sheesh Nova. Did you have ever been told that you not very good when it come to common sense.’’

‘’Actually yes, I have been told that often.’’

‘’Urr. This is a big mess you made. Scarring adults is one thing but those were kids. What if they make nightmares?’’

At this mention, Potion Nova body jerked and her eyes shrunk as memories of the past came flooding her.

‘’I will apologize to them. I'm going to tell them I am so, so sorry and promise to never bother them again. Ever.’’

‘’It's good you want to apologize and take responsibility. Still, there is a lot to do.’’

During all that discussion, Twilight had kept a stern face. But she made a sigh and let go of her sternness.

‘’Tell you what. Once that whole debacle will settle down, I will accompany you to that kindergarten. This should make things easier if I am here to explain to the staff beforehoof. I will even be with you to support you when you apologize to those kids. But you will have to do it all on your own and be sincere about it.’’

Potion Nova was feeling grateful. Even if she felt she did not deserve it. A tear was forming in her which she quickly wiped out.

‘’Thank you. Really... thank you Twilight. I feel so ashamed. I only cause trouble and yet you only offer kindness. Even when I am ruining your vacation.’’

‘’Bah, forget that. I can't just abandon a friend in need.’’

‘’Huh???’’

‘’I told you Nova. I consider you my friend.’’

‘’You were sincere!’’

‘’I was. And now, more than ever. You have a bad time, so I will doing my best to help you.’’

‘’I don't//

‘’Nay, don't say you don't deserve it, friendship never works that way. Now come on, cheer up a little.’’

‘’Yes... yes. I will. Thank you Twilight. You are a better friend that I had ever imagined.’’

‘’Ah, that smile is coming back.’’

‘’Yeah I am better now and... I am going to properly fix my mistakes.’’

‘’That's wonderful news. Now, on a other hoof.’’

Twilight suddenly made a face turn and her purple iris were now shining with the sparkle of wild curiosity.

‘’Did you really make a long-neck potion? Is it even possible? I have been dying to ask about it since you told me.’’

And at the realization that her idol was having genuine interest to know more about the potion she made, Potion Nova's smile grew more and more and she was beaming like a child.

Author's Note

Alright, let's be real. Even if the transformation caused by the potions look fun in Pony Life, if it were happening in real life, or even in the main show... that's excalty the kind of reaction it would cause. The major flaw with this Potion Nova is that she is thinking with the overly simplify optimist of that side-show in a world full of ponies that are far more grounded than her. And that often come to bite her. Learning about dealing with this flaw of her would be a major theme of that story.

PS: Yes I indeed put an obvious self-promotion part. That's right, I have no shame.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

In the town of Ponyville, on its green park, was a sight many ponies were finding quite peculiar. Sitting on a bench, an unicorn with a shining magenta mane was, with great enthusiasm, speaking with an alicorn with a flowing and even more shining mane. The unicorn was floating flasks of colorful liquid with her magic while the alicorn excitedly took notes.

‘’So that’s the potion that gives you a long neck, you say. Fascinating. I never thought such a drastic metamorphose could be possible. I wouldn’t have believe it if I had not saw with my own eye that… hum…’’

‘’Monster effect, huh.’’

‘’Yeah… that. But how does it work? How did you created that potion?’’

Nova could see the curiosity was killing Twilling. Good thing nothing bring more joy for the unicor than to speak about her favorite subject.

‘’Well, at first, my initial goal was to make a potion that makes you bouncy. It was supposed to work by giving your body the property of rubber. But making it is quite a challenge. I’m still working on it even now and all I have obtained so far were... sticky results. But from those attempts, I managed to make a simplified version that concentrates the rubber property spell on just my neck.’’

‘’Making a potion that only changes one specific part of the body! I had never heard of such a thing. It must have taken you considerable research! Say, hum... do you think that I…’’

‘’Yes?’’

Twilight looked at Nova, her eyes sparkling as bright as the stars.

‘’Can I give it a try? Pleaaase?’’

‘’But of course Twilight, this could not make me happier. And I promise, this potion is one-hundred percent safe. If you don’t feel comfortable, I have the antidote with me. For each potion, I always bring its corresponding antidote for safety reason.’’

This was all she needed and Twilight, quite vigorously, took the flask and brought it towards her lips.

‘’Alright, let’s dig in.’’

She drank the liquid. At first, she felt no change. But then the change came. Her neck was lengthening and undulating like a purple noodle at the shock of the passerbies but at the jubilation of the alicorn. ‘’Oh. Oh! Oooooh, this… this is amazing! It’s incredible! And yet it feels so natural!’’

Twilight was getting a lot of joy out of this. She long-necked alicorn wrote notes on her clipboard with furious passion.

‘’So mind-blowing! Despiste the transformation, I can still talk and breathe normally as if nothing had changed! It doesn’t feel strange. It even feels… natural! And also I admit, it’s quite fun.’’

‘’See, see! That’s why I made that, well, why I make all my potions. To be changed into something that is fun and brings the very joy you feel right now.’’

‘’A noble goal. You have succeeded with me at least. Your potion is capable of things I thought impossible. What you have done is nothing short of genius.’’

‘’What! Oh no no no, I am not great. I’m just a pony who loves to do her passion and to share it. Heheh.

She scratched the back of her head, acting embarrassed but it was clear she was very happy to hear that. Twilight noticed that ponies were looking at them weirdly, or rather, looking specifically at herself. So she put the antidote at her lips and her neck went back to normal in a ‘pop’.

‘‘Well, that was an experience. You must have been a remarkable student during your school years I bet.’’

At the mention of school, Nova disposition stiffened, her eyes dilated. She laughed to conceal it but it was obvious her laugh was one born out of nervousness. ‘’Hahahaha. Yeah. School. They often say I was… special.’’

‘’But from what I gathered, something went wrong when you tried that potion. So tell me.’’ Twilight asked with the gentle firmness of a mentor. ‘’What had cause this... freakish transformation?’’

Nova was glad Twilight did abbadon the school subject but still, that blunder was still weighing on her. ‘’Right. That. It was a dump mistake and I’m really ashamed to have done it . In my hurry I carelessly broke the rule number one of a potion maker.’’

‘’Which is?’’

‘’Tell me Twilight, have you ever wondered what would happen if you drink a second potion just after the first one?’’

‘’Can’t say I have but now that you mention it, it makes me ponder.’’

‘’I’m sure you already know that but potions are basically magic spells trapped in liquid. Spells that activate once they come into contact with a living organism.’’

‘’Yes indeed. Technically, you don’t even need to drink the potion. Just spreading it on your skin would be enough to activate the spell. It’s just that ingestion is the best way to properly spread the spell in all the body.’’

‘’You’re correct. However, even after being spreaded, there is still a trace of the spell in the liquid. Liquid that is currently being digested in your stomach.’’

Twilight gasped as something clicked in her head.

‘‘Oh my stars! I am starting to grasp what you imply. How did I not guess before that it could happen? It seems so obvious in retrospect.’’

‘’Yes. By drinking a second potion, the magical liquid had a high risk of entering in contact with the residual remnants in my stomach. Even after drinking an antidote. That's what had happened to me. The effects of the two brews must have mixed-up. It is for this reason that potion makers have a strict rule to wait, ‘minimum’, one half-hour before ingesting another potion.’’

‘’Like in swimming!’’

‘’Yes. Like in swimming. That's why I feel so ashamed that in my hurry, I forgot something so basic. In retrospect, I was lucky that I just became... what I became.’’

All the merry mood went away from Twilight face as she remembered Nova disfigured anatomy at the time.

And how it could have been much, much worse.

‘’Yeah Nova. You were. The mixed-up effects could have been dangerous for your health. Or even deadly. Your potions are ground-breaking. But if it puts ponies in danger, it doesn’t matter how ground-breaking it’s. I want you to promise me that you will be careful, more than ever, with your potions. Can you promise me that?’’

‘’Yes Twilight. I will. I promise.’’

‘’I’m glad to hear that.’’

Twilight, who was now reassured. She levitated the flask of the long-neck potion before her. It was still sparkling. But Twilight eyes were sparkling even more.

‘’Say. Would you allow me to take that potion with me? I would really like to study it more thoroughly.’’

‘’But yes, yes, you can take it, you can even take all my potions if you want. It will be my pleasure. I could easily do more anyway. Once I would get a better financial footing that is.’’

‘’Wait. Potion Nova, have you monetary problems?’’

Nova panicked. Seeing Twilight, the pony she admired the most, being apologetic, was heartbreaking for her. She hastily shaken her upper-hooves in negation.

‘’Wo wo wo, no need to make that face. I am not in the red. It’s just that I spend nearly all I had when I moved out of Manehetan. My job at Fresh Fridge allow me to live decently but I must admit, my funds for my potions making is starting to run dangerously low. I am still pondering on a way to make more bits. Ideally, I had always wanted to open a potion shop. The truth is, that's been my dream since I was little. But as you had said, there is not a big market for that. If I open one, it would be doom to fail, alas.’’

Potion Nova jumped from her benches and stretched her limbs, doing her best to sound casual.

‘’But don’t worry Twilight. I have experience in having bits problems and each time, I managed to get back on my hooves. I will eventually find an idea. I always do.’’

‘‘Still, I wonder if there.s something I can do to help.’’

‘’You don’t have to do that, you know. I appreciate but this is my problem. My life. Besides, using your influence as a princess would be unfair and favoritism. Knowing how you are a sticker for rules, I have a feeling it would leave a bad taste in your mouth.’’

‘’Haha, right. Guess I should not be surprised that my best fan would know me so much. But…’’

Twilight also got up from the bench with a hint of a smirk on her smile

‘’Although it is right that I cannot help you as a princess, nothing stops me to do it as simply Twilight.’’

‘’I... don’t get it.’’

‘’There is a certain friend of mine that’s currently having a problem. And you’re in luck, this is a problem that requires you talent. It would be easy for me to introduce you to her.’’

‘’My talent? You mean... as a potion maker?’’

‘’Well, as far as I can tell, you’re the only one in town. Asking for the service of one that lives so close would be ideal for my friend.’’

‘’And... what I am suppose to do?’’

‘’To make a specific kind of potion. I know that, as a potion maker, it should be a given that you know how to do it but I still need to ask the question just to be sure. Do you know how to make food preserving potion?’’

‘’Food preserving potion, huh. That’s a strange request the Princess asks of you.’’

‘’I know, right. When I heard it, I too was confused. I mean, those concoctions are available everywhere nowadays.’’

Said Potion Nova as she was tinkering with her elaborate chemistry set. Spring Song was sitting on a chair holding in her hooves a sandwich with what seemed to be purple jelly in it. But for the moment, she was more interested in the conversation than eating it.

‘’But then if it’s so available as you say, why were you needed?’’

‘’Well, first, do you know what food preserving potion are?’’

‘’Of course. Even I know about them, that says something. They’re potions that are mixed with meals that allow them to stay fresh for a long time.’’

‘’That’s right. You know, potions have unfortunately so little use in our society.’’

‘’And after seeing what you make, I really wonder why?’’ She says sarcastically.

‘’I will make it as if you had said nothing. Anyway, back to the subject at hoof. There are, although, a few exceptions. Some rare fews potions have managed to achieve widespread popularity. Instantaneous mane coloring, revitalizing tonic, anti-fertihummm… I told you about that one when you grow up. And of course, the one that tops it all, the food preserving potion. Century ago, some guy concocted it and it became a smash hit. You can just add it on any recipes, especially baked goods, and presto, fresh for weeks. You can even spread it on vegetables and fruits and they will be conserved for long. As time went on, the recipe for that potion became simpler and cheaper to the point that you could easily mass produce it and that’s why everypony uses it. Even today, the descendant family of that inventor is still making millions of bits. By the way…’’

She lightened her horn and grabbed with her aura her scrapbook which she levitated and opened it in front of the face of Spring Song.

‘’This is a little off track but years ago, the super villains Tirek and Cozy Glow concocted a plan to drain the magic of Equestria.’’ The open pages of her scrapbook were showing photos, articles and as well drawings she herself made years ago with colored pencils, describing that very event. ‘’Everything magical was affected including the effects of food preserving potions. Even after the magic was restored, the whole kingdom has been plagued by rotten food for a few days.’’

‘’Thanks for the history lesson. Even though I never ask for it.

‘’But the amazing Mane 6 quickly resolved the crisis and brought the magic back before it had time to cause serious repercussions in our diet and economy.’’

‘’Yeah I get it. They’re super cool and you love them to death.’’

‘’You say it.’’

Spring Song rolled her eyes that Potion Nova was blind to her sarcasm and decided to take the subject back on track.

‘’So, did you in the end apologize to all those kindergarteners like you had promised to the Princess? My friends younger siblings were among them and they told me about your transformation.’’

Nova jerked and stayed immobile. Even though she had her back turned to her, Green Leaf could tell the unicorn was clenching her teeth. ‘’Yeah. I... did. It was among one of the most awful experience I had lived.’’

‘’Among one of them she’d said? Weird way to phrase it!’’ Pondered Spring Song.

‘’Twilight was really nice to stay by my side during the whole deal. It helped me a lot. Still... it was awful. The kids were still scared of me and didn’t want to approach me. And during my speech, I felt so bad that I flattened my face on the ground as I was apologizing. But with the Princess help, the whole situation was diffused. I'm pretty sure the kids won’t have nightmares so all in all, I guess it went pretty well.’’

‘’You weren’t sanctioned?’’

‘’Okay, sure, I no longer have the right to come close to the kindergarten from less than ten meters but it’s still not that... bad. Right?’’

‘’I’m not sure about that. My parents no longer want me to talk with you. They say you’re a bad influence.’’

‘’Ohhh, but you still hang out with me because you like me.’’ She says in a sing-song voice prancing on her hooves.

‘’Hum no, I’m here because you bridded me with free lunch, remember. Well, more like begging me with free lunch.’’

‘’Heheh, kids love to use strong words.. Beg you. I wouldn’t go that far.’’

‘’So, about those preserving potions. You know how to make them?’’

‘’Oh sure. It’s super easy. Because of their importance in society, it had become mandatory in every potion class to learn how to concoct it.’’

‘’Aaaah, that’s why the Princess has said it was a given.’’

‘’Indeed. But it’s also why practically all potion makers decide to work the rest of their life into making the same old, and boring, potions that are sure to sell instead to continue to innovate on that science and create new kinds of brews. They do only ‘one’ mixture day after day after… day.’’ The white unicorn actually shivers at that thought. ‘’No, not for me.’’

‘’Look where it lead you.’’ Spring Song took a bite of her sandwich but was disappointed by the taste. Nova, her, was curious about it since it was her that made it.

‘’So, how do you like it? Is it tasty? And you know, if you’re thirsty…’’

Potion Nova levitated a bottle of soda.

‘’You don’t want some soda with it? When I went at Sugarcube Corner, a certain pony gave me many as a gift. It’s Fizzy Fizzy Soda. I’d heard it’s the next big thing.’’

‘’No l’m fine. As for the sandwich. Well, the bread is good at least but what’s inside... with what kind of fruit your jelly is made?’’

‘’Oh that’s not jelly. That’s the leftover of one of my failed potions. The one that caused that big explosion yesterday.’’

The little filly face had lost a lot of color and she threw the sandwich on the floor. ‘’Are, are you trying to poison me!’’

‘’What! No, I swear, it’s safe to eat. Potion makers have a strict rule to not use a single toxic ingredient in our brew. Potions are made for consumption after all. I ate it and I’m in good health.’’

‘’You, you eat that thing! But it taste like rubber!’’

The potion maker lightly scratched her forehead, the gesture of a pony faced with a fact they knew they couldn’t just deny.‘’Yes, that’s the inconvenience. It tastes bad. Also, though none-toxic there’s probably zero nutritive value in it, making eating it, yeah I just see your point now’’

She looked at her with that judgemental gaze that only kids know how to master it and think made Potion Nova wince.

‘’Well, hum, I’d a big pile of goo there and I had to find how to get rid of it and my food budget was starting to get low sooo I put one plus one. Look, I’m not weird, I’m just poor. Well, I soon no longer will be.’’

‘’!!!... Wait, a, minute. In your story you had told the Princess that it was your potion budget that was getting low and that you were fine on food. But is it the opposite instead? You’d told the Princess a big fat lie!’’

For just a brief moment, the unicorn froze. But she got back her composure and smiled at Spring Song.

‘’Yes, I admit, I did lie to her. But that was because I did not want to worry her. I still eat three meals a day. They are small, sure but I am not in danger of starvation. It’s just that I want to mainly focus on my passion and I was scared Twilight would get the wrong idea. Besides, as I had said, this problem would soon be solved. So why worry?’’

‘’Okayyy, but… still. You spent plenty into making your potions instead of, oh I don’t know, the bare necessities?’’

‘’I know it’s hard to understand and I don't blame you. But for me, potions are my life, my purpose, my very soul. This is the true necessity. Eating, drinking and sleeping are just distractions compared to that.’’

Spring Song, that filly, looked at Potion Nova as if it was her the true kid. ‘’Oh yeah. Sure. It make sense.’’ She put the barely nibbled sandwich away. ‘’Well, since the main reason why I came here is gone, I guess I will just go back home.’’

‘’Oh!’’ Say Nova looking at her that she wants to leave so soon. ‘’You’re sure you don’t want to hang out more? I could very well take a break off my work and we could play games if you want.’’

‘’Thanks but no thanks. I have homework to do.’’

‘’Ah. Of, of course, who I’m to stand against your studies. Nah, it’s alright, you’re busy, you must do your things. And you did spend a little time with me. I appreciated it.’’

‘’Al... right. Then I... I go.’’

‘’Allow me.’’ Potion Nova had said while turning the doorknob with her magic. Spring Song went outside while Nova waved her goodbye.

‘’Bye little Springy.’’

‘’Bye weird lady... ... you know... I really hope it will work out for you. You’re not so bad. When things don’t explode. And don’t worry, I won’t tell anypony about your secret.’’

‘’It’s very nice of… no. No, you don’t have to, I don’t want to put that responsibility on you. That would be not fair of me.’’

‘’Ah. Still… I will still keep it. Goodbye.’’

And with that, she closed the door, leaving Nova alone. She went back to her work with a singsong voice.

‘’One day she will warm-up to me. And then we will be great friends. How wonderful it will be. But for now, let’s focus on the task at hoof. This last batch is boiling nicely. As for my personal side project, my new potion should be ready in three, two, one.’’

Right on cue, a suspended flask, containing boiling brown and sparkling liquid, whistles a tick stream of steam. A hint that the concoction was ready.

‘’Damn I’m good. Is there a potion maker more prepared than little old me? No pony of course. Alright my little baby. Time for you to go into your new home.’’

She levitated to her side, her rack of empty bottles. Without needing looking, she held her hoof to grab one.

And then realized that the only thing she was grasping was empty air.

‘’Huh?!’’

Normally, she always had a bunch of bottles ready for putting her potions in. But not this time. To her horror, the rack was empty. She looked again and again but there was still nothing. She even turned it upside-down and shook it as if it would change something.

‘’Oh shoot shoot SHOOT! What an idiot, I used all my spare bottles on my food preserving potions. I’ve nothing left!’’

The whistling was becoming angrier and the liquid was boiling so much that the flask was alarmingly shaking. Nova quickly extinguished the flame below but changed nothing.

‘’Shoot, shoot! It won’t cool fast enough! I promised no more explosions. I must put it in something. Anything.’’

In a panic, she looked in every direction then her eyes fell on that bottle of fizzy fizzy soda. ‘’This will have to do.’’ She had said while grabbing with her magic, opened it and gulped the whole thing in one go. Once it was done, she made a big burp.

The shaking flask was beginning to crack. Fast as lightning, she put the soda bottle under the glass faucet and turned the handle. The brown liquid flowed inside the fizzy bottle and once all was inside, Nova put back the cap on it, sealing the bottle.

‘’Phew. Crisis averted. A few more seconds and it would have splashed and ruined my whole chemistry set. And get me a yelling from my tenants. Again. Oh well, more fear than harm. This potion would be a success, I can feel it.’’

Potion Nova proudly looks at the bottle full of brown liquid that was sparkling under the rays of the sun.

‘’Now I just need to let it cool off for a few hours and the magic would be fully integrated in the potion. My potion which is not yet finished and not yet tested. Inside a fizzy fizzy bottle. While looking nearly identical as real soda. ... ... ... Hum, should I worry? ... Nah. I’m being paranoid. If I’m careful, I don’t see how it could bite me in the future. Right? … Right?’’

Author's Note

I'd alywas wonder how those potions were working, even on a magical context. As tried to make them more grounded and realistic, more and more implications came into my head and I knew I had to put them on paper.